Amy
I see God in the tree just out my back window as it changes through the seasons. Spring brings hope, new buds and blossoms, with leaves growing quickly and bright. In summer, those leaves are fully green, stretching to the heavens, soakingin sunshine and rain. As winds blow and temperatures drop, the leaves change colors and fall, reminding me seasons come and go, just like in our lives. As winter snow arrives, the bare tree stands firm amidst the chill. The tree is strong. Its roots are deep. Another year will come and repeat it again.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
We went to the poorest county in west Virginia with our 6 children – all under the age of 13 at the time. We served families - painting and cleaning their homes. One of the homes had just 3 rooms and 6 foot ceilings and was heated by coal. Our children covered the black walls with fresh bright paint. And then after a hard day of work, enjoyed Kool-Aid made by the elderly homeowner. Serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus made us feel alive and full of purpose as a family!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I was told there was no hope for me. Little chance of survival. I experienced numerous agonizing health challenges. I had a stroke. Septic shock. Kidney and liver failure. Pneumonia. And to top it off – cancer. But God! God has used these many difficult health challenges to draw me nearer to Him. It’s in those times when I had nothing - no strength, no power, no control - He reminded me that all I need is Him. And his power is made perfect in our weakness.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
My heart is heavy for orphans and widows who are hurting, alone and forgotten. I’m inspired by James 1:27 that says “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” For us, that meant saying “yes!” when a foster placement call comes in. Welcoming a sibling group of 4 and being the hands and feet of Christ to them. Feeding them. Clothing them. Loving them. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s mostly hard! But God meets you in the hard stuff.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”