Look What the Lord Has Done

Years ago I had the privilege of teaching a parenting skills course and leading a women's Bible study in a jail in Louisville, KY. It was a shock to me to see young mothers brought into the room with shackles on their feet. Some had been in trouble with the law since they were pre-teens.

I had never been in a jail and really had no idea what I was doing. I fell back on some of my teacher training and my work with at-risk families. In His mercy, God blessed that year, and even though women came and went, it seemed that the Holy Spirit would bring just the right scripture or testimony that spoke to a deep need.

Each of them was given an NIV paperback Bible. One of the ladies, who had been used by her family as a prostitute from age eleven, had a hot temper and was put into isolation for a time. She begged to take her Bible with her, and it brought her great comfort.

Lord, flood our hearts with your love for hurting people. Your love can break every chain.

This was their favorite medley. They would drum on the desk tops and stomp their feet in rhythm, and the guards would gather in the hall to listen!

Making Change

Granddaughter Kaedyn likes to play store when she visits, and it's a good opportunity for her to learn to make change. It reminded me of when I was teaching second grade.

Back then I would run the class store on Friday, where the students got to spend the tickets they earned that week for good behavior.

One little seven year old, who was a real wheeler-dealer, tried to hand me 5 tickets for an item that cost 10. "No, sir," I told him.

In a few moments he came through the line again with the same item and same 5 tickets - now torn in half - which he carefully counted into my hand from 1 to 10.

I gave him "the teacher look".

With his most serious face, he inquired, "Is there a problem?"

Servant's Heart

I remember my Mother as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess. My sister and I would help her polish the silver, and set the table with her good china and crystal when we had guests. She had a servant's heart.

Here's something to think about. Someday Jesus will call us home to be with Him. And even after all He has done for us, He will welcome us as his honored guests!

The Bible tells us: "The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, Jesus himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!"
Luke 12:37 New Living Translation

Comfort and Strength

Praying for the victims in Kentucky at
Marshall County High School shooting today.

With Your counsel You will guide me
And afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I have nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail
But God is the strength of my heart
And my portion forever.
Psalm 73:24-26

Pass me not O gentle Savior,

Hear my humble cry.

While on others Thou art calling

Do not pass me by.

Thou the spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me.

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heaven but Thee?

Fanny Crosby

Abba Father

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Romans 8:26-27 NLT

Abba Father, Abba Father
Deep within my soul I cry
Abba Father, Abba Father
I will never cease to love You

Father, Father, Jehovah Shammah
You are the One who's standing near
Father, Father, Jehovah Shalom
You are my peace, Jehovah Ropheh
You are my healing, Yahweh, my God