Funerals and such

The last week has been a tough one for many.  Although I'm not there at my church, Cedar Crest, I may as well be since my thoughts keep going there.  Losing Sheldon, Anja, Marian,...(and of course, Seth) makes us think,  "this is too much!"  How can we "keep going" when we are feeling heavily burdened for those who lost their loved ones?  Or we, personally, miss them?

A good friend of mine has children that serve in various countries doing missionary work.  She told me of various struggles they were facing and I asked her, "how can you handle the stress of it all."  She said she had to learn to give it over to God, not put all the burden on her shoulders.  She simply prays for them and leaves it at that.  I imagine if there is a specific thing the Holy Spirit lays on her heart, she'll do it, though.

Also, I've often struggled with feeling regret over past mistakes.  My mind likes to take me to all sorts of situations where I did wrong and then leaves me to linger there.  I asked another friend how she copes with that and she says it's not an issue for her.  I was stunned!  She explained that what happened in the past is in the past.  If she needs forgiveness for anything she'll ask, otherwise if she did the best she could under the circumstances, then she'll 'let it go.'  (Good advice Mary!)  A Bible verse backs it up, " forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13,14).  With time, it gets easier following Mary's advice.  Even Lee, our minister, said if what's troubling you is something you can do something about, then do it/fix it.  Otherwise, if it's a case of unproductive worries and fears, then that is from Satan.

I guess I'm simply saying not to take on burdens too heavy for us- give those over to The Lord in prayer.  Totally over until we feel peace.  And those things we can do something about 'do.'  It's at this point that we need to "be silent so we can hear the whisper of God."  (Saw that saying at a friend's house- author unknown (maybe God?!).

Instead of feeling heavy-hearted for Louisa, we can listen to the Spirit's direction.  A meal, a flower, a card, a phone call, a ...anything to show love would qualify.  Each person is different in their grief.  I loved visitor's coming over to show they cared, but if they stayed over 10 minutes, it was too much.  One person stayed so long I eventually announced I had to leave (Wolf stayed with them) and ran upstairs to cry.  I could only go without crying for so long.  But, Louisa might love company staying longer.  It's best to announce you'll leave after a short time, if they insist you stay, then do.  Otherwise don't!  Try to remember the date he died, his birthdate, and their anniversary and send a card.  Until you lose a loved one, you can't begin to imagine the pain on those days!!  Even years later.

That's it for now....and remember, "let's be silent so we may hear the whisper of God."

Priorities

Is it possible for me, a type A person, to "be still and know that I am God?"

Obviously it is, but how?  These, and other thoughts are running through my head as Anna and I sit here on the couch, coughing our way through the morning.  The rest of the family are at church.

What led me to the question above is my desire, as of late, to go 'ahead' of The Lord.   For example,  lately we tried experimenting with this 'interest-led' learning idea.  If anyone knows anything about this 'philosophy,' they realize strewing is essential.  Basically, researching topics that would stir interests in your child and having them subsequently (hopefully) pursuing them on their own at a deeper level.  There's more to it, but back to my point.  So, wanting my children to have a super-incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, educational experience (think Montessori), I pour through all the interest-led sites on the web.  And pour.  And pour.  I scribble down a few notes, only semi-satisfied, knowing I've only scratched the surface of all that's out there.   Later I'll look for more.

Before I know it, my heart and mind focus entirely on things of this earth rather than on things above.  Countless hours are spent on the computer, as the Bible collects dust on the shelf.  And what is all this teaching the children?  Where are my priorities?  As it says in our memory verse this week, "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge." (Proverbs 1:7)  Time for me to get a little educated on the things that matter...for eternity.  And, by all means, time to get out my Bible.  After all, Matthew 6:33 says, ..."seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."  Yes, let's look at the Master Teacher for guidance.

One last thought:  I have a very dear friend who adopted about 14 children.  She and her husband were wondering how to best homeschool them.  One time, while they were contemplating on the magnitude of this task, she felt The Lord tell her, "If you get My Word in them, I will take care of the rest."  Her example sticks in my mind because her children are growing up to be loving, God-fearing, educated young people.  That family is putting God first.  Though reading it in the Bible is enough, God mercifully gave me this family to further demonstrate His truth.

God is so good!   Let's be faithful.