Loving My Children

we walk in a wasteland where flowers weep & widows wonder why while empty arms cry & each step seems steep to our stumbling feet we fight back sorrow who long for tomorrow & words feel weak to reach the meek those who seek spring in white winter when a baby’s wail softens the trail piercing our ears with his presence: Emmanuel, Jesus is with us

For months, Psalm 40:17 sat prominently on my kitchen windowsill where I could see it easily while washing dishes. Now the paper's folded and torn, and the ink's bled and faded, but the words remain. In a relentless season, they were my confession and prayer. Each word still rings so true in my heart: "As for me, I am poor and needy." Yes, this is who we are. We're poor and needy people, desperate in every way for the help that only Jesus gives. And even though Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," sometimes it doesn't feel that way. Sometimes it's hard--really hard--to lift our gaze, look up to Jesus and forward to heaven, when our hearts are weighed down. To believe that being poor in spirit is a good thing simply because Jesus says it is. To trust in a promise we can't see. Yet whether we confess our general depravity or a particular incidence of the sin of self-sufficienc

Do you know a single parent who could use encouragement? Or someone who feels more overwhelmed by the work of parenting than the joy? Please read these two new articles at Her View From Home and share them if someone comes to mind. I pray my words refresh those who read them. (1) Link:  To the Single Parents at Christmas--God Sees You Sample:  "I wish I could leave a surprise check in the mailbox or extra presents on the doorstep for your kids. As much as I’d like to give you that, I can’t. But what I have, I give you, and it’s this: I see you. Others see you. Your family sees you. Most importantly, God sees you. God sees every act of love, each choice to serve others, and every sacrifice you make. He sees it all. Not only does God see you from a distance, but Christmas is about incarnation. It’s about the God who sees you and then enters your world. I see you, and my heart goes out to you. But while I can only give you my words, God sees you and gives you  Immanu