Place of Refuge

In Joshua 20, God's word teaches that there were cities of refuges set up specifically for those who had accidently with out malice killed someone.  A place for them to flee and be free from the revenge of anyone.  A safe place.  Today as I skimmed thru my journal a thought occurred to me.  This was a beautiful picture of God's mercy.  He made clear rules regarding taking someone's life, then He provides a place of grace.  Can you imagine the guilt you'd feel after accidently taking the life of someone else?  Can you imagine the brokenness that must consume?

  God in His absolute love, is still in the business of providing a place of healing for those who find themselves broken.  Sometimes we are wounded by the acts of another and we find ourselves surrounded by people who cheer for us, and minister to us as we heal.  Other times we find ourselves broken by our own actions, and there is a tendency to have a "well, you made your bed" mindset, and we can feel completely alone.

  However, in Joshua 20, I see that God provides a place of healing for the second group!  These people made a bad decision and the result was terrible.  And yet, God lovingly provided a safe place of healing for them.  A place that had people who truly understood the path you were facing as they had walked it.  A place where your pain and sin was clear, and yet you could find rest and peace and comfort.  A place where people understood clearly that mistakes can cost much and burdens are heavy.

  We no longer have actual places of refuge,  instead we have a Person of refuge.  God's word say that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalms 46:1"  He is the one we run to and find strength and help.  Even when we have caused the mess we find ourselves in!  I am so thankful that the goodness of God isn't dependent on the goodness of me.  God's love for me is not changed by my actions or decisions.  God's faithfulness is steadfast and long suffering.  There is nothing I can do that will cause God to not love, because He IS love.

 The problem is sometimes we think if you love someone you let them do whatever they want and protect them from any bad consequences.  THIS IS NOT LOVE!  This is enabling someone to stay on a path that leads to destruction.  Love doesn't lead to destruction.  Love leads to truth, healing and forgiveness and restoration.  God is a redeeming God, who searches long and watches intently for those who are His. 

I am so thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father and for the people He has placed in my life that teach me of His love.  My husband, Tim, has taught me much about this kind of love.  He had the privilege of growing up in a Christ centered home where this love was lived out daily.  Where being a Christian was not something set aside for Sunday but lived out daily.  A place that wasn't perfect, but grace flowed.  And I am blessed because he has brought this into our marriage and home.  He does a great job of reflecting the love of God on his family and friends. 

Blessed beyond belief and absolutely blown away the great love of my God!

Seeing Truth.......Filled with Joy!

I try very hard to remember that NO person is perfect.  NO person!  Not a single one!  Including, my kids.  They aren't perfect, but they are priceless treasures!  I am so thankful for the is journey of being a mama.  Not just a mama, THEIR mama!  It moves me to tears to think that God allows me to be a mama.  I love that in Him I can do this job well.  I take this responsibility very seriously.  I know that I have a few short years to invest in their lives, and I want to invest well.  It isn't easy, but TOTALLY worth it!

My days are filled with repeated task and words.  My nights are sometimes filled with wake-up calls and staying up late to make sure they home safe and sound.  It isn't glamorous, but it is glorious!  It isn't monumental, but it is meaningful!  It isn't always blissful, but always beautiful!  It is my favorite job ever!  It is hard!  It is tough!  It is tedious!  It is painful!  It is COMPLETELY WORTH IT!

I believe that God knows this job of being a parent isn't easy. Since He loves us with an endless, undying, perfect love He encourages as we walk this journey.  Today this happened to me again.  Little glimpses of understanding, that all those repeated words and task pay off.  Our kids hear, and see and learn.  And, it is BEAUTIFUL!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3John 1:4"

Today God allowed me a glimpse of this joy!  I went to our children and shared my heart.  It was regarding being obedient with a good attitude.  It was a teaching moment.  It was repeated words, spoken with the hopes of truth sinking deep into to their hearts.  It was TRUTH, it was necessary, not exactly pleasant, but as a mama I knew it needed to be said.  And, they listened, and it was BEAUTIFUL!

A few minutes later, one of those blessings came to me and said, "mama, I am sorry for how I treated you when you told me to do something at the pool." And then later in his prayer he prayed and asked God to help them all obey without complaining.  And, I blinked away tears of pure joy and this verse, that I had hidden in my heart came to mind.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3John 1:4"

God word is completely true, there is NO greater joy!  NONE! 

Imperfect Progress.....happening now.......

"I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13

Sometimes I forget this verse applies to everyday stuff.  In my mind I save this verse for super hard times.  I have come to the conclusion that I need this verse for the every day mundane stuff as well as the earth shattering stuff.  I had gotten so discouraged lately in my daily life that I have felt powerless and defeated.  I am learning that this verse is a daily verse, not a stick in a drawer and pull it out in the tough times verse.  I can do THIS day well, if I do this day through Christ who strengthens me!  This is the day that The Lord has made for me.  I will make a choice to walk this day in His strength.  This revelation won't make all my problems disappear, or be instantly solved.  This revelation will  allow me to see each trial as an opportunity for God to show His mighty love for me and my family.  It is my goal to have an attitude like Paul , and this truth gets me one step closer to living this life content in whatever state I find myself.  It allows me to take a deep breath and know that God is in complete control, even when I have NO answers.  I have been reminded that if I stay connected to my power source, He will supply what I need to do this day well!  I am forever grateful for God's unfailing, ever pursuing love for me!   It is my hope that if you are struggling today with unbelief that you too will be encouraged to know that God is in the business of doing the impossible! 

You are deeply loved........