"Swimming the Current" - 07/10/13 - Psalm 107, 111-114

"Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies" (112:7-8)

At times, it is hard to stand firm "in" Him. 

There are times when we feel we are swimming against the current,  not making progress, becoming tired, weak, coughing from the water entering into our lungs as our noses dip beneath the surface or the waves splash into our faces.  The times when we are focused on nothing more than the current and not the end of the journey - when we begin to lose hope of ever progressing through to the end. 

It is at those times we most need to reach down deep and rely on His Word. 

On Him.

 

Often times, when someone swims the English Channel, there is a person following along side of them in a boat.  They are there as a guide, safety, encouragement, nourishment, or even just a voice in the dark.

That is my Abba.  He isn't just in the boat though, at times He even slips into the dark waters to help me as I am weak.  Holding me up, pulling me through, allowing me to rest "in" Him.  The more I fight alone, the more I am unable to stay afloat. 

It is only through Him, the world and its attacks, are filtered out.  My "current" right now is going through the process of "shaking the dust".  "Swimming" through these waters has been a process which if allowed, would steal my joy.  Every day I am fighting the urge to obsess about different situations, rehearsing in my mind words to use to defend myself, taking my focus off of Him.  At times, picking up doubt and wondering if all I am and have experienced, is it real or has my view distorted everything? 

That is when I rely on Him.  The family "in" Him.  Those who are deep into His Word, as I am, to use the gift of discernment. 

And from His boat, He reassures me.  He gets into the waters with me, enveloping me, protecting me.  Whispering in my ear to focus on, listen to, rest and rely on - Him.

And I "swim" on -

""Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies"

"Brothers and Uncles" - 09/21/13 - Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, I Chronicles 9:1-34

Their brothers stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving,

 
 



one side responding to the other, as had been directed by David the man of God.   

(Nehemiah 12:24)















I love the relationship between Adam and Nichalas. 

Just sitting and watching them interact, drinking in the blessings of our fruits. 

 

Last weekend, Nichalas flew home for a wedding, and I was blessed with many memory making events.  Our hotel room had a loft, where Curt and I slept, with another bed downstairs.  There was also a pull out couch in the living room area. 

It made my heart smile, knowing the couch was not even an option.  The guys have never hesitated, or thought of it as abnormal, to sleep together.  Even with Nichalas now being married, when Amber isn't with us, they sleep together.  I love hearing their voices murmuring in the dark, as they talk themselves to sleep. Their laughter is often the last sounds I can remember, before I fall into the world of dreams. 


When they were little and had sleepovers, it was not unusual to come in the next morning and find all of them squeezed into one bed, or on the floor. 

They just enjoyed being close, they enjoyed being "brothers". 

I love going through photographs of years gone by and being reminded of all the joy and blessings this group of guys have brought - and still do - into my life.  (Wishing I had those photos available to post, not wanting to leave anyone out.)

 

These boys are now grown men,          

Just this past summer, Lucas joined Adam and Nichalas in playing video games here.  When I went down to wake them up, there they were, all three crowded into Adam's bed.  I love how all of them, who grew up together, are still so close.  That God is in the center of their relationships, that the world's evil doesn't come in and desecrate their relationship.  I love knowing, until they breathe their last breath, they will always be there for each other. 

Even though they aren't of the same blood, they are closer than most blood relations that I know.  They are there to encourage, hold accountable, support, honor, and love.  They are loyal and would die protecting each other and theirs. 

Lucas has been a daddy to Abel for one month now.  It is still a little hard to comprehend this little guy I used to babysit for, beginning when he was two, is now old enough to be a daddy.  To sit and hold Abel, knowing I am holding a part of Lucas.  Wow!  So much delight comes from just watching the guys come together around this little babe.  The pride, the caring, gentle touch, not holding, holding, not changing a diaper. 

Knowing without a doubt, they are there for Abel, and all other children we will be blessed with, in the years to come. 

 

They are uncles.  Through our ABBA, they are of one blood.