As the days passed since my friend left...I had a lot of time to think about my situation. There had been so much activity prior, that my thoughts and prayers with quality of "quiet time" had been robbed. I knew that this was a vital time for me..one for renewing my strength of faith.
I bought a little gate to put in front of the children's room so that they wouldn't run around the house while I was reading my Bible. They didn't mind since they could still peek out and see Mommy in the kitchen. Our children were well behaved and understood the importance of Mommy and Daddy being able to read their Bibles.
The two eldest were now on a regular schedule with school, thanks to Claudine. And, thankfully one of the classes for First Grade was right across the street. One daughter was able to walk to school and the other caught a bus across the street to attend class in another village a few minutes aways. God had provided our home in the perfect location! Several children in the village had already gotten to know my children and so with "friends" they attended their proper village class. The teacher's my children had were wonderful women and very understanding. My girls were still learning French and struggling with this on top of learning the normal education courses. But, in a short time they were so fluent that in town people knew exactly what village they lived in! What a help they were to me also. It amazed us how quickly children adapt. Before learning French, they still played with the village children, swinging, swimming, racing cars, riding bikes. No language barriers for them. Oh, how I wished I could have just soaked in the language like a sponge!
But, for now...my time in God's Word was more important than studying a new language. I felt the weakness of the flesh coming on strong. Questioning my own abilities to perform for my handicap son and my other children. I read the book of JOB over and over. I was reminded of the time many years prior in my youth as a babe in Christ; asking my Pastor...
"WHY?, did this happen to Job?"
He then did a Bible study on Why The Righteous Suffer. He pointed out the verses such as:
Job 1:1 There was a man...named Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Job 1:7-8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence cometh thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
If you read the rest of the chapter you find that God allows Satan time with Job..testing his faith with sore trials...however, his life is in God's hand.
Job 2:1 says AGAIN...and these verses are repeated...yet in verse 3 it is added...and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
Satan accuses God of building a hedge around Job and then accuses Job that if God were to touch Job's flesh he'd curse God....and so God gives Satan permission.
WHY? you'd ask...to prove the strength of his faith and belief in God. To prove Satan and his followers are without power. To magnify the GOD of Heaven and that no matter the trials we go through, GOD is our strength, he is our helper in time of need, he knoweth the end of the matter. We must remain faithful.
Job 12:9-10 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
As you read the book of Job you find that his faith though at times weak..he still sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
He even examined himself...Chpt. 31:24-28 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness: And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
Job knew his God. Chapter 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold... (the value)
I Peter Chpt. 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tired with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...
And though Job was a righteous man, he still knew as we do..we are sinners saved by the grace of God and that any righteousness we have is His bestowed upon us by the redemption found at Calvary. In chapter 41 Job confesses his knowledge of this...and in chapter 42 he also acknowledges God's greatness. Verse 5 became very special to me. (you might note here by now...that Stephen was born in my 5th pregnancy, and was my 5th child born...I have noted numerous verses with the number 5 as well)
Job 42:5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
As I read in my quiet time often these words and others found in the scriptures; I did find hope and strength.
The last chapter 42 also says in verse 12...So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job...
So much comfort found in the scriptures. A treasure chest of wealth! I found there strength, hope, courage, comfort, and love.
It is quite noteworthy that after the book of Job..and his trials...comes the Book of Psalms. Praises to our God! Psalm 136...each verse ends with...for his mercy endureth forever.
My quiet time...a precious time.
Showing posts with label WHY?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WHY?. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
...the visits begin...part 2
During our friend's stay with us; the Lord blessed us in so many ways with a "taste" of HOME: talking about our friends, hugs and just that good feeling of belonging.(I say blessed of the Lord, because in all the blessings we have been given during this trial they were all possible because of Him). We all enjoyed getting to know "little Charlie". Our son was named after a very dear friend of ours.
We also gave her a mini tour of Switzerland. What FUN! Yes, we actually had the pleasure of laughter once again. We ate Fondue and drove around some of the countryside and took many "talking" walks together. It was a peaceful time of reflection of the many ways we had been blessed. There was so much to share with her of God's great care for us.
Before she returned to the States, we took her to visit little Stephen in the ICU. She would have to view him from a large picture window, while we held him. I can still see her sweet face smiling in the window, but through tears. It was such an emotional time for all of us. I can imagine the thoughts and prayers on her own heart at that time. Knowing even the difficulty it would be for her to leave us.
Our visits to the hospital were limited by the distance, my husband's job and one vehicle. And after each visit we questioned?
How long the visits would continue? Would Stephen come home soon? What steps do we take to prepare ourselves?
I sent for information from the Down's Syndrome Foundation and when I received the package of booklets I was so overwhelmed. There was so much material to read, but in doing so, I was happy to find stories of Down's children that survived and did well in life. I wasn't a stranger to my son's condition having worked with Down's children at a special school during my High School years. I grew very attached then, to a boy named Joey.
Times like this cause us to realize how thankful we should be. Even in the situation of life I found myself to be in; I was so grateful to know the LORD. He had proven himself to me over and over...that his promises are sure. His promises of strength and comfort. I knew that no matter what befell me, I had the comfort of the scriptures...giving me Hope.
Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
..at this present time: I have had the pleasure of knowing a young lady with Down's at one of our local stores. She is a worker there and always bubbling over with joy and smiles. Down's children are known as the "sunshine kids". No wonder. She though an adult, is just this. She is very intelligent and quite the proud boaster of her accomplishments as well. I was so happy for her when she showed me her engagement ring and planned to marry soon!
We also gave her a mini tour of Switzerland. What FUN! Yes, we actually had the pleasure of laughter once again. We ate Fondue and drove around some of the countryside and took many "talking" walks together. It was a peaceful time of reflection of the many ways we had been blessed. There was so much to share with her of God's great care for us.
Before she returned to the States, we took her to visit little Stephen in the ICU. She would have to view him from a large picture window, while we held him. I can still see her sweet face smiling in the window, but through tears. It was such an emotional time for all of us. I can imagine the thoughts and prayers on her own heart at that time. Knowing even the difficulty it would be for her to leave us.
Our visits to the hospital were limited by the distance, my husband's job and one vehicle. And after each visit we questioned?
How long the visits would continue? Would Stephen come home soon? What steps do we take to prepare ourselves?
I sent for information from the Down's Syndrome Foundation and when I received the package of booklets I was so overwhelmed. There was so much material to read, but in doing so, I was happy to find stories of Down's children that survived and did well in life. I wasn't a stranger to my son's condition having worked with Down's children at a special school during my High School years. I grew very attached then, to a boy named Joey.
Times like this cause us to realize how thankful we should be. Even in the situation of life I found myself to be in; I was so grateful to know the LORD. He had proven himself to me over and over...that his promises are sure. His promises of strength and comfort. I knew that no matter what befell me, I had the comfort of the scriptures...giving me Hope.
Lamentations 3:24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
..at this present time: I have had the pleasure of knowing a young lady with Down's at one of our local stores. She is a worker there and always bubbling over with joy and smiles. Down's children are known as the "sunshine kids". No wonder. She though an adult, is just this. She is very intelligent and quite the proud boaster of her accomplishments as well. I was so happy for her when she showed me her engagement ring and planned to marry soon!
Monday, November 12, 2007
...peace, and at such a time....part 2
Upon meeting this dear lady, I was invited with my four children to her home nearby. As I entered into her home...(a farmhouse complete with milking house right in the same building) I was touched by the simplicity of their lifestyle. The kitchen was the center of her home with a large square table and a stove to the side used with wood to cook. She gently showed each of us where to sit at the table, as we sat in our language of "silence". She proceeded to prepare lunch. She first set small glasses in front of each of us and then poured a small amount of "syrop" into each glass. My children thinking this was American "koolade" proceeded to gulp it down...when Claudine gasped and yelled..."no, no" (we DID understand that!)...she then poured more and added water to show it needed to be mixed with water first! One of many "lessons" we would learn living in a foreign country!
While seated...a kindly gentleman with ruffled hair, peeked into the large picture window that was open and said "SALUT"...a greeting that would become so familiar and so heartwarming to us. This was her husband, he was coming in for his main meal of the day. As a farmer his days began at the crack-of-dawn and the main meal at midday was the most important of all, with a simpler meal in the evening of bread and cheese. A few moments later, an elderly woman walked in. I did not feel quite so comfortable with her. She looked us over and nodded with an unsure smile and then left. She had "heard" about the visiting American! I had just met Claudine's mother-in-law.
We would eventually meet MR. father-in-law as well...a quiet, dedicated farmer.
I am writing this account to introduce these people. Claudine's mother-in-law would eventually become a very dear lady to my heart. She would pop in to visit me from time to time and have a cup of tea. Chat?...in our own special way. Yes.
Claudine also had two children older than mine..but nonetheless, very kind and playful.
Claudine's husband, hardworking...he would take a moment here and there...to show the children his cows...to ride the tractor...and even give hugs. My eyes well with tears here as I think upon these dear dear people. Strangers GOD brought into our lives...to befriend us, to help us, to love us.
We would meet people of the village at different times in the course of our life in the village. The intro to the young dairy lady. The postman and his daughter who would play the piano for my children whenever I walked up the hill to the post. Their home just behind the building.
Whenever I would take walks with the children...people would be working in their gardens (beautiful gardens!) and stop midway..stand upright...and STARE!
I wondered what they thought? Why does she live here? Why does she have so many children? Of course they all knew each other in the village, so it didn't take long to find out!
Getting settled in was quick..with only trunks and a few suitcases! We had some money from our home that sold (albeit..not the normal way...one that gave us a bit of the equity on a yearly basis)..and with this we purchased a few needful items..BEDS!(see photo at top) The store, now in the U.S. was Ikea. Great furniture we could transport easily in our van and put together at home. It was perfect.
We were very fortunate for at that time (1982)..in most homes rented, you get the rooms with the walls. You supply the rest. Our duplex had built in cupboards in the kitchen! We did have to purchase a ceiling light for the living room. There are no closets...so most of our clothes were folded in a (neat) pile! (I am a neat person..so the PILE..well, it was neatly piled!). I did not know that there was a washer and dryer in the basement and for the first few weeks; I hand washed our clothes in a deep tub in the bathroom..and then hung the clothes on the radiators (not my style!) and my husband made me a clothesline across the tub.
You may ask..WHY? in the world are living like this? ...a mission(ary) vision.
After living like this for about a month, my husband called one day and said a gentleman he worked with was moving back to the U.S. and he left us the key to his place, and said we could have whatever we wanted in his apartment. I'm thinking...yard sale stuff...things most people don't want. When my husband arrived at the apt. he excitedly called to tell me...his apartment was full of furniture! kitchen things! lamps, rugs etc. Unbelievable! ..NO, GOD was providing. Within one month of our arrival, we had a house completely furnished..FREE. I was so touched by the little items that GOD sent our way. I love baskets..and what do I find..an array of different baskets. I would find a small item for the kitchen that was so needful. God had made our house now our HOME.
I then one day heard a knock at the door and there stood a sweet Christian young woman who spoke English, offering me some bags of clothing for the children. Winter clothes. Snowsuits in perfect condition...each the correct size for four children. Thank you, Claudine...thank you LORD. Provision again for a need I was not prepared for...SNOW. Claudine had told them about us at one of the farmer-wives meetings.
Just a small thing some would say...but for us...it was the LORD. He knew our needs before we did. He knew the encouragement it would bring to our hearts to be excepted as we were into this small Swiss village. But, most of all...the confirmation it gave us of being in his perfect will.
Philippians chpt. 1 verse 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ...
While seated...a kindly gentleman with ruffled hair, peeked into the large picture window that was open and said "SALUT"...a greeting that would become so familiar and so heartwarming to us. This was her husband, he was coming in for his main meal of the day. As a farmer his days began at the crack-of-dawn and the main meal at midday was the most important of all, with a simpler meal in the evening of bread and cheese. A few moments later, an elderly woman walked in. I did not feel quite so comfortable with her. She looked us over and nodded with an unsure smile and then left. She had "heard" about the visiting American! I had just met Claudine's mother-in-law.
We would eventually meet MR. father-in-law as well...a quiet, dedicated farmer.
I am writing this account to introduce these people. Claudine's mother-in-law would eventually become a very dear lady to my heart. She would pop in to visit me from time to time and have a cup of tea. Chat?...in our own special way. Yes.
Claudine also had two children older than mine..but nonetheless, very kind and playful.
Claudine's husband, hardworking...he would take a moment here and there...to show the children his cows...to ride the tractor...and even give hugs. My eyes well with tears here as I think upon these dear dear people. Strangers GOD brought into our lives...to befriend us, to help us, to love us.
We would meet people of the village at different times in the course of our life in the village. The intro to the young dairy lady. The postman and his daughter who would play the piano for my children whenever I walked up the hill to the post. Their home just behind the building.
Whenever I would take walks with the children...people would be working in their gardens (beautiful gardens!) and stop midway..stand upright...and STARE!
I wondered what they thought? Why does she live here? Why does she have so many children? Of course they all knew each other in the village, so it didn't take long to find out!
Getting settled in was quick..with only trunks and a few suitcases! We had some money from our home that sold (albeit..not the normal way...one that gave us a bit of the equity on a yearly basis)..and with this we purchased a few needful items..BEDS!(see photo at top) The store, now in the U.S. was Ikea. Great furniture we could transport easily in our van and put together at home. It was perfect.
We were very fortunate for at that time (1982)..in most homes rented, you get the rooms with the walls. You supply the rest. Our duplex had built in cupboards in the kitchen! We did have to purchase a ceiling light for the living room. There are no closets...so most of our clothes were folded in a (neat) pile! (I am a neat person..so the PILE..well, it was neatly piled!). I did not know that there was a washer and dryer in the basement and for the first few weeks; I hand washed our clothes in a deep tub in the bathroom..and then hung the clothes on the radiators (not my style!) and my husband made me a clothesline across the tub.
You may ask..WHY? in the world are living like this? ...a mission(ary) vision.
After living like this for about a month, my husband called one day and said a gentleman he worked with was moving back to the U.S. and he left us the key to his place, and said we could have whatever we wanted in his apartment. I'm thinking...yard sale stuff...things most people don't want. When my husband arrived at the apt. he excitedly called to tell me...his apartment was full of furniture! kitchen things! lamps, rugs etc. Unbelievable! ..NO, GOD was providing. Within one month of our arrival, we had a house completely furnished..FREE. I was so touched by the little items that GOD sent our way. I love baskets..and what do I find..an array of different baskets. I would find a small item for the kitchen that was so needful. God had made our house now our HOME.
I then one day heard a knock at the door and there stood a sweet Christian young woman who spoke English, offering me some bags of clothing for the children. Winter clothes. Snowsuits in perfect condition...each the correct size for four children. Thank you, Claudine...thank you LORD. Provision again for a need I was not prepared for...SNOW. Claudine had told them about us at one of the farmer-wives meetings.
Just a small thing some would say...but for us...it was the LORD. He knew our needs before we did. He knew the encouragement it would bring to our hearts to be excepted as we were into this small Swiss village. But, most of all...the confirmation it gave us of being in his perfect will.
Philippians chpt. 1 verse 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
WHY GOD?
I have had this on my mind after recently reading something a person wrote in regards to this statement..and I have heard it often. WHY GOD?
And yet people also make the frequent statement...OH GOD HELP ME!...or PLEASE GOD!
A lot of people making the statement WHY GOD? want to blame GOD for everything BAD that happens in life...as if the devil is non existant but God is and He is the one at fault. How can He be? If you believe in evolution? or in your daily life don't even acknowledge him, how could He be the fault. Now if HE is the creator and you know that, then you would also read his word and begin to understand the works of GOD in life... as I said in my other post, I have found the answers to life by reading God's Word. I asked my husband the question in my early years as a new Christian, "WHY DID GOD DO THIS TO HIM?" and my dear wise husband said.."to understand someone, you must get to know them"... how true? Do you understand all your friends actions, speech etc. or maybe just the ones you know so well?
So many people want to acknowledge HEAVEN's existance as well, but when you try to warn them about HELL.."oh no, we won't hear about that!" How can you acknowledge one without the other..GOD made both. Do you realize that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels..(read Matthew chpt. 25 (verse 41)not for man whom God loved so much that he gave his only begotten son! (read St. John 3:16-17-21) How we underestimate the LOVE of God. He did promise us an alternative..Eternal LIFE.
Let me get back to my original subject here on WHY GOD? I've learned exactly WHY?... in his love and mercy..he has a plan...in that plan of giving us an expected end (Jeremiah chpt. 29 verses 11-13)...WE mess up the plan or purpose of each individual life. We choose most of the time what WE want not GOD. In our choices, we even affect the life of others and perhaps the plan for their life as well. A sobering thought for what we will answer for at the judgement. And, we certainly don't want any hardship of any kind! When we do however yield to his will..it is amazing the work that gets done, not only in our life but others. Let me explain.
A word of testimony:
I for one would have cause to say WHY GOD?... WHY ME? I delivered 4 healthy children and in my 5th pregnancy took for granted.."hey, all my children have been born fine, I've got it made, no problems for me"...especially since I'm a Christian! Then upon delivery of twins in my 5th pregnancy (we'll NOTE number# 5 during this account in my life)...one of my sons was born with Down's Syndrome (my 5th born) and a heart defect (Aortic Stenosis). His oxygen level depleted by his heart defect caused blueness of his fingers and a general discolor. My son remained in hospital care for the duration of his nine month life. He came home for only two days at the age of six months. At the time of his birth I found a new journey in my life...one called TRUST. I also found the purpose GOD had set forth...how he would use this precious child in not only my life but many others!
WHY GOD? for a purpose.... WHY GOD? to get your (man's)attention....
WHY GOD? to show myself strong in your life/ my Grace IS sufficient for thee.....
WHY GOD? to show it is me and not man to put your confidence in...
WHY GOD? so that you would walk close beside me day by day...
WHY GOD? to manifest that sin is awful and it's toll on mankind
I will continue this with another post... "Peace and at such a time".... to continue my explanation of God's work and plan.
and thank you for reading this and allowing me to share a cup of HOPE ...
And yet people also make the frequent statement...OH GOD HELP ME!...or PLEASE GOD!
A lot of people making the statement WHY GOD? want to blame GOD for everything BAD that happens in life...as if the devil is non existant but God is and He is the one at fault. How can He be? If you believe in evolution? or in your daily life don't even acknowledge him, how could He be the fault. Now if HE is the creator and you know that, then you would also read his word and begin to understand the works of GOD in life... as I said in my other post, I have found the answers to life by reading God's Word. I asked my husband the question in my early years as a new Christian, "WHY DID GOD DO THIS TO HIM?" and my dear wise husband said.."to understand someone, you must get to know them"... how true? Do you understand all your friends actions, speech etc. or maybe just the ones you know so well?
So many people want to acknowledge HEAVEN's existance as well, but when you try to warn them about HELL.."oh no, we won't hear about that!" How can you acknowledge one without the other..GOD made both. Do you realize that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels..(read Matthew chpt. 25 (verse 41)not for man whom God loved so much that he gave his only begotten son! (read St. John 3:16-17-21) How we underestimate the LOVE of God. He did promise us an alternative..Eternal LIFE.
Let me get back to my original subject here on WHY GOD? I've learned exactly WHY?... in his love and mercy..he has a plan...in that plan of giving us an expected end (Jeremiah chpt. 29 verses 11-13)...WE mess up the plan or purpose of each individual life. We choose most of the time what WE want not GOD. In our choices, we even affect the life of others and perhaps the plan for their life as well. A sobering thought for what we will answer for at the judgement. And, we certainly don't want any hardship of any kind! When we do however yield to his will..it is amazing the work that gets done, not only in our life but others. Let me explain.
A word of testimony:
I for one would have cause to say WHY GOD?... WHY ME? I delivered 4 healthy children and in my 5th pregnancy took for granted.."hey, all my children have been born fine, I've got it made, no problems for me"...especially since I'm a Christian! Then upon delivery of twins in my 5th pregnancy (we'll NOTE number# 5 during this account in my life)...one of my sons was born with Down's Syndrome (my 5th born) and a heart defect (Aortic Stenosis). His oxygen level depleted by his heart defect caused blueness of his fingers and a general discolor. My son remained in hospital care for the duration of his nine month life. He came home for only two days at the age of six months. At the time of his birth I found a new journey in my life...one called TRUST. I also found the purpose GOD had set forth...how he would use this precious child in not only my life but many others!
WHY GOD? for a purpose.... WHY GOD? to get your (man's)attention....
WHY GOD? to show myself strong in your life/ my Grace IS sufficient for thee.....
WHY GOD? to show it is me and not man to put your confidence in...
WHY GOD? so that you would walk close beside me day by day...
WHY GOD? to manifest that sin is awful and it's toll on mankind
I will continue this with another post... "Peace and at such a time".... to continue my explanation of God's work and plan.
and thank you for reading this and allowing me to share a cup of HOPE ...
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