Online Bible Study

Online Bible Study

Friday, January 7, 2011

God’s Healing Hand

Last March (2010), while taking a quick “Facebook” break at lunch, I read a close friend’s post that brought me immediate concern; she was praying for a grieving friend in Florida (my friend moved to our area from Florida a few years ago). As I scrolled down the “home” page, I saw another friend with a similar post; however, she added she would be leaving for Florida with her son(s).

It’s difficult for me to put into words how much my Church family means to me. There are several reasons, but I will summarize them to say: I honestly LOVE my Church family. When I had no family, they were there for me. When I myself was grieving, they were there for me. I had never been any place in my entire life where I FELT God’s love the way I did (and still do) at our Church (Northside Christian Church in Yorktown, Virginia). I remember reading in God’s Word that if one member of the family is hurting, we all hurt (just as we all share in joy), and I read/apply His Word literally. (1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.) I immediately felt a deep sense of sadness in my soul that I cannot describe (for my hurting family members).

After I obtained additional details, my sense of sadness developed into a deeper sense of mourning. I learned that an extremely young woman had passed away (31 years old), leaving behind a young husband and four beautiful children (that NEEDED their mother). I am assuming, as I’ve stated in the past, when children lose their parents (especially their mother), my wounds of losing my own resurface. Although God has blessed me abundantly with new family members (and very special women that bless my life like a mother would), there is just something about your own Mother that (for me) is difficult to replace. I have a strong feeling God allows me to continue to experience this pain so I will pray for his hurting children that come after me. After all, He is the one that created the Church family bond (which reaches beyond our local Church family).

Throughout the past year, this sweet family would come to mind. I would stop and offer a prayer to our Father on their behalf-a prayer for healing, for His grace, and for His mercy. I was again reminded of this family earlier this week as I read and posted the story about the young mother killed in an auto accident in Texas after Christmas. I felt a strong need in my Spirit to follow up with my Florida friends to see how this family was doing. I was given the most AMAZING NEWS. As only God can – He has given this sweet family a new start! This father was blessed with a new relationship (and future wife) and these beautiful children will be given a new mom! And from what I’ve read about Erin (the new mom), the entire family will be blessed! This was a family created in Heaven!

I want to wish this family (Matt and Erin pictured above, children Seth, Lydia, Sarai and Caleb) the most joy and happiness any family could ever enjoy! We KNOW God carries us through good and bad (and we CLING TO THAT PROMISE in desperate times), but it ALWAYS warms my heart when I hear of situations like these – when HE brings everyone full circle! PRAISE GOD in the good times (as well as the bad).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Thankful Thursday

I am extremely thankful to the Lead Pastor of NCC (National Community Church) in Washington, DC.



The Discipleship Paster, Heather Zempel, spoke at a small group leader's gathering at our Church (Northside Christian Church in Yorktown, Virginia) in September 2009. She repeatedly praised her lead pastor, Mark Batterson.



I immediately went home and checked out his blog, Evotional.com, and have been a follower ever since!



Thank you BOTH for your amazing leadership qualities! You are an inspiration to me!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

With much sadness...

While working this afternoon, I received an email that caused immediate grief in my Spirit. Apparently, a young woman (30 years of age) was killed in an auto accident in Amarillo, Texas the day after Christmas. Those details, in and of themselves, are sad; but the worse part to me is that she was 7 months pregnant at the time of the accident and has two young daughters (ages 6 and 23 months) who will grow up without their mother. Her baby was delivered in emergency surgery at the hospital, a son, weighing a little over 3 pounds and is growing stronger every day.


There are many details surrounding the accident that are in question (I won't bother to go into detail), but the bottom line is that a 30 year old woman passed away on December 26, 2010 and her husband is left alone to raise and care for three very young children.

As a Christian, I know prayer helps in EVERY situation. I also believe God uses each and every one of us and the circumstances from our lives to benefit others. Losing my mother at the age of 18 is something that changed my life forever and I believe God wants me to use that experience to benefit others - in prayer!

I will be in fervent prayer for this family for many days/months to come. Please join me.

Monday, January 3, 2011