How to Identify Melanoma
Traveling with Kids
GIVEAWAY
EDITORS CORNER Ever since I was a child, I have loved the 4th of July; it meant summer was here and I would get to see fireworks, not to mention my birthday was only two days away. I remember a time when we celebrated my birthday on the 4th of July and the perfect present was a red, white, and blue candlestick rotary phone. I think my Mom still has that stored on a top shelf in her closet. Now as an adult, I find myself still watching fireworks, decorating red, white, and blue, and of course making sure “Old Glory” is flying aside my front porch. Aside from the pageantry, we need to remember to thank God for our Freedoms. Although at times it seems as if our freedoms as a Christian here in the USA have been stripped away, we can still pray over our food before a dinner outside our home, I can still carry an unconcealed Sword of the Spirit (Bible) in my car, I can publish a magazine that tells you every possible way to include Jesus in everything you do every day, and sing a song like, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”, but the greatest freedom any human will ever experience, is the freedom given almost 2,000 years ago at a place called Calvary, where an innocent man by the name of Jesus suffered, bled, and died on a cross to give each individual the opportunity to be free from sin, hell, and the grave. You can live in America and exercise every freedom put forth to you by our forefathers but unless you are living in spiritual freedom then, you may as well be living in the deepest, darkest prison. If you want true freedom like you have never known just simply come to Jesus just as you are, ask Him to forgive your sins, forgive everyone else who has hurt you, and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day to give you freedom from sin. I truly hope and pray my friend that you have a great and memorable 4 th of July and if you need prayer, do not hesitate to contact me.
May your home be blessed,
Stephanie
What’s In This Issue?
Travel
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS ANGELA CUMMINGS Angela Cummings: Adopted at 3 weeks old her new parents called her "Merry Angela Cummings" which fits perfectly. She is now 42, a full time evangelist and the founder/president of "Highways and Hedges Ministries, Inc." The name means "happy heavenly messenger." God delivered her from a life filled with sex, bars, drugs, porn, gambling, hatred, suicide and hard rock music. God called her to preach on February 27th, 1999 at the Brownsville revival. Angela's biggest conviction is to make sure people understand the Truth of the Bible. Jesus told His disciples to preach, "Repent and Believe the Gospel." With the help of the Holy Spirit she has preached eleven and a half years in the open air. Places she has labored are parades, conventions, college campuses, high schools, churches, street corners, events, concerts, cults, homosexual churches, three nations in Europe and has reached many “A List” celebrities with the gospel one on one. Her hearts cry is like John the Baptist "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world!!!" To connect with Angela, you can visit her website at: http://preacherwoman.org
COURTNEY SCHNIEBS I'm a mother to four precious children, ages 6, 5, 3, and 9 months, and wife to a loving and godly man of 8 yrs. I am a native Texan, love this great state, but I could stand for colder weather at times. . I always thought my calling was in the mission field – i.e. foreign mission fields. However, the Lord has seen fit, and I quite agree with Him, that my mission be here within my own home, and community. So, a lot of what I write about will be through the eyes of my children, for they see the world a bit differently than us grown-ups do. It’s amazing all the wonderful things we can learn if only we looked through the eyes of a child. I don’t see myself as having arrived at this parent thing, only an Olympian in training. I know several moms who have come through as full Olympians at motherhood – I strive to be one of them. I pray that whatever the Lord lays on my heart to write about will minister to all moms, the moms who remain faithful to their calling, however unglamorous it may be at times, and to say you are not alone, we all have struggles, joys, triumphs, you are loved, and that the Lord will use us in spite of our imperfections, if we rely upon Him. I love the Lord with all my heart and desire to follow Him. I want to know His heart in all things and show others the truth of His love and character. You can contact Courtney directly by e-mailing her at: tcbm78@yahoo.com
REBECCA WILHITE Rebecca is a Christian author who is fully dedicated to the Lord and sharing his message through her writings. With a lifelong love of books and reading, Rebecca has found her calling as an author. With words flowing onto paper through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she has written for her blog entitled, Advice to Caregivers. She has also written for Guidepost, is in the process of releasing a children’s picture book, and currently writing a Christian Romance Novel. You will enjoy her book reviews as she takes you through a detailed journey of each book with thoughts and recommendation of how the stories and messages in them can encourage and relate to certain issues or struggles we all face from day to day.
Rebecca would love to talk or pray with you. You can reach her at: rebeccasemail@peoplepc.com
SPECIAL GUEST-READER CONTRIBUTOR Patrice Lewis is a dedicated Wife, Mother and, Grandmother who is a passionate witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you ever get the opportunity to talk with Patrice, you will find that your conversation will quickly turn to the things of God. You can find her special guest post entitled, “The Power of the Lord’s Prayer.” on page 29.
Patrice Lewis
Spray paint a plain basket Red, White, and Blue.
Alternate colors with no distinct lines.
Cut to fit a plain, thick trash bag to inside the basket as a liner.
SCHNIEB’S FAMILY VACATION by: Courtney Schnieb’s
As we begin this summer’s vacation I wonder about how many people will be traveling to various summer vacations spots, camping, anything outdoors is our plan. However, I must confess I have not been on many vacations with my little crew in tow, simply because it’s, oh what’s the word – CRAZY! LOL! We did go down to Glen Rose to the river there and see some dinosaurs, and the kids absolutely loved it! However, they didn’t see all the prep work that their daddy and I did to make sure it was a ‘fun’ experience. The money for gas, money for food, bathing suits, sunblock, extra clothes, extra diapers, and anything else for the ‘just in case’ or ‘ accidents’ that could happen along the way. My goodness, I’m actually getting exhausted just thinking about all that prep work. So, now, everything is packed, kids have books and colors and yes a movie playing in the van to keep them amused. We get on the road, and within 10 minutes of driving, we get the infamous question, “Daddy, are we there yet?” “I have to go to the bathroom.” “I’m hungry!” “Can we eat now?” Folks, Glen Rose is not that far from us! AHHH! LOL! The movie stops playing and they get bored with their books and coloring, and now this is where the real journey begins. We sing songs, tell funny stories, we look around at the scenery around us, and then low and behold we finally arrive at our destination. Now, outcome the packed bags, and of course, I forget something, but we make it down to the river where we can finally relax, right? Nope!
I have four children who can’t swim well and the river is full, very full! But we did pack life jackets, and they get into the water – without a care in the world, full of life and adventure; and in their words, they ‘love the ocean’! Yes, folks the river is the ocean for us redneck folks! Anyway, they are just enjoying every minute of every second we are out there, and seeing the smiles on their faces simply fills my heart with joy. But our job is not done, both my husband and I are on watch for any potential dangers of any kind – and I’m sure anyone being a parent knows exactly what I’m talking about. We finally had our fill of the water, and decide to go home. The ride back is quite peaceful as the kids- halleluiah - are plum worn out, they fall asleep on the way home, blissfully happy, blissfully full of life. As I write this I begin to ponder upon our journey with God and then begin to thank Him that He never gets tired, or exhausted in protecting us along life’s journey, whether great or small. His Word says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Christ says in Matthew 6 that we are not to worry about tomorrow, about what we shall eat or wear because God takes care of all of that. I think of my little ones, they have not one care in world that things won’t be taken care of, because mom and dad have that covered – no fear – just faith. This is how we are to be with our Heavenly Father – the Ultimate Parent. He takes cares of things that we tend to stress out about, and we don’t need to stress – because He’s got our backs. He’s kind of awesome like that. So, if you take a trip this summer, maybe reflect upon our Father who tends to know what is best for us and don’t worry because He’s got all things in His hands, and judging by the size of His hands, we’re right smack dab in the middle of them.
Here is a little song to sing as I close “He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got the whole wide world in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hand. He’s got you and me sister in His hands. He’s got you and me sister in His hands. He’s got you and me sister in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands.” So let’s be joyful along the journey of life because we have a Father who takes care of the big and small stuff.
SUMMER FUN HAMMOCK GIVEAWAY Enter to win our Ocean Stripe Hammock with matching carrying bag. valued at $30.00 Just go to: www.ablessedhome.com Just
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Contest begins July 1 and will end on July 31 . Winner will be notified by e-mail and A Blessed Home Facebook page on or around th August 12 , 2013. Open to residents of the US.
Delicious Blueberry Lemonade is just what’s on the menu for those hot summer days. It is a new and refreshing twist on an old time favorite.
INGREDIENTS:
1 ¼ CUPS SUGAR
1 CUP WATER
1 CUP LEMON JUICE
3 CUPS COLD WATER
1 CUP BLUEBERRIES
3 DROPS BLUE FOOD COLORING
HOW TO:
In small saucepan, add the 1 cup of water, sugar, and blueberries. Once sugar has dissolved, continue to simmer for 20 minutes. Extract the juice from 4-6 lemons. Combine lemon juice with the blueberry and sugar mixture. Add 3 cups of cold water. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Add 3 drops blue food coloring for an extra rich color. Adjust the amount of lemon juice, water and sugar to taste.
Summer is here and it is the perfect time for a Melanoma check. Melanoma is a skin cancer from a mole. There are two types of skin cancer melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. You can see melanoma on the skin which makes it easy to detect. It is very important to catch it in the early stages.
What to look for: *A mole you have never seen before just appears maybe a change in the shape or size of a mole and watch for color change. *A sore that does not heal or a spot or sore that becomes painful, itchy or tender or bleeds. * A mole or spot that looks shiny, waxy, smooth or pale. * A firm red lump that bleeds or appears ulcerated or crusty. *A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly. *A smooth flat black mole. *Look for one half of a mole or birthmark that does not match the other side. *Look at the border edges see if they are irregular, ragged, notched , or blurred. *Watch for diameter if larger than 6 millimeters (about Âź inch the size of a pencil eraser.)
How to prevent Melanoma: Do self-exams check your skin often. Look for new moles, blemishes, freckles so you will know if you see anything new. If you see anything that you are not sure about see your doctor or a good Dermatology doctor.
Stay away from tanning beds use broad spectrum sunscreen. Use one with a SPF of at least 30. Always reapply at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Wear sun glasses and seek shade often. Limit your direct exposure to sun especially between 10.A.M and 4.P.M. that is when the UV rays are strongest. Have a safe summer!
“The sun shall not smite (damage, destroy) thee by day nor the moon by night.� Psalm 121:6
A Blessed Home Away From Home Travel Series
By: Stephanie Stith
Have you ever heard the saying, “I like to visit, but would not want to live there.” Well, in my case it is just the opposite when it comes to Glen Rosé, Texas, as a matter of fact, if I could move there tomorrow, I would! This was one of the very first destinations my husband and I visited when we were dating and have been back many times since. I am not sure what draws me there, if it is the fact that I love going to the local Dairy Queen and watching how nearly every person who comes in knows each other and actually takes time to ask and genuinely seems interested. It could be that I love to go to Dinosaur Valley State Park. My husband and I attempted the “Orange Trail” at one point.. ugh, in Summer.. BAD IDEA! There is also a beautifully performed Passion Play every year, just at the end of Summer, in the outdoor ampatheatre. I want to encourage you if you are ever in the area make sure to stop by and experience this for yourself.
Hello A Blessed Home readers!!! I am writing to you today from Portland, Oregon, not in Motel Honda at the moment but resting for a few days thanks to the donation of a girl from my High School class in Red Bank, TN. I just finished preaching all over Washington State, and then Idaho for a day, now back in Oregon. Portland State University was the hardest campus yet. Students ripped up a New Testament bible and then set pages on fire as I preached. Welcome to my world. Campus Ministry has been a challenge to say the least. Recently, God had me preach in Eugene, OR outside where the Dalai Lama had sold out the Arena on campus with 11,000 people. The Holy Ghost spoke to me to drive there even though it was 100 miles away. When I arrived, there was a free speech area set up and no preachers. Once I had gotten set up, within 5 minutes the crowds poured out and the preaching began. For the next 45 minutes I had to fight for the faith. The sword of the spirit was raised and God spoke through me as I said, “Flee idolatry!” I tell those stories to remind us of the many false prophets in the last days. People love those "peace and safety and blessings are coming" speakers. They don't like people like me that say "Warning!!!" America is about to be judged." Earlier this year I preached for 4 days, hours at a time from outside a Catholic convention close to Disneyland. Hours went by and no one had Bibles, WHY? Why would anyone go to a religious meeting without bibles? Because the meeting was more about Catholicism than, "Thus saith the Lord." Where are the prophets of God? Where are the Elijah's and John the Baptist. So after 4 days of preaching to Catholics my heart was pierced for the Catholics. I was invited earlier this year to go preach in Rome, Italy. I did not even bother telling anyone or pray about it. July plane tickets I knew would be expensive. I had no faith that God would bless me with 2 trips to Europe in 1 year. I guess sometimes I think God has a blessing fence that goes up so far, I can’t seem to go over it. God is more concerned about the Gospel being preached and the message of the cross which is the Great Commission than anything else, that is for sure. The Great Commission is His idea and when he finds faithful people.....He will invest in them. So glad God watches me. Praise God!!! More Lord!!! On February 27, 2013 I called a friend of mine who is an ex Catholic. I told her about my burden for Catholics and how I wish I could go there and preach. I was hoping that someone would invite me. She said, “I think we can help you. Time is short and speaking out the way you do will not always be allowed.” She went for a walk and lunch with her best friend. Then said call me back later. As I was sitting in Panera Bread I got on paypal and much to my surprise there was $2,000in that account in just 3 hours. Whoa!!! Thank you God. I begin to weep right there at my table as I realized, this was my 14 anniversary of the DAY God called me to preach at the Brownsville Revival (2/27/1999). Last year I had gotten some books on Italy and a journal for Italy. God said, “NO, go to Berlin instead.” So, I obeyed Him. Of course that trip was amazing and God moved. So, my trip is paid for and I am leaving from Los Angeles on July 5th for Athens, Greece. I plan on going to Mars Hill to visit where Apostle Paul had his showdown with False Prophet in Acts 17. This reminds me of me taking on 11,000 people alone at Dalia Lama event. Praise God!!! Then want to visit Corinth and make videos too. I wish I had enough time to visit the island where John got the book of Revelation. It is only an 8 hour ferry ride to the island. Thankful big time though to even get Athens added to my trip. My supporters are ok with it, and they love all my videos, it makes them feel like they are with me.
July 10th I fly from Athens, Greece to Rome, Italy. There I will stay for the next 15 nights, then fly back to Los Angeles on July 25th. My car/my home "Motel Honda" will be left in the airport parking lot. Rome has a few campgrounds and hostels. I picked the cheapest cabin in the woods of Rome. The property is away from the city with a beautiful view, restaurants on site, wifi and pool. It will be close to 100 degrees, oh my goodness that is hot. I will be a part of a team of 5 and we are all street preachers and we all seem to be in Unity. Watch out Rome!!! The leader of the trip planned everything out for us already. Another guy is helping us plan other things such as: Western Union, phones, etc. It is so crazy that there is a New Pope there as we planned all of this. The New Pope just said last week that all people who are good get into Heaven, even Atheists. See what I am talking about, these HUGE leaders speaking such lies. Us little people do not like that and many of you are grieved too I am sure. Only the blood of Jesus washes away sins and good works will not save anyone. We will start off our first day visiting the Vatican as tourists and eat together. Then next 6 days we will preach all morning till lunch, take a break, then preach till supper time, and then go home. We will be at 10 different popular Rome sites that tourists and locals gather at. The Vatican has its own laws, so we have to preach nearby and not on site. When I get back, I will be taking all my belongings that are in storage in Riverside, Cal and moving to Chattanooga. TN. where my family is located. I plan on getting a home base. I want to travel next to the North East. Already working with a preacher to team up for this Fall.
May the Lamb of God receive the reward of His suffering. Because of Him, Angela Cummings Evangelist
I want to invite all of you to follow my journey into Greece from my You Tube channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/streetpreacherangela
In the book of Genesis it talks of how God would come and fellowship with His creation in the cool of the day. Although God can and wants to talk with us throughout the day, there is something special about the cool of the day or the evening time. Of course it is always a good idea to start your day out with prayer but when it comes to the evening , that is a perfect time to reflect back on your day and thank God for all He had done and brought you through. Your evening may be at the point where dinner is completed and the kids are off to bed but once you find yourself in the place where there are no distractions; it is then that your Sunset with God can begin.
MY RECOMMENDATION FOR AN AWESOME BOOK IS
“DEFYING AUTISM” by: Rebecca Wilhite
I ordered this book when I saw her on Sid Roth’s Supernatural T.V. program telling how God healed and set her son free from Autism. It was such a miracle, I just had to get this book so I could share with others what God had done in the lives of this family but mostly for the children, so they could be healed and set free. First of all, I will tell you that the devil will not want you to read this book. He knows if you do and you believe it, and get prayer for your child, then he has lost the hold he has on your child’s life and yours. He will do everything he can to stop you from buying or believing this book. God loves the little children as you can read in, Matthew 19:13-14, Mark 10:13-14 and, Luke 18:15-17. Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God. The word suffer here is Greek which means: allow, permit, let them come to me. In Mark 10:13-14, when Jesus’ disciples rebuked the people that brought the little child to him, it says that Jesus was much displeased. They even brought little infants to him for Jesus to touch and heal them. In Matthew 17:18-19, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-42 and, Luke 17:5-10 you can read about Jesus casting a demon out of a little boy. It says the little boy was cured from that time on. Is this not what you want for your child, to be set free and healed? A little child cannot help themselves, it is the parent’s responsibility to search out and get that help, just as the boys Dad in the Bible brought him to Jesus for help. Some parents will not accept the fact that Satan can or will attack a child, much less theirs. The word of God tell us that Jesus even cast demons out of children. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever the word says, but so is the devil. He still does the same things that he always did, attack people no matter if it is a man, woman or child it does not matter to him. Why do we think it is offensive to say that Satan and his demons are oppressing someone, but it’s o.k. to say they have a disease or mental illness? If Jesus stood before you and said, I want to heal your child, I am sure you would say Oh! yes Lord, but what if he said your child is oppressed by the devil and I must cast that old demon out who is oppressing them. Would you suddenly change your mind and say,”Well I don’t think it’s a demon Lord.
In Matthew 13:5-8 says he (Jesus) could do very little work because of their unbelief. So he just left. This is not because he wanted to leave them sick and oppressed, but because of their unbelief he could not help them. This is so sad to me; God’s word is true. Do you believe the Bible? In Acts it says Jesus of Nazareth This is one book the devil does went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of not want you to read. the devil. I am sure ALL means children too. This book will show you a day by day journey of this families struggles, frustrations all the things they did to try and get help for their beloved son. It not only shows you the love they have for their son, but the love Jesus has for him. After they had tried everything else, they found Jesus was the only answer. The Lord did a dramatic deliverance to heal their son. Karen tells about James her first born who was the apple of her eye. After he was eighteen months old she began to see little things she did not understand. As he got older, she saw more and more changes. Her greatest fear was that there would come a time when she would have to put him into an institution. When he went from a sweet and gentle child to a loud violent one doing bizarre things. When he started to hurt himself and she was afraid he would hurt others, that’s when she knew she had to do something. She just did not know what to do until one day a friend told her about a prayer group that prayed for people who were in bondage. She felt that this prayer group could help Karen and her son. She had tried everything else so she decided to go. Her and her son’s whole life changed. You must read about this incredible miracle. If you or someone you know has a child with Autism or something like Autism, you must read this book. God says you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. It’s a wonderful story of hope and promise for children with Autism.
Remember: Suffer the little children to come unto me and FORBID them not. Jesus loves the little children and he wants to heal them and set them free from the enemy. Please let him.
It’s better than a good read, it’s a miracle read. Rebecca Wilhite
The importance of The Lord’s Prayer started when I was about 9 years old. I had gotten this wild and crazy idea in my head that I could go into my parent’s kitchen, get a glass out of the kitchen cupboard, take it outside into the alley, break it on the ground, and no one would see me or know I did it. Those were my exact thoughts at the time…The very next day as I was sitting quietly on the couch (I didn’t know it at the time) but I was about to be convicted by the Holy Spirit (GOD KNEW!!!) As I started to cry profusely, my daddy saw me and he asked, “Honey, what is wrong?” and I told him; “Daddy, I feel like a bad girl, I feel like a bad girl.” I kept saying the same thing over and over; “I feel like a bad girl”, I was still crying as I continued telling him this. He then asked me to come and sit on his lap, and he began to tell me, “Do you know what I do when I feel this way?” I was still crying and my voice cracking as I said, “No daddy, what do you do?” And he said, “When I feel bad about something, I always say The Lord’s Prayer”… And so, I said the Lord’s Prayer with my daddy and I remember, I did feel much better about the situation. I knew I was forgiven by The Lord and that everything was going to be okay… I can’t tell you, how profoundly The Lord’s Prayer had impacted me from that day forward and for the rest of my life. It was the best Godly advice and counseling my daddy had ever given me. If my daddy only knew how much that GODLY COUNSELING has stayed with me ALL my life…My daddy passed away when I was 14… Several years later when I was 17 years old, I had met this guy, and I had only known him for about a month when one evening, he picked me up at my house to go on a semi-date to a local park. When we got there, we were walking along holding hands and then he took me to a secluded area of the park where I had never been before, even though I had been to this park 100’s if not 1000’s of times. We started kissing but then his tenderness and friendship quickly turned into unexpected 20aggressiveness as he began to try and rape me. I was struggling DESPERATELY to be set free from this guy but he was overpowering me…I then started to pray and say the “Hail Mary” (to myself) but nothing happened and if anything, it got worse. I then started to pray “The Lord’s Prayer” from Matthew 6:9-13 (again to myself). As soon as I got to the end of The Lord’s Prayer and began to say the words, “DELIVER US FROM EVIL” the man immediately jumped off and released me…He then proceeded to tell me (with urgency in his heart), he wanted to get me to a convenience store, so he could call a cab to get me home safely. When he said that, I thought, man you just tried to rape me and now you want to get me home “SAFELY”…???
I never saw this man again and I didn’t want to, but after this happened, I have often wondered who or what was in the park that dreadful evening that caused this man to let me go so quickly and with great concern for getting me home safe. It was by no accident that that man let me go at the very point I said, “DELIVER US FROM EVIL”. Even though I didn’t see or hear anything that night, I knew something had to have happened to that man for him to let me go so suddenly. I do believe he must have heard or seen something that I did not.
I do know this for a fact; I know God and the power of His Word and if you don’t know The Lord’s Prayer it would be very BENEFICIAL for you to learn and get it memorized…Matthew 6:9-13, God is no respecter of persons, in other words, God doesn’t play favorites, what He did for me in the park, He will do it for ALL to ALL those who will turn to Him in their time of crisis, ANY CRISIS!!!
GOD IS FAITHFUL TO ALL WHO WILL CALL UPON HIS NAME!!!
Pat Lewis Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
What is HEAVEN spelled backward? It is NEVAEH! This is one special little girl who just recently needed a bathroom makeover. This bathroom had been in the theme of dolphins for many years and needed a touch of Nevaeh style so, PURPLE IT IS! The first step was to remove the old wallpaper, then on to removing the tile from the wall. The bathtub, toilet, fixtures, and lighting were all replaced and the countertops re-finished. The most amazing part of the entire room was the lighting. The hanging fixture was removed and can lighting was placed throughout the bathroom.
Now for the final touches!
This special tissue box was made especially for Nevaeh. Look for the instructions on how to make your own tissue box on a A Blessed Home Blog Coming August 2013
I Want to be a Baby! by: Courtney Schneibs
N
ow before you roll your eyes and think, “Okay this woman has GOT to get out more!” and turn the page, hear me out. As I write this I begin to think what a baby is – he/she is pure love. There is no malice, no jealousy, no anger, no greed, just love. A baby is in essence: love. I look at my now 7 month old son. He is such a joy, laughs, smiles almost all the time, his eyes are big and bright, everything is new and amazing, and when I walk into the room, all of a sudden all he sees is me. Everything around him stops as he zeroes in on me with a look of dedication, awe, absolute love, and devotion. He depends on me for his every need, food, clothing, and the most important safety and love. He is tethered to me in a way no one else can be. Sometimes when he sleeps, he sleeps in a garment of mine, just because he can smell me on it and it brings him comfort. He is learning to crawl and one of the best ways to get him to crawl is for me to get down on the floor at his eye level and encourage him to come to me – which he does. There is nothing that is going to stop him from getting to me – a look of pure determination, that infectious grin, and then somehow one baby crawl after the other, he reaches his goal – me – his momma, and of course I immediately wrap him up in my arms, smile and smother him in kisses and hugs – exactly what he needs. Whenever I walk into the room – he catches my eye, smiles his big smile, his eyes light up and he’s happy – man, talk about a self-image booster – who would have thought I could mean so much to someone? Answer: Christ. As I look at my life through the eyes of my baby I can see so many qualities I desire to have when it comes to my relationship with Christ. Do my eyes light up when I talk about Christ, or when I meditate upon His written Word to me? Does my world revolve around Him, i.e. spending that quality prayer time and time just listening to His word renew me, cleanse me, and complete me?
Am I utterly dependent upon Christ for my every need? Do I trust Christ with my core being, just like my son trusts and loves me? I have a long way to go, but I hope that each day whether I deem them good or bad, I continue to strive to love Him in a small fraction of the way I know He loves me. The most humbling thing to learn about Christ is that He doesn’t just look at me from afar, rather He actually gets down on my level, and sometimes that level is at floor level because that is exactly where I’m at – on the floor, flat out on my tummy. Life sometimes has a way of doing that to us – knocking the wind out of us, causing our knees to buckle so that we collapse face forward on the ground, but the amazing thing is that Christ is right down there with us –not letting us stay there but encouraging us to take one baby step towards Him. Our eyes firmly sealed upon the face of Christ, that’s all we see when we begin to move, one baby crawl after the other until finally we are standing, and then walking once again. I think the Lord is truly wise to have said, to have faith like that of a child – because no one- no one has more faith than that of a child. They don’t worry about when they’re going to eat next because they know they will be fed, they don’t worry about not being warm because they know they will be and they don’t have to worry about not being loved, because they know they are. I need/want this in my daily life to know in absolution that Christ is my core - my very essence: love, that He will feed and clothe me – not so much in the material sense but more so in the spiritual sense. He covers me with His wings, He walks with me through the valleys, and He guides me in His truths. Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me Yes Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so. This. Is. Truth.
So, yes I want to be like my 7 month old son in relation to my walk with Christ.
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