In Living Color

"Black and white. God could have made everything in black and white but look! He chose to use all these beautiful colors. He did this just for us!" My friend was talking with her son as she wheeled him around their neighborhood. He wasn't a toddler in a stroller. He was an eight-year-old in a wheelchair. The chemo had zapped him of his strength but it hadn't stolen his zest for life.

His wise mom was showing him how to see the goodness of God. She was demonstrating what hope looks like. She wanted her son to see beauty, life, and God, even in (especially in) his circumstances.

Joy in the suffering not joy because of the suffering. 

Son, see the blessings in the struggle.

When I go through some sort of trial, I am often blind to God's blessings. My sweet friend, Darcy, and her little guy have taught me to look up. God nudges me to pray for the ability to see his goodness.

Daughter, see the blessings in the struggle.
I will admit, I have weak eyes. I'm blind to what is around me when I am stuck in the mire of pain. I am learning to pray, " Open my eyes, Lord. Show me your majesty."

God answers this prayer by refocusing my vision. Then I am able to see what has been invisible to me previously.

Hope illuminates God in the difficult circumstances.
Hope provides new perspective. It is the blessing of God's encouragement. It gives strength to push forward.
When I can see God's hand, then I am more able to seek his face.

Then I am reminded who my God is...a good and great God.

I lift my eyes to the hill-

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, 

The Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

( And since you just may want to know, the eight year old is now sixteen.)
What challenge are you facing? What is God revealing to you in the midst of your struggle?

Faith, hope, and love,
Lori


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A Snake in the Path

Theme: July Uniqueness
Verse:

Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13c

Mom's Musing:
Last week my youngest daughter and I accompanied two other moms and their daughters on a once in a life time hike. We journeyed through the Grand Canyon from the north rim to the south rim. "I wish I could see what's ahead." One of my five hiking partners verbalized. Like life we may have an idea of where we want to end up but have no clue what challenges or dangers are going to cross our path. Each individual had her own weakness or challenge. Blown out shoes, weak back, heat exhaustion and nausea. The path itself presented it own set of surprises. Rattle snakes, aggressive squirrels (seriously!) steep inclines and declines. Thankfully we had each other. Combining each person's duct tape supply the broken shoes were temporarily fixed, a cool rag applied to a weary hiker's head provided relief from the heat, the sharp eyes of  our pace setter prevented the rest of the group from being struck by an unhappy rattlesnake, encouragement from fellow hikers was given when an individual's discouragement was beginning to set in. The group's words and actions tackled the environmental, emotional, technical and physical struggles. Like the body of Christ. We all need each other along the way when we encounter our own unique frustrations. God promises to provide what we need for the journey of life.

Parenting Tip:
Encourage your children to have a proper view of themselves. Provide opportunities for children to use their gifts and talents for other's good and God's glory. Assist your children where they need help.