Worship

He never sang before.  A little head unable to see over adults.  Unable to read the words.  Always looking for the chair.  Happy when it was time to sit.  Happier to find the donut table.  Now he stands by the aisle, able to read, nothing holding him back.  He reads the words and sings hard.  Eyes closed.  Clenched tight. 

He sings out.  He smiles up at me.  I wink down at him.

I raise my hands in thankfulness as we share this moment together.  Hearts free to worship.  Hearts happy to worship.

 

Still

They walked across the driveway holding hands. He carried her bag. She smiled at him. Most would not know.  Would not believe.  Deception.  Just a year earlier after 20 years of marriage he was caught in an affair.  Numerous affairs.  An unbelievable life in the shadows revealed. 

Her heart was broken.  Her smile unable to live.  Her head always down.  Shoulders forever slumped.  Betrayed.  She found comfort in church.

This long year they have travelled together ... forgiveness prevailed.  He wears repentance.  Humility. 

It would be easy to judge. To mock.  To pity.  Rather we praise.  Praise that God still works in hearts.  Still heals.

A Room in Prayer

A beautiful evening.  Christ lovers sitting together in a circle.  Anxious to lift up each other's needs.  Heart heavy words filled the air.  Agreement falling upon everyone nodding.  Yes Lord, Yes!

Honestly, I was disappointed. I wanted a few more friends to have joined me ... definitely not the older women who arrived first.  Always punctual.  Yet their gracious wisdom quickly silenced my selfish desires.

Hungry we wanted to hear more requests.  Eager we wanted to fill the room with praises.  Refreshed we parted smiling.  Hugging.

I wondered aloud, alone, on the ride home "why do you not host a prayer night .. maybe monthly"?  Too busy.  Always the response is too busy.  Surely they just need one taste of a night like that.  I need one more taste!  Keep the cheesecake cooled, give me a night in prayer.  Unplug the coffee pot and recharge my prayer life.

Let it be so - "let my house be called a house of prayer"! Mark 11:17

Starting to count

1. my husband who told me divorce was never an option
2. an unhealthy baby now a strong child
3. a little one showing me I may not know everything
4. a place to call our own
5. an in law praying for my salvation long before I knew her
6. my own copy of God's Word to highlight and mark up
7. a quiet space to share my thoughts
8. like minded friends
9. health, no longer a chronic ER visitor
10. our new church building
11. homeschool opportunities
12. my cozy comforter the children want to snuggle under

13. fresh flowers to remember one now gone
14. direction / guidance
15. quiet -to think things thru
16. contagious, eye watering, belly laughter

17. meals together
18. little calls needing mommy
19. family recipes
20. a new hobby collecting tea kettles
21. ideas to help give to the needy
22. evening prayers lead by our son

23. dinner with a best friend
24. baby toes to kiss
25. potty training success

Joining a revolution of counters ...