As I’ve walked through 2022 in somewhat of a daze I have worked my way almost through the Jesus Storybook Bible along with reading every passage in my study Bible that goes with the stories. I have longed to find what it means for me to trust the Lord with my life once again...maybe it’s my mid-life crisis? It feels like it now looking back! I’ve struggled long and hard. And many of you have read along week after long week. Thank you for your encouragement and for “listening”.
Recently I took our three year old grandson, Canaan into the store to pick up a few things. He’s going through this “gaining some independence” stage. Testing out the boundaries. He had spent some time at our house having free reign and enjoying being the only one. He’s the youngest of three, but that day he was feeling more like a young adult. When we got out of the car I asked him to hold my hand and he willingly did so, but asked why. (Three year olds are always asking why with curiosity and ghusto...) I found myself explaining to him that I “can’t always see him in my peripheral” because he’s not as tall as I am and I “didn’t really have eyes in the back of my head” and I “just want to know that he’s with me” by feeling his little hand in mine. He didn’t skip a beat, “OK!” He didn’t ask me what peripheral meant or laugh or comment on eyes in the back of my head. He just held my hand and marched through the store with me proudly pointing out products he liked. He completely trusted me to lead the way (without caring where we were going), to keep him safe, and to just enjoy our time together. I took LONG notes on that experience. I realized I need to be more like him. I need to be just like him in regards to my faith walk. Trust the hand that I’m holding. Trust His leading. Trust His protection. Trust Him.
“All throughout my history
Your faithfulness has walked beside me.
The winter storms made way for spring
In every season, from where I'm standing.
I see the evidence of Your goodness all over my life,
all over my life. I see Your promises in fulfillment
all over my life, all over my life.
Help me remember when I'm weak fear may come,
but fear will leave.
You lead my heart to victory,
You are my strength and You always will be”
- Evidence by Josh Baldwin
My dear brothers & sisters, what’s going on in your faith journey in this season? Where and/or how are you seeing Him work? Where are you extending curiosity and trust? (Towards yourself and Him.) Won’t you take a minute and thank Him for this season? Won’t you consider where you may need to extend more curiosity and grace to yourself and others? Won’t you praise Him for all He’s done in 2022 and what He’s going to do in 2023? Chris & I and the Friends/Family Leadership Team love each and every one of you SO and are completely honored to walk this journey alongside you. You honor us with trusting us to cheer you on and love you even when the struggle intensifies. The courage you show as you consistently find identity, freedom and truth in Jesus Christ moves us to be better us’s. You actually inspire us to walk closer with Jesus in our struggles.
As I finish up this email I’m sitting beside baby Judah as he naps. I wish you could see him. He’s waking up and smiling and stretching and telling me he’s “goooood”! I respond empathically with a, “Why yes, you are sweet grandson – you are good and so is He.” Judah is evidence of His goodness – all over our lives! I’m walking into 2023 stronger and closer to Jesus because of the wrestling in 2022 and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:6-7
MUSICAL...MENDATIONS TO MOVE YOU:
I love Crowder. For your listening pleasure he has a NEW Christmas album out with a Thanksgiving song as well! Check out “Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas” wherever you listen to music. Here’s some free Youtube videos:
Christmastime Is Here https://youtu.be/xHrYbTLjSUA
I’ve Heard About You https://youtu.be/C1kWw2wGTUg
The Ballad of Mrs. C https://youtu.be/O2v3BKbCpCg
I love Josh Wilson. Check out his album “Noel” from 2012. It’s actually excellent – even ten years later!
*Taken from weekly LIFT email.
