Irene

As we prepare for the possibility of feeling the effects of Irene "up north" I remember childhood years of going through such storms, getting excited over the fact that my mom would be cooking our meals over her special stove with kerosene we purchased at the local hardware store.  Yesterday I was in WalMart - and was quickly transported back by the remembered scents of that stove, the delicious foods she prepared by the light of her kerosene lantern, with water she had collected and stored in every available container.  It sounds difficult, I'm sure it was harder for her than for my brother Nelson and I.  For us it was an adventure!  I loved turning on the kerosene lamps (I still have hers) walking around in the safety of the home she made, in the safety of her arms.  Because frankly, when she was around, nothing could hurt me.  My mom was the epitome of strength in a tiny body.  Someone asked me the other day how I came to be a feminist - my immediate response was, "My mom..."  At a time when being independent was frowned upon, Gloria stood six feet tall!  

I admire her still.  Her security would later become the Lord's presence.  He carried her through hardships - even while she was evacuating her home in preparation for a hurricane in Puerto Rico, with my dad, who was almost bed bound with Alzheimer's.  She was still standing strong!

My mom taught me to be resourceful and tenacious.  So yesterday at WalMart I went into "Gloria" mode seeking any item that could be used during the coming storm.  There are times when I ask myself, "What would mami do?"  Now it's seasoned with, "Lord what do You want me to do?"  Because you see Gloria came to know the Lord and taught me about Him.

So today, if you find yourself afraid of Irene, you have reason to be.  I won't tell you it'll be fine, that it won't be frustrating or scary.  But here's my question to you - "Where does your strength come from?"  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

Don’t Think Now, Take the Road

“And Peter …walked on the water to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid.
Matthew 14:29-30

          The wind was boisterous, the waves were actually high, but Peter did not see them at first.  He did not reckon with them, he simply recognized his Lord and stepped out in recognition of Him, and walked on the water.  Then he began to reckon with the actual things, and down he went instantly.  Why could not our Lord have enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves as well as on the top of them?  Neither could be done saving by recognition of the Lord Jesus.

          We step right out on God over some things, then self-consideration enters in and down we go.  If you are recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where He engineers your circumstances.  The actual things are, but immediately you look at them you are overwhelmed, you cannot recognize Jesus, and the rebuke comes: “Wherefore didst thou doubt?”  Let actual circumstances be what they may, keep recognizing Jesus, maintain complete reliance on Him.

          If you debate for a second when God has spoken, it is all up.  Never begin to say – “Well, I wonder if He did speak?”  Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him. You do not know when His voice will come, but whenever the realization of God comes in the faintest way imaginable, recklessly abandon.  You will only realize His voice more clearly by recklessness.

From: My Utmost for His Highest

As I read this devotional today, I realized how much I needed an intimate touch from the Lord.  Did that ever happen to you?  You think things are ok; the car starts, the fridge is stocked, the bible study went well, hey - you even made it to church twice this week.  But, is that all?  Where's the depth of our relationship with Jesus? 

Like most people, moments of desperation lead to a bending of the knees (whether figuratively or physically) that has been lacking for a while...this morning was one of those times.  Gustavo is off again; "he's leaving on a jet plane, ..." (lyrics adjusted)  Maybe you're too young to remember that song; he's leaving - seems that's what he does - and he won't be back the same.  Bible College returned a young man that loves God and will do WHATEVER He asks of him.  Good?  Of course!  Price?  Indeed!  Worth it?  You guessed it - yes! 

But...what about the heart that is not trusting enough, not peaceful, that longs for simpler times of reading to the little boy late at night?  Well, that heart better get its eyes back on Jesus.  And that's what Oswald Chambers did for me this morning.

Like Peter, I have been looking at this date (my storm) with dread.  Why?  I left that door open, the one that leads to doubt, and in it came...I should say they!  All the "what if's".  They are legitimate because they are mine, but they have no business within the heart that is set on the Lord's will.  And so off I go to walk on water.  To put my complete trust in God and His plans for my dear son.  Off I go as I live through Gustavo in those far away places I've heard of and admired in pictures.  And He will be there with my son.  I can trust him to share those moments through Skype, email, and Facebook; and I can trust Him to be by his side through it all and bring back a man that has walked closely with Jesus.  

So when I fear the future and what it will bring, I must remember that all that Luis and I did was to prepare him for this moment.  To walk far and long, for and with, Jesus.  To fly far away from the nest and land at His feet safe and sound!