Glory in Him: May 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Thoughts on My Brother, Oscar

My brother, Oscar lives in Mexicali, Mexico with his wife, Julieta. I don't visit much - I really don't know why. Lately the LORD has been placing three of my brothers (I have four brothers) on my mind and heart. My heart longs for them to have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. This weekend we finally got the opportunity to go and visit him. I can't explain to you how it feels to see my baby brother (I'm the youngest, and he is a few years older than me) come to greet me. I see a man ravaged by all the effects of sin. I see a man hopeless and without joy; a man that has absolutely no hope; a man that feels so lonely and so useless...

This picture of me and my brother. My heart years for him to KNOW that he is loved...that he has a purpose. My heart longs for him to experience LIFE, real life in and through Jesus Christ who alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

I found this picture of Oscar when he was little. What happened to this little boy? What happened that has made his life a living hell? Did he have hopes, dreams, desires? Did he ever dream of being a movie star, an athlete, someone famous? Did he ever dream of playing with his children, of having a beautiful home? God, the enemy of our souls truly does come to steal, kill and destroy. But, Father, You are greater! God touch my brother's life. Please lift him from the miry clay and set his feet upon the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. Give Him Your abundant life and show him that you do love him and have a purpose and a plan for him.

If you are so led, please put my brother on your prayer list. Thank you so much.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Our First Ladies Family Tea

The LORD put it on my heart to have a tea for all of my nieces. At first it was just a thought - a scary thought. Me, give a tea? What do I do? How? Will they come? Many, many questions and doubts. However, I just couldn't shake the thought. So I prayed, then I prayed some more. The LORD kept confirming it. Then it all started to come into place. At this time I was doing the Study of Esther, so I shared it with the ladies in my study. They were all excited and began to pray for me and the tea. Then one sister-in-the-LORD let me borrow china, another let me borrow table linens and so it went - the excitement began and continued. The day finally came and went. I believe all who attended were blessed. I know I was blessed by seeing all their beautiful faces. To God be the glory!

Poems

From http://www.devotions.com/ (author unknown)
It’s sometimes very difficult for us to understand the wisdom and the love behind the things that God has planned.

But we wouldn’t have the rainbow if we didn’t have the rain; We wouldn’t know the pleasure if we never tasted pain.

We wouldn’t love the sunrise if we hadn’t felt the night; And we wouldn’t know our weakness if we hadn’t sensed God’s might.

We couldn’t have the springtime or the yellow daffodil if we hadn’t experienced the winter’s frosty chill.

And though the brilliant sunshine is something God has made. He knew too much could parch our souls so He created shade.

So God’s given us a balance: enough joys to keep us glad, enough tears to keep us humble, enough good to balance bad.

And if you’ll trust in Him you’ll see though yesterday brought sorrow, the clouds will part and dawn will bring a happier tomorrow.

E-mailed by a Friend (author unknown)
"THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW"
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.