Christ in the Clouds

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Even If. . .

“When life is good, enjoy it.

But when life is hard, remember; God gives good times, and hard times and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14

Several weeks ago, I wrote about a book I've been studying for my ladies Bible study group called "Cultivating Contentment" (Here). The most recent chapter we've been studying is on being content, "even if" trials and hardships come into our lives. I think for most of us, that is something we struggle with, no matter how strong our faith is.

To find joy and contentment while in pain and suffering is just not a natural response. Our natural tendency is to be angry, resentful, even depressed.
But, not only does God call us to be content, but He also instructs us to consider it "pure joy" in James 1:2!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,"

Umm, o.k., you may be asking(like I did), "Did I just read that right? Is God really saying we must be joyful in times of trials? Why in the world would He tell us to consider it pure joy? And how are we supposed to do that anyways?"
If you continue to read on to verses 3 and 4, it says:

" . . . because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

"Nothing any of us experiences is pointless.

The good, the bad, the ugly, even the things we think will kill us - God uses it all, and He devises our destiny out of the stuff in our trash. He sifts it out, shows us the value, and then uses it to help others because of it."

Luci Swindoll

"I have learned that pain has purpose, which at the peak of excruciating discomfort, brings me little conslolation.

Hindsight, though, has often proven pain's value.

In fact, I have found pain to be one of life's most effective teachers. It gains one's full attention!"

Patsy Clairmont

Because we know that ultimately what's up ahead (if we love and trust God's promises), will be glorious, we CAN find joy, in spite of hardships.

We must also remember that "this too shall pass". Whether it's cancer or problems in a marriage or with our children, knowing that there will be an end to our suffering helps us cope.

"God's purpose in our temporary discomfort is not to develop calluses that harden our hearts, but to strengthen us and inspire growth."

In the days ahead, especially on the days when everything seems to be going wrong, bring to mind the Scriptures below.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 and 11:8
John 16:33
1 Peter 1:6-7 and 4:12-13
Isaiah 41:10 and 54:10

"Face each day with your eyes wide open, looking for what God has for you in each day - especially when those trials come.

Pray that you will be teachable and ready to learn the lessons God wants you to understand.

Pray you can learn to be content". . .Even If. . .

This song came to my mind right away, as I read and studied about

contentment through difficult times. It's such a great reminder that God IS faithful, EVEN IF the healing doesn't come. . .

Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at "Multitude on Mondays".

1,411 - The blooming lilies in my pot on the porch.

1,412 - A few cooler, but still sunny days.

1,413 - Knowing that even if the clouds return and life is hard, I know God is still faithful and standing(2 Timothy 4:17) beside me through it all.

1,414 - The Lord providing what I needed to fill my bosses shoes, while she is gone on vacation!

1,415 - Thankful for a responsible, hard working husband!

1,416 - The heat and humidity is back, and I am SO thankful for air conditioning!

1,419 - Also, thankful to be living on the lake, where I can cool off on one of my floatation mattresses on the water!

1,418 - Watching a para-sailer on our lake, as I float on the water.

1,419 - Being reminded of the small joys God brings into life...like para-sailing! (Such a creative recreational activity)

1,420 - My hubby joining me in the water, when he got home from work. Spending time just floating and talking.

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Heart Reflected Blog Hop
Sunday Stillness (He Cares For You)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life)
Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)
Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace)
Thrilling Thursday (The Family Blog)

T.G.I.F. (Bible Love Notes)

Monday, July 8, 2013

The Blessing(and Heartache) of a Family

"A family is like an oak tree. A few blows wouldn't bring the tree crashing down. But it would require a lot of healing and love to ensure stability." (Source)

It's interesting how family members respond and react to each other, sometimes even sad or frustrating.

We had our ups and downs throughout her younger years, but I had always hoped that, as the only daughter I'd ever have, she and I would eventually become close.

It didn't happen. With the entering of a half-brother and later the sudden passing of her full-brother, the bonding didn't occur...with either her father, nor her stepmother...myself.

She grew up, married, started a family, and had her own life...a busy life.

I ached for a close relationship, but the more I strove to bring us closer together, the futher she pushed me away. Every now and then, she reappeared and would spend an hour, maybe even the day, with us. Then, we didn't see her or her beloved family for months, or even years.

I'm saddened, but I'll take what I can get...a small pocket of time, creating memories that will linger forever in my mind.

The 4th of July weekend was a whirlwind of activity for me and my family! There were lots of fun surprises and special times with family members. Some healing also took place, as long unseen family were re-united. Some family members weren't able to join us, which also made this celebrated holiday bittersweet.

On the 4th, we spent the day at my aunt and uncle's

lake cottage...yes, we aren't the only lakers in our family!

It is a much smaller lake and also much quieter.

We visited with our Pennsylvania relatives, who came for the week.

On the 6th, we participated in a flotilla parade with our pontoon boat.

Granddaughter 1 and grandson love jet-skiing!

The grandkids also enjoy tubing.

They even got me out on a jet-ski!

Jet-skiing and knee-boarding . . .

. . .is a family affair.

Granddaughter 2 and Grandson love roasting marshmallows

The kids and grandkids

The only person missing was my son, who had to work and could not be home for the holidays.

I could either let the hurt and frustation of the past affect the present or move past it, forgive, and appreciate each moment we do have together. I choose the latter.

"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." Gilbert Chesterton,

Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at "Multitude on Mondays".

1,402 - Spending time with out-of-state relatives, as well as close family.
1,403 - Freedom in Christ ...that does not require a set of rules or good works to be saved.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galations 5:1)

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast."(Ephesians 2:8-9)

1,404 - Spending the day with my stepdaughter and her family.
1,405 - The freedom to worship and live for Christ in the USA.
1,406 - The Founding Fathers, who chose to put God in the Pledge of Allegiance and the U.S. Constitution, among other original documents.
1,406 - Pretty and colorful fireworks display.
1,407 - A new song I learned in church

1,408 - A day to rest and prepare for a busy new week ahead.
1,409 - Spending some time talking and reminiscing with our neighbors, a lovely older couple.
1,410 - Working with some awesome, caring people at my job.

T.G.I.F. (Bible Love Notes)

Monday, July 1, 2013

God's Amazing Grace

In church on Sunday, we sang Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone." But we sang the original lyrics, which I didn't realize he had changed in his version of the song.

Of course the first few verses most of us know:
Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now, I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Then the original lyrics are:
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
(I love this!! There have been many dangers in my life and especially in my son's life this past week. Someone had broken into his apartment and stole some of his roommates things. Nothing of his was taken and he was not at home. He also had a couple of accidents, one at work and one at home, that weren't serious, but could have been. Through all these situations, God brought my son "safe thus far", just as this verse says. I am so very thankful for His care and protection!)

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first be- gun

I also love this verse, which Tomlin changes in his version. I think of heaven and no time limits and pure sun! My favorite time of year is summer and I love it when the sun is shining, so this gives me great comfort.

I like the lyrics that Tomlin wrote, especially the chorus. . .
My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood, His mercy rains.
Unending love, amazing grace.

But I wish he had kept the original verses. They have such true meaning and depth for me.

As we go through the week and many of us celebrate the independence of our nation, may we remember His wonderful grace upon us!! Where would we be without it?