Prison

Acts 24: 27 “When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

Most of Paul’s writings were while he was in prison. Prisons were not like our modern day prisons with beds, TV, showers, and hot meals. Don’t get me wrong, prison is not a comfortable place, however, in Paul’s day it was torture. One of the prisons that is said that Paul lived in was 'Tullianum', or 'Tullian dungeon' (medieval Mamertine Prison), beneath the Capitoline hill. The ancient historian Sallust said it was 12 feet below the ground and "neglect, darkness and stench make it hideous and fearsome to behold." Throughout Paul’s writing he encourages and praised God continually despite his conditions.

I am humbled at the joy that comes from Paul. It is a true example that joy comes from within and not from external comfort. I am not to look at the physical details of life, but focus on God and God alone. All around me people are losing there jobs and homes, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It’s easy to say to trust God. In my own life I have found peace in counting my blessings and remembering the faithfulness of my God.

What every your circumstance today, be encouraged, you are not alone.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Unfailing

Psalm 13: 5,6 “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.”

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. I have been so overwhelmed and yet my God is always faithful. When things look there worse, He comes in and changes everything and He is not slow to answer me when I call. In the midst of the storm, I have felt abandon. However, I count my blessings and remember He has never failed me and so I press on with expectance. Wow, what my God can do is amazing. I do not know my next step, but I do know that He has it all under control. My heart is full of joy and praise. I love to lift up my voice to my God. I will shout His praise for He is worth.

Lessons from Auntie Ruthie

It’s funny how God works. He uses that which is familiar to speak into your life. I have an amazing Aunt named Ruthie; five years ago she went home to be with the Lord. She has three talented children and a husband who remain here on earth with us.

Early this morning, God used Auntie Ruth to speak into my life. In a dream,I saw Auntie calling me to follow her and she took me to a living room where Uncle Danny, Amy, Michael, and Ryan were. They were discussing plans for something they were creating. I saw pictures laid out on the floor and walls. Uncle Danny suggested building another wall, and Ryan a place for an aquarium, and Amy added details for the wall. It was some type of memorial of all my Aunt’s work and accomplishments. Crafts, songs, lessons learned, a collection of what she left behind. I have never seen them so excited and happy together. They were celebrating not auntie, but what they had together. Auntie Ruth had me look closer. The memorial was not real, it was there lives that were on display. They were creating it with there lives. This memorial to her was them, as they used the gifts and talents that Auntie Ruthie encouraged it them. The love and security she gave to nurture them to take flight. It was there accomplishments on the walls. She was showing me how proud she was of them, not herself.

In life sometimes as a Mom I question myself. Am I a good mom? What can I do better? Have I missed it? If I do nothing else in life, but raise my children to love God with there whole being and find security in Him. Then I can die happy.

I want to be a mom like Auntie Ruthie, a mom with no regrets. I want my children to find safety in me and know I will always be there cheering them on in life.

Thank you God for the blessing of knowing and loving such a great woman. I will never forget you Auntie.