I See You There

I see you there, my sweet, little pink bundle of joy..all rosy, with chubby little thighs and that newborn scent. I see you as you successfully wrap your daddy's heart around your little finger. I see you there all squashed-up in your big brother Jordan's arms...him smooching your precious cheek, wanting you to go play even though you can't even crawl. I see you there, in my arms, a little girl, my daughter. What fun I'll have dressing you up. How blessed I feel as I look into your precious face.

I see you there all dressed up coming to see your new born sister, you were just a baby, yourself, but you loved her and wanted to hold her all of the time. I see you as try to get her off my lap, clamoring for my attention. I see you as you suddenly look so much bigger and older compared to your baby sister. Your blue little blankie rarely leaves your side and if we do happen to misplace it...we turn the house upside down looking for it, especially at nap time. I feel you next to me as we snuggle together on the couch reading your favorite book over and over again.

I see you there with your long, golden curls and your bright blue eyes, standing on the front step, a Little Mermaid backpack on your shoulders. Your first day of kindergarten. You are so ready to go to school. You so much want to learn and be like your older brother. How will my little girl get along those few hours without me?

 I see you there, playing dress-up with your little sister, Jena, bossing her around, always making her be the bridesmaid while you are always the bride. I hear you as you play, your little girl voice trailing off to pretend-land as you constantly dream up something with your siblings. I see you there, as the dolls come out less, the tea-parties stop and you spend more time with your art, music and your friends. I pack away the "little girl" toys, your clothes consist of things you pick out...you care about what you look like now.

 I see you there, my daughter, behind the wheel of a car and I am the most terrified that I've ever been as a mother. I cannot stand the thought of you on the roads, being that independent. Sixteen. Shouldn't you still be in a car seat? Utterances of relief and gratitude leave my lips every time you safely pull the car back into the driveway.

I see you there, and you are stunning. Your black and white prom dress fits you so perfect. You are graceful and elegant...no more pretend dress-up, this is for real. I see you as you drive away with your date and friends. I see you, after you come home, sitting on the edge of my bed, chattering away about your glamorous night.

 I burst with pride as you receive your high school diploma from your father. Educated at home since you were in fourth grade allowed such wonderful moments with you. And there were those not-so-pleasant moments. We butted-heads more than once and there were days, I thought you were going to put me in an early grave...but, we made it and here you are, delivering your senior speech. I'm touched by your words.

I am overcome as I see you there at the piano, playing, singing, worshiping your heart out. Oh, how gifted the Lord made you with creativity and that voice! You have blessed so many with your ability to play the piano and bring glory to his name with your singing. So often, I find myself worshiping right along with you...sometimes sitting next to you, sometimes, in the next room on my knees.

I watch you board that plane. Eighteen is so young to leave home on your own. I pray as I  hand my baby over to missionary work for a few months in another country. Your beloved, Mexico awaits you.

I move you in and out of college dorms and each time, and wonder how in the world you manage to keep your room so tidy when at home you can't seem to even make your bed. It is strange to have you gone, your room is quiet, too quiet. I knew this day would come, you are meant to leave, to find your own way. You are meant to fulfill what God had in mind for you...still, it seems like you should be playing on the floor, American Girl doll clothes spread out all over the place, pretending with your sister.

I see you there, standing with this guy you've met. He can't hardly breathe for fear of making a wrong move in front of us. We are glad he's so cautious. I see you there, as we hide behind a concrete wall, along the downtown canal on the moon-filled night. A guitar is playing, someone is singing your favorite song...and Brandon's knee hits the ground, a ring comes out and a life-changing question is asked. I realize that the piano will no longer sing to me, daily. I will miss your music filling our home. I will miss your voice. We pack up your room. Your things are getting put away in your new home - you are preparing to leave for good. One last night before your wedding. One last time I tuck you in. One last time your daddy kisses his little girl good night before he hands her over to someone else.

I see you there, my precious little girl all dressed up as a bride...only this time, you are the bride for real and Jena is beside you...you girls have practiced this moment for years. I watch as your daddy walks into to see his daughter - all ready for the ceremony. Tears melt down his face. I see you, walking down the aisle on his arm, beaming, eyes on your groom. I see you as you speak a vow to a man you have committed your heart to and my heart is overflowing.

I see as you and your husband get into that car on the cold December night, I'm saying good-bye to my little girl as she leaves for her honey-moon. How quickly times has passed. Wasn't it just yesterday that I thought would never get a full night's sleep because of midnight feedings? Didn't you just bring me a bunch of dandelions to the front door? Wasn't it just a moment ago when I watched you take your first step?

I see you there, my blooming daughter as you anticipate life! You rub your belly and talk to little Ezra, you are over the moon with excitement and think you'll burst if you don't get to hold him in your arms soon.
I see you there, my precious gift from God...about ready to receive the most precious gift yourself!

I'll see you there, my Kristen, as you hold your son for the first time, experiencing a love that you never dreamed you could possess. I'll see you there, I cannot imagine the emotions that will well up inside of me as I watch my daughter cradle her baby, as you and your beloved, become a family of three.

I see you there, and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be your momma!

Ahh...That's Nice

Wait! What is this? Joy, are your finally getting a secret dream fulfilled with a DIY decorating blog? Nah...just thought I'd use this awesome combo as a little prop for my blog talk today. I'm contemplating using my common pics to do this every Friday ('cause that's kinda how my brain works in the every day realm)...I see, I think, I write and attempt to make a point.

The above antique buffet was my husband's grandparents. Back in the day, it was a stunning, dark wood piece. My kids and mere life took its toll and it went from stunning to stunned. I asked my husband years ago if I could paint it, an off-white, (of course). He quickly responded with a "No". Every year, I asked. Every year, "No." Until this year!

I'm not a patient person. I have issues in the "waiting dept." especially when it comes to re-purposing furniture or decorating. I could have just started sanding when he wasn't home. I could have nagged him to death. I could have ignored his "no" and claimed I didn't hear him. I coulda, but I didn't. There was a time, when I really wasn't too concerned with what my husband wanted, I thought I knew best. Especially about the kids and the things around the house. The bottom line was I didn't respect him enough to consider how he felt about things, especially things like a piece of furniture.  The bottom, bottom line was, I didn't respect him.

The day he agreed to painting the buffet, was the day that baby went out into the garage! I was so excited, I sanded and sanded until my arms ached. I chose a lovely eggshell white and began to gloss that paint over that worn out piece. After one coat, my husband told me that I had good vision, it was a wise decision. Oh, I was feeling good. Between coats of paint I went to a barn sale. The guy had stuff in his barn that he didn't even bother to drag out. I ventured in and was delighted to find the old piece that you see on the wall in the above photo (taken by Katie one of my amazing photo-graphers - along with Micala). He gave it to me for $5.00. I was feeling even better! It took some elbow grease, but it was worth it. I left the original paint, with its crackled edge (cause that's my style) and admired my amazing antique piece to go along with the buffet. It was a match made in heaven!

Once the buffet was dry and my strong men brought her back in, beloved husband secured the (very heavy and sturdy) mirrored shelf. Oh, it was gorgeous! I wasted no time filling the buffet drawers with my antique linens, the top and shelves with my favorite old and new glass/white pieces.

It was worth the wait...for my husband to give me his blessing. The point isn't if the buffet was left alone or painted, the point is, it meant a lot to my man that I didn't hound him about it. He appreciated the fact that I didn't stomp my feet and demand my way. There are times, even when it doesn't make sense to us, we can bless our husbands by simply letting them know we trust them!

Sometimes....trusting our husbands looks like not giving in to nagging, whining, slamming doors, giving them the cold shoulder or withholding. Sometimes, our husbands are wise in their decisions. Sometimes, they have reasons beyond what we see. Sometimes, they even know what is best. Even when you can't trust your husband, you can trust God to deal with him...easier said than done, I know. But if you think about how trusting your husband really means bypassing that trust into God's hands...it makes sense.

My man also appreciated the fact that I did the work myself. I'm always dragging something home because I have a "vision" for it. Most of the time, he's great about my little projects, but he's even more delighted and blessed when I take initiative and fix it myself.

Sometimes, it doesn't take years to get a "yes," and there are times, when I do try to negotiate with him. But I've learned that manipulating and attempts to control DO NOT WORK - they only drive a wedge in our relationship. When I show my husband that I trust him (which is actually trusting God), it brings a glorious dimension to our marriage that I never thought I'd see. My husband has responded to me in ways he didn't before - because I've learned to show him respect, he's way better at the affection and affirmation I need.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1

When Your Soul Cries Out

When your soul cries out, when the deepest anguish rises from the pit of your stomach, the pit of your soul, when you beg God to intervene...to save a child, save a marriage, heal, restore, redeem, rescue...He listens, He is there.

When you feel broken in a million pieces and you can't find one single piece that is whole any longer...He lifts them off the ground, out of your hands.

When you think you have disappointed everyone around you and have failed to the point of being forsaken and labeled by everyone...He still calls you his beloved.

When you have no idea where to turn or how any of this will work out, when hope seems to have faded away completely...He still causes the sun to rise each morning, breath to fill your lungs.

When you realize that you are desperate, desperate for God, that you will fail and wander away from Him over and over...He never tires of wooing you back to Him.

"I see your pain, I see your doubt, I haven't forgotten you. There is nothing you can do that will cause my love to change for you. I fought for you, I gave my life for you. My love is pure, my love has rescued you...let me take the broken in your life.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15

Today, I tucked one of her little girls into the car seat. She had fallen asleep in my arms. Her other precious daughter, was strapped into her seat. I spoke encouragement and reminded her that God would be with her, I prayed for her and we held onto one another as she wept. She's heading home to see family, out-of-state for a few days. Her husband has left. She is broken in a million pieces. Her soul cries out. Her heart aches. Her little girls are stressed and confused. Another marriage that I'm hoping God will restore. Another glimpse of how fragile life is and how it can change so quickly. The Lord is our hope, it is her only hope. But by hoping in God and God alone, you place your million pieces and broken heart into the hands of a Creator who is not only long-suffering, kind and gentle with his sheep, He is also the majestic lion...He will fight for you. The God who spoke earth, moons, stars, every life into existstance cares, he will move every one of them to get to your million pieces. He will move on your behalf.

God move among your people, move among the hearts of man. We cry out with desperate pleas ....we are a broken and needy people. You are our only hope.

We're in Trouble

The economic situation is depressing, the moral decline of our society, sobering, but the most heart breaking is the condition of marriages and families. People we're in trouble! The past few weeks, I've sobbed and cried my eyes out over the married couples who are close to us...in trouble, in crisis, in the pits! I've spent hours on the phone and hours counseling women. While filming the video, one particular day, I told one of the members of the film crew that it was a good day for "B" role (no interviewing, just background) because my eyes were so puffy and swollen from crying night after night. Poor me, right? No. I just happen to know the intense and immeasurable soul wrenching sorrow that one feels when their marriage isn't right. Truth is...it's poor "us."

We are in such a sad state of society (church community included) that we have tossed our vow, our commitment around like the old fast food sack in the back seat of the car.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "If God can slop up the mess that my husband and I made of our marriage, he can clean up yours!" It's never too late! I don't care how badly you've hurt each other or what has been said and done. God is bigger than your sin and your spouses' sin! Your marriage is worth fighting for!

I don't forgot the sin that was done to me. My husband doesn't forget about the sin done to him.  But we CHOOSE to forgive, to move on, to allow MERCY to run rampant in our lives! We didn't have the will or the power to forgive. We don't have it, still today. What we do have is the Holy Spirit helping us, empowering us to be able to FORGIVE!

Let's face it, we are all sinners. So that means that you are married to a sinner and your spouse (though you may feel they are the most blessed to have you) is married to a sinner! Sobering thought, isn't it? Cause when you consider all the lame-brain ways your spouse has treated you, all the ways they have been inconsiderate, selfish, lazy and ignorant...you have to come to terms with ....you! I'm a sinner - Christ died for my sins. He was INNOCENT and paid my ransom. I didn't deserve it. That's MERCY! Yet, God forgives me, allows me an opportunity to have communion with him. That's extending His GRACE!

We sinful creatures can really make a mess of our lives and we are good at making messes for others. So much so we can end up with a mess of a marriage. But! Let's review....God is in the business of cleaning it up...that's the grace and mercy again.

My swollen, puffy eyes implore you, my breaking heart begs you....Drop to your knees and surrender - your life, your marriage to Him. Give him your mess. Hand it over -nasty heap that it is...He'll gladly accept it and create something that will take your breath away. Even if your spouse isn't willing to pray, get help, or change, you can still - stop, drop and pray - and give God your part of the mess!

Please, don't throw your vow out like last week's french fries you find in the back seat of the car. Your marriage is worth fighting for!

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25 

 DARE YOU PRAY: WHO WILL RESCUE THIS MARRIAGE FROM DEATH? THANKS BE TO GOD - THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD  - HE WILL!

Hey, That Old Guy is My Dad!

I ran into Kroger today. I had just enough time to make my swath through the aisles and get back home before the school bus came. Coupons in hand, I was on a mission to remain devoted to my short, stick-to-it list. I was distracted by an old man wearing the typical old man, greenish/gray sweater. The kind that zips up in the front, Mr. Rogers style.  He was using a cane and moving very slowly. He was adorable...then I realized it was my own dad!

He was going in through the exit door, just what you would expect from an old man. But, he's not any old man, he's my old man. Apparently, mom was doing some grocery shopping and he was wandering in to find her. I pushed my cart through the produce, dashed from one item to the next and ventured to the front. I discovered mom in the check-out lane while Dad was slowing maneuvering his way from the pharmacy...getting prescriptions filled, as usual.

There's something about seeing a sweet old guy, hobbling along with a cane. But when its your dad, hobbling, and being old...it isn't so sweet, its more, sad. I see him in his element, at home, on the farm. My eyes, my emotions and senses are familiar with seeing him getting around slowly there. But it was kinda shocking to see him out in the real world...being old. We associate old with, let's be honest, death. I just lost a brother.  I don't want to think about losing my Dad. I want to be able to talk to him, kiss him on his bald head, hear his stories and his giggling laugh. I don't want him to be old and fragile. I want him to be vibrant, strong and young. I want to see him move with ease and be able to work those long farm hours and still be able to keep going. I want the ever-growing-closer reality of him being gone to not be a reality.

Dad spends a lot of time in his chair and he loves it when someone comes to visit. He can talk for hours. He'll tell you about the good 'ole days, he'll offer you advice, he'll make you laugh and he'll give a good dose of common sense laced with immense wisdom. He's got time now to talk and to share. He's can't work long and hard. He's available. He's right there, waiting for one of his kids to show up and in his own way, love on them. He's right there, sitting across from mom as she crochets her heart out. He'll wind up the yarn into a big ball for her as she uncoils a new scan. She literally has him wrapped around her heart - with a big bunch of hot pink yarn! Cancer has tormented his body as well as a bad heart and other health issues, but he's here. Most of the time, he's there...sitting next to mom.

There will come a day, when God moves him to a new address, a glorious homecoming. He won't be old any longer, he'll be more alive than ever. He won't battle with knees and hips that don't cooperate. He won't yearn to be out planting and harvesting and moving cattle...he'll be in the presence of the King. But, right now, I've got my old man and  I'm going to enjoy every beautiful moment with him. As he hobbles, I'll walk right along side, as he rocks in his chair, I'll sit next to him, as he tells his stories and talks about how to do just about anything in life, I'll be making mental notes. And as he continues to breathe the same air as I do, I'm going to continue to be grateful to God for the most wonderful old man, (in my opinion) that has ever graced the earth.

I have the comfort of knowing where my dad is going, when God moves him from this earth. Do you have that comfort with your parents, siblings, spouse, children, or friends....if not - KEEP PRAYING! Don't give up, don't stop planting tender seeds. It is not your responsibility to convict them - that's God's job, but you can love them, you can pray, you can be a witness.

Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Momma's Wanted!

Yup. He can be a momma's boy. He can rough and tumble in the yard, pretend to race motorcycles, climb a tree, spit in the grass, plow his tractors through the dirt, but when it's all said and done...he wants to know where his momma's at.

There's comfort in a hug, a smile, a look, that says, "you're OK kid." There's healing in taking the time to be around with his trucks and cars under my feet, to listen to his silly jokes that makes no sense, to watch him ride his bike for the millionth time,  - even when there are a million and one things to do.

There's love that is spoken when you get to have a cupcake even if you didn't eat every last bite of your green beans, you have to write thank you notes for birthday and Christmas gifts, when your mom makes you brush your teeth without washing off all the toothpaste first, when you always get tucked in at night with snuggles and hugs.

There's the Gospel message being lived out in every family that is willing to take one child, saying, "yes" to James 1:27...not desiring comfort and what is easy, but rather willing to do what is often hard and exhausting. Choosing to love the forgotten and broken often grows a radical faith...cause you often have to run to Jesus because it can get so hard.

There's tremendous, countless blessings in taking a child, who knew no momma and giving him one that will be there when he comes in all dirty and sweaty from playing outside. He isn't asking for a perfect momma and that's a good thing because I'm not and there is no such thing. He just wants and needs to know that when he needs her he can find her.

Is there a boy or girl somewhere in the world

looking for a momma

 and YOU happen to be the one they are looking for?

Defend the Fatherless

In These Uncertain Times

My daughter-in-law had never seen the show, The Waltons, before the other night. When she did get a quick chance to view some of the show, she surprisingly remarked that the kitchen (1930/40's era) looked like mine...it was the highest complement! I've worked hard making my kitchen look like classic "farmhouse." Included on a shelf are a couple of framed pages from a notebook I found when we moved into our home. My husband's grandparents made a lot of notes within those pages. It is a fascinating glimpse into their Depression era life.

The above photo shows the page that has a pickling recipe on the bottom and on the top, some carefully written notes from hay and hogs being sold and the price they brought. It's dated, December, 1929 - three months after the stock market crash...the Great Depression had begun.

I wonder if Grandpa McClain was worried about how they were going to survive when he was writing those figures. Was he fretting about how he had to stretch the money that had just come in until more hogs were ready to sell? Was there going to be enough to pay the bills, buy coal for heating, have enough to buy the coming year's seed for planting? Did he have enough to keep food in the bellies and clothes on the backs of his two growing boys? No doubt, he and his wife were a frugal pair. They lived off the land as much as they could and they didn't waste anything. Still, money had to be a concern in the looming economic uncertainty...well, we can identify with that today with the condition of our nation's bank account. Not to mention the debt that is drowning individual households.

My husband's grandparents made it through the depression and into the next World War. Scary and uncertain times...man has always faced them. It is no different today. It seems like everywhere we look today we see chaos,crumbling and decaying societies and morals. It is enough to make you get out your notebook and attempt to write down everything you have control over ....or you hope to have control over. 

Though we may face times of tribulation - actually, Jesus promises us - we will have tribulation in this life - we know that HE has overcome the world! For the believer, that is very good news because no matter how uncertain life becomes, God's plan will not, cannot, be thwarted!

The pages of the old McClain notebook are worn and tattered - they will not last forever, but the Word of God will! Financial situations can change - trials and tribulations will and do come, but God never changes, He is your one constant ...you can bank on it.

No matter what is coming our way, no matter the financial turmoil or breakdown of the family unit - leading to a breakdown in society...God is still God. He will not change. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. He knows the situation of your checking account better than you do! He knows what's coming and isn't surprised by by any tribulation you face. When Grandpa and Grandma McClain were scribbling down their meager budget and frugal recipes, God was there...He knew the outcome. He knows where we are headed too - and He will be there...you can bank on it!

Wrapped Up

Filming is finished. No more attempts to keep hair and make-up fresh, no more wardrobe changes every little bit. I'm back with my hair piled on my head, my face bare and my comfy, "normal" clothes back on. We endured drenching, early morning dew, ice-cold rain, long hours and glorious moments that God allowed - breathtaking views during sun-rise hours my eyes don't normally witness and sweet times of fellowship while working on this project.

I'm by nature, a very private person. Although I split the core of my being open as I write, I'm not one to invite others into my "space" for an extended time - especially with lights and cameras! The invasion of "the crew" into our lives was  a glorious, although exhausting time. I so appreciated their commitment and integrity to deliver the highest quality video while not compromising the comfort of those being filmed.  Nathan, Katie, Cheree, TJ and Hugh are anointed and extremely gifted and I will never look at film the same - not even a short commercial - the work that goes into each shot, the layering, the details...I have learned much and appreciate more!

The video will premier at the True Woman Conference in Indianapolis in September, just a few weeks after the book is officially released. From there, it will be seen on my blog, on the Revive Our Heart website as well as the Moody site, I believe. I try not to think about everything very much. It's that privacy thing I guess and knowing that I'm basically dust...only good thing in any of us is Christ. I'm grateful to God for how He chooses to use a message of redemption to encourage others. I mostly, praise Him for his continued grace in my life. I cannot go one day without his mercy and faithfulness. Truth be known - neither can you!

Though the film crew did an amazing job, though God has opened many unbelievable doors with the book and video...the most remarkable thing is that I am loved by the Creator of the Universe. NOTHING compares to knowing Christ - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

A new and  improved blog will be coming in the next few weeks, for that, I'm extremely grateful! Readers will be grateful too because it will be much easier to read, with much more to offer! I got a preview the other day and squealed with delight...nothing like an awesome new blog site to make a blogger happy!

No matter what wonderful blessings you can count - no matter how great or small, remember - NOTHING COMPARES!

Day 1 of Shooting video for Revive Our Hearts and book promo

See that white chair in the middle of my living room? Notice its surrounded by lots of equipment. Someone had to sit in that chair with the cameras, lights and crew. Someone had to talk about times of struggle, times of sorrow and times of making mistakes.

Today, I got a little glimpse of what it must be like for those glorious 'ol patriarchs in the Old Testament...where all they did is on display for thousands of years and still is, for us to read and ponder how they could miss the mark so many times. Of course, they would be all about glorifying God - glad to allow their failures to give us a better picture of Christ.

Just like the followers of Christ in the New Testament - those like Peter who we see being hard-headed, quick to judge, quick to be irrational and deny Christ...my dirty laundry was flapping in the breeze today. Actually, my husband and I must have made quite the clothesline scene with the laundry we hung out today. At least Mark got to shoot his segment in the garage (sure wish we would have spent some time cleaning out there!)

A lusting David, a quick-to-anger Peter, a despairing Jonah...humans doing human things, making human mistakes. Things haven't changed much...we are still humans doing human things, making human mistakes. At least that is how it is in the McClain household. Who would have thought that the nasty mess we had made of our lives would one day be something that could bring God glory in the end? But, God, since that first rebellion in the garden, has made a way for man's mistakes. God is in the business of restoring and redeeming.

God's in the slopping-up-your-mess business!

As we move into another day of shooting, Mark and I are relieved that we lived through day one! We have an anointed and amazing crew taking good care of us and a faithful Father who not once has forgotten us - no matter if we are watching our marriage crumble, weeping over the glorious restoration of our family or sitting in a chair - in the middle of lots of equipment spilling our guts...so that God may be glorified.

Years ago, who would have dreamed that God would use HIS story in our lives to encourage others! Don't think for one moment that the tribulation you face now won't be used in ways that you cannot fathom! There is purpose in your pain - to draw you closer to Christ, increase your faith and so that you in-turn, can minister to others who struggle.

Some day you just might find yourself sitting in a chair in your living room!

Perspective from a 92 year old woman

We went to see my husband's cousin a few days ago. Jane lived two houses down from us all of our married life. She was a wonderful influence in my children's lives. Now, she's in an assisted living facility. She weighs about 80 pounds. Every bone in her body is protruding and pronounced. Her hair which she always kept so well groomed and beautiful is mostly gone. Her gaunt face still has the redemption of her sweet smile. She's had a catheter for three years and getting out of bed any more is almost impossible. Although she still wears some of her most favorite jewelry every day, Jane is waiting to die.

Her mind, though, is sharp as a tack!

Jane is so incredibly frail and weak and has the most incredible positive attitude - always has.
Though her body is failing, her gratitude remains, "There are a lot of people worse off than me," she quietly says matter-of-fact. She's right, but a lot of people who are not near as bad off as her, are filled with utter despair. If only they could spend some time with sweet and precious Jane!

We told Jane that we would come again soon and do some music for her - she so enjoys that. We asked her what she'd like to hear and she wanted to hear some hymns. One in particular. Unfortunately, Jane doesn't receive visits from her pastor and hasn't for years. She feels a little forgotten by those she used to serve in the church, but she's confident that God hasn't forgotten her. I asked Jane what her favorite song was and she quickly responded, "Oh, My Tribute!" I couldn't recall the song that went along with the title so she recited the chorus lyrics for me,

To God be the glory,
To God be the glory,
To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.
With His blood He has saved me,
With His power He has raised me,
To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.

I asked Jane if there were any others that were her favorites and she looked squarely at me and responded, "This song says it all, to God be the Glory!" That was that. Jane in her frail and dying body sits positionally in a glorious place - a place where many of us healthy young folks miss....it really is all about God - and He is worthy of the glory and our praises!

Most Glorious and Good Friday

"It is finished." Most glorious words spoken.

Trembling, creation holds its breath as His heart gently thumps one last time.
His gasping chest has ceased to demand air. No more utterances, moans or whispers from his parched and swollen mouth. Dried and crusted blood stain the ground below.

Silence.

All of creation had waited, anticipated this moment when that heart would make one final beat... it had been set into motion thousands of years before.

Abraham, taking his son, Isaac, his one and only son to the place where he would offer Isaac as a sacrifice in obedience to God, is questioned by his son..."the fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham responds, "God himself will provide the lamb for the bunt offering."

Standing in the Jordan River, John, dripping wet from baptizing those who had heeded his message, "Repent," looks up and sees Jesus coming closer. John's entire life, the very purpose of his days have been to prepare the people for the one he announces, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

Creation holds it's breath. The heart begins to beat again. Air fills the once gasping lungs. Strong legs and arms move without hindrance. The voice powerful enough to speak stars into existence cannot be quieted. God himself provided the lamb of sacrifice, which was slain and has now, risen!

Silence will be no more, all of creation, that has waited and watched...beyond that final breathe, beyond that final heart beat....beyond the magnificent words, "It is finished," beyond the empty grave...finally, the Lamb will return as the final curtain is drawn...creation will burst forth in glorious song,

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"..."To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!"
Rev. 5:12, 13.