“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Over the summer, my husband determined that he needs a fan blowing in our room in order to get a good night’s sleep. Whether the gentle hum or the relief from heat, he’s not sure why he needs it. I think he needs a new mattress. But since the fan was less than twenty dollars and paid for years ago, it fits the budget.
At the same time of my husband’s fan discovery, my seven year old son also began having difficulty sleeping. Generally, when Brennan can’t sleep, I am awakened by a quiet whisper of “Mom” that only a Mommy’s ears are tuned to hear. But this one particular summer night, I awoke to a short, dark figure hovering silently over the side of my bed. Startled into semi-alertness, I asked what was wrong. “I called you as loud as I could and you didn’t come!” Apparently the gentle hum of my husband’s fan was just what I needed to assure a good night's sleep too. It drowns out all sounds of children calling. As he crawled up into my arms, tears rolled down his face and he cried out “I thought nobody cared about me!” After a moment of reassurance, I tucked Brennan back into his bed with a kiss and a squeeze. A reminder of my love and presence was all he needed to rest secure for the rest of the night.
As I returned to my own bed, I thought how often I’ve felt that same way with God. I cry out and cry out until I can’t call any louder. When I don’t hear or see God respond I think, “Nobody cares! God, do you still love me? Do you care that I feel all alone?"
Just because we can’t see his presence or hear his response doesn’t mean He isn’t there or He doesn’t care. He’s right there, surrounding us with His love. Often He’s working on our behalf in unseen ways.
So, if you’re feeling all alone and can’t seem to cry out any louder, know that He is there. And just as I told my son with his final kiss and squeeze, God wants you to know, “I’ll always care about you. I’ll always love you.” Nothing can separate you from the love of God, not even a noisy fan. Rest in that knowledge.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Back to School
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.”
Titus 2:3-4 (NIV)
It’s been so long since I’ve taken the time to sit down and write. I intended to keep blogging throughout the summer. I also intended to take my kids to the pool at least four days a week and visit several Smithsonian museums. My summer, however, had different plans for me. Surgery, attending a conference and sickness took over. I’m just beginning to recover from a crazy summer. But a new season is upon us and my old plan of posting once a week is back in force. I even have some new ideas and can’t wait to share them with you. But for today, I simply want to share with you what has been on my heart for the last couple of weeks.
Last week was the first week of school for the Bennett household. Lauren and Brennan are entering 5th and 2nd grades. It’s an interesting time of year. For most kids it’s faced with groans and sorrow. Gone are the days of swimming, sleeping in and endless play dates. All are replaced with early morning alarm clocks, homework and tests. Parents on the other hand tend to welcome school with glee. I recently saw an advertisement for an office supply store. Two children stood slouching with mournful faces while their father sailed behind them atop his shopping cart, leg kicked up behind him, smiling ear to ear, all while “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played in the background. The message was clear. Parents can’t wait to send our kids back to school. I have to admit, in the past I’ve felt the same. No more entertaining, less fights to mediate and a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. Ahhhhh! But this year was different. Although my unorganized side craved the structure of school routine, my Mommy side was not looking forward to days of empty quietness.
What brought on this change of heart? I’m not exactly sure. It doesn’t really matter to me. What does matter is that the change took place. I’ve taken heed to the many older moms who have told me to “Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.” It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed my children, but I have let the “duties” of motherhood steel some of the joy. I love my children and want to enjoy every phase and moment of their lives. (We’ll see how I feel when they hit the teenage years.)
So, thank you to the many moms who have encouraged me to be a mother who loves every season of child rearing, even summer. I’m sure I’ll be coming to you for more encouragement, especially as my children approach their teens. And to you who have little ones, I leave you with one word of advice. Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
“Beyond Your Wildest Dreams!” It sounds of something from a romance novel or a fairytale. It sounds like something a child would believe in. After all, children dream big dreams. They dream of becoming princesses, being superheroes, winning ten Olympic gold medals and having the most adventurous careers imaginable. What makes children dream big dreams? My first thought was that when you’re a child everything is beyond you. Whether it’s working at a fast food restaurant or flying to the moon, it’s beyond your reach. So why not dream big? But when I asked this question in front of my ten year old daughter, she quickly gave me the real answer. “Because ANYTHING is possible Mom!”
As parents, we also dream big dreams for our children. We look at our newborns and tell them they can become anything they set their minds too. The sky is the limit. The world is at their fingertips.
The crazy thing is that we grow up, and as we do, our dreams shrink. We no longer believe that we might find a knight in shining armor and become a princess. We realize that we don’t possess superhuman powers to save the world. We recognize that we are not as athletic as the other kids and we’re not going to win even one bronze medal. Or maybe grades weren’t good enough and that super career is out of the picture.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that you have a Heavenly Father who still dreams AMAZINGLY BIG dreams for you? It’s true. Before you were yet formed, he gazed at you and wrote down every day ordained for you in His eternal story. (Psalm 139:15-16) He looks at you through an eternal perspective and sees the truth of who you really are, His child…a child of the King. His plan for you is eternal and yet minutely detailed and it's bigger than you could ever imagine. In fact, when I look through scripture, I find that God’s dreams look much more like the big dreams of a child than the limited dreams of most grown ups. His dreams are not limited by your abilities or inabilities. They’re not limited at all. After all, God agrees with my ten year old. “Anything is possible!”
“Beyond Your Wildest Dreams!” It sounds of something from a romance novel or a fairytale. It sounds like something a child would believe in. After all, children dream big dreams. They dream of becoming princesses, being superheroes, winning ten Olympic gold medals and having the most adventurous careers imaginable. What makes children dream big dreams? My first thought was that when you’re a child everything is beyond you. Whether it’s working at a fast food restaurant or flying to the moon, it’s beyond your reach. So why not dream big? But when I asked this question in front of my ten year old daughter, she quickly gave me the real answer. “Because ANYTHING is possible Mom!”
As parents, we also dream big dreams for our children. We look at our newborns and tell them they can become anything they set their minds too. The sky is the limit. The world is at their fingertips.
The crazy thing is that we grow up, and as we do, our dreams shrink. We no longer believe that we might find a knight in shining armor and become a princess. We realize that we don’t possess superhuman powers to save the world. We recognize that we are not as athletic as the other kids and we’re not going to win even one bronze medal. Or maybe grades weren’t good enough and that super career is out of the picture.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that you have a Heavenly Father who still dreams AMAZINGLY BIG dreams for you? It’s true. Before you were yet formed, he gazed at you and wrote down every day ordained for you in His eternal story. (Psalm 139:15-16) He looks at you through an eternal perspective and sees the truth of who you really are, His child…a child of the King. His plan for you is eternal and yet minutely detailed and it's bigger than you could ever imagine. In fact, when I look through scripture, I find that God’s dreams look much more like the big dreams of a child than the limited dreams of most grown ups. His dreams are not limited by your abilities or inabilities. They’re not limited at all. After all, God agrees with my ten year old. “Anything is possible!”
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Water Your Flowers
"I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."
Psalm 143:6 (NIV)
I started out to the gazebo for some quiet time with God when I found them…dead. I’d finally done it. The New Guinea Impatiens that my husband specifically asked to be planted in the hanging baskets were scorched and wilted worse than ever. I quickly grabbed the watering can and soaked them, hoping for a miraculous recovery.
My first point of defense here is that I simply do not have a green thumb. I don’t even have a green pinky toe. (Thank goodness! That would be kind of gross.) Truly, any flower or plant that survives around here is a credit to my husband’s tender care. If he doesn’t water them himself, he reminds me to do it. This puts a lot of pressure on me when he’s out of town, especially in the middle of summer.
I have good intentions when I initially plant, but a week or two later I find myself wandering outside to find half dead plants crying faintly, “Help! Water! A little drink please!” Why do I struggle with this so much? I think about watering them daily, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and the plants are parched and wilting.
After I watered the flowers, I went on with my devotion time. It was rich and refreshing; a wonderful relief from the weight of life that I’ve been carrying lately. Weight that has sapped the life out of me as the sun’s heat sapped the life out of my flowers. Circumstances and a busy schedule have kept me from the most important part of my day…time with God. As I sat quietly, listening for God, I simply heard, “Water your flowers.” What? “Water your flowers.” I looked up to see them, still wilted, but slightly perkier than 30 minutes before, and realized that I too have been parched. People around me have noticed, asking, “Are you alright? You seem a little…tired.” I have been. I’ve described myself lately as dry, heavy, and almost dead. I can’t seem to write. (Have you noticed?) Have you ever been there? Sunday worship brings refreshing, but by the middle of the week, you’re wilted and needing more. I think daily about spending time in the Word and prayer, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and my soul is parched and wilting. Just as a weekly watering won’t sustain my flowers, neither will a weekly encounter with God sustain my life. I need to spend time with my Father, my Source, my Spring of Living Water DAILY.
Yes Father, I’ll water my flowers, and my soul. What a difference it makes.
You know, I went out a few hours later to find my flowers amazingly bright and refreshed, and so was I.
Psalm 143:6 (NIV)
I started out to the gazebo for some quiet time with God when I found them…dead. I’d finally done it. The New Guinea Impatiens that my husband specifically asked to be planted in the hanging baskets were scorched and wilted worse than ever. I quickly grabbed the watering can and soaked them, hoping for a miraculous recovery.
My first point of defense here is that I simply do not have a green thumb. I don’t even have a green pinky toe. (Thank goodness! That would be kind of gross.) Truly, any flower or plant that survives around here is a credit to my husband’s tender care. If he doesn’t water them himself, he reminds me to do it. This puts a lot of pressure on me when he’s out of town, especially in the middle of summer.
I have good intentions when I initially plant, but a week or two later I find myself wandering outside to find half dead plants crying faintly, “Help! Water! A little drink please!” Why do I struggle with this so much? I think about watering them daily, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and the plants are parched and wilting.
After I watered the flowers, I went on with my devotion time. It was rich and refreshing; a wonderful relief from the weight of life that I’ve been carrying lately. Weight that has sapped the life out of me as the sun’s heat sapped the life out of my flowers. Circumstances and a busy schedule have kept me from the most important part of my day…time with God. As I sat quietly, listening for God, I simply heard, “Water your flowers.” What? “Water your flowers.” I looked up to see them, still wilted, but slightly perkier than 30 minutes before, and realized that I too have been parched. People around me have noticed, asking, “Are you alright? You seem a little…tired.” I have been. I’ve described myself lately as dry, heavy, and almost dead. I can’t seem to write. (Have you noticed?) Have you ever been there? Sunday worship brings refreshing, but by the middle of the week, you’re wilted and needing more. I think daily about spending time in the Word and prayer, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and my soul is parched and wilting. Just as a weekly watering won’t sustain my flowers, neither will a weekly encounter with God sustain my life. I need to spend time with my Father, my Source, my Spring of Living Water DAILY.
Yes Father, I’ll water my flowers, and my soul. What a difference it makes.
You know, I went out a few hours later to find my flowers amazingly bright and refreshed, and so was I.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Seeds Sown Generously
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
2 Cor. 9:6 (NIV)
A single mother gathered the change from her purse, approximately eighty cents, and gave it to her nine year old son. When she tried to help him calculate the proper amount to give as tithe, he said to her, “No. It’s ALL for God.” and proceeded to put all of the change in the offering bucket at church that week.
The next week the boy was able to do some extra chores and earned a little over a dollar. Once again, when the offering bucket was passed at church, he gave all of the money.
After church on Easter Sunday, a woman came to the boy’s mother and said the Lord had told her she needed to give the boy some money. His mother, thinking it would be a couple of dollars, was surprised when the woman gave the little boy two five dollar bills. Once again, all of it was placed in the offering.
When the mother asked why he was giving all of his money in the offering, he responded, “Mom, I’m planting seeds.”
Later that day, the boy and his mother were working in their garden. When it came time to plant their seeds, the boy began reading the seed packets carefully. “Mom, did you know that the package tells you which seed you’re planting so you know what will grow after you plant it?” He then told her, “I haven’t been naming my seed! My seed at church in the offering... I haven’t been naming my seed!” His mother asked, “What do you want to name your seed?” He answered, “My seeds are named, A House, A Dad, A Dog!”
This is not a fictional parable. My sister considers it a privilege to know this young man of God, whom she says reminds her much of David, a man after God’s own heart. He reminds me of the woman who gave her only two mites, all that she had to live on, and the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish for the work of the Kingdom. This young man prays specifically and in faith, giving all that he has to the only true God who hears and answers. For quite some time he has been praying for these three things: a house, a dad and a dog. He desires the stability and security of living in a home of his own. He asks not simply for a Dad, but a “very Godly Dad”. And finally he prays for what he calls his “God dog.” Not the dog he chooses for himself, but the dog which God chooses for Him. Is it any wonder Christ said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”? (Matt. 19:14)
I leave you with one question and one request.
The Question: Have you named your seed? When you give to God, whatever the means, do you look ahead in faith to the harvest God will bring? Looking forward to the harvest compells generous giving.
The Request: Please join me in lifting up this young man of faith in our prayers, belieiving God to bring about an abundant harvest from the seeds a boy sows.
2 Cor. 9:6 (NIV)
A single mother gathered the change from her purse, approximately eighty cents, and gave it to her nine year old son. When she tried to help him calculate the proper amount to give as tithe, he said to her, “No. It’s ALL for God.” and proceeded to put all of the change in the offering bucket at church that week.
The next week the boy was able to do some extra chores and earned a little over a dollar. Once again, when the offering bucket was passed at church, he gave all of the money.
After church on Easter Sunday, a woman came to the boy’s mother and said the Lord had told her she needed to give the boy some money. His mother, thinking it would be a couple of dollars, was surprised when the woman gave the little boy two five dollar bills. Once again, all of it was placed in the offering.
When the mother asked why he was giving all of his money in the offering, he responded, “Mom, I’m planting seeds.”
Later that day, the boy and his mother were working in their garden. When it came time to plant their seeds, the boy began reading the seed packets carefully. “Mom, did you know that the package tells you which seed you’re planting so you know what will grow after you plant it?” He then told her, “I haven’t been naming my seed! My seed at church in the offering... I haven’t been naming my seed!” His mother asked, “What do you want to name your seed?” He answered, “My seeds are named, A House, A Dad, A Dog!”
This is not a fictional parable. My sister considers it a privilege to know this young man of God, whom she says reminds her much of David, a man after God’s own heart. He reminds me of the woman who gave her only two mites, all that she had to live on, and the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish for the work of the Kingdom. This young man prays specifically and in faith, giving all that he has to the only true God who hears and answers. For quite some time he has been praying for these three things: a house, a dad and a dog. He desires the stability and security of living in a home of his own. He asks not simply for a Dad, but a “very Godly Dad”. And finally he prays for what he calls his “God dog.” Not the dog he chooses for himself, but the dog which God chooses for Him. Is it any wonder Christ said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”? (Matt. 19:14)
I leave you with one question and one request.
The Question: Have you named your seed? When you give to God, whatever the means, do you look ahead in faith to the harvest God will bring? Looking forward to the harvest compells generous giving.
The Request: Please join me in lifting up this young man of faith in our prayers, belieiving God to bring about an abundant harvest from the seeds a boy sows.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
No Makeup Required
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov. 17:17 (NIV)
Two weeks ago I had the joy of spending a “girls’ weekend” with 4 of my dearest friends from college. I’m taking a huge risk here posting the above picture. I figured if the title was “NO MAKEUP REQUIRED” the picture should match. Lucky for my girlfriends, they are beautiful inside and out, even without makeup. Who knew when we all met in welcoming “life groups”, and dormitory hallways that 20 years and 17 children later we would be spending a blessed weekend together.
What a weekend it was! It included all of the essentials of a relaxing weekend with girlfriends: food, jammies, manicures, magazines, laughter and tears (just a few). We discussed children, marriage and ministry. I believe it was our first evening together when one word was spoken that struck deep into my heart and changed the weekend for me. “Authentic!” The next morning as I was spending time with the Lord, He spoke that same word again to me. “Heather, Be authentic!” I think most of us face this challenge of authenticity at some point in our lives. We’re often intimidated and insecure, feeling we have to be someone other than who we truly are or others may not love us. I realized I had stepped into my girls’ weekend just that way. I hadn’t seen them all in 5 years. I’d better look right, sound right, and act right. Luckily, the weekend had just begun and my attitude quickly changed. I decided to just be myself. After all, these women have known me for 20 years. Twenty years of bad hair days and fashion mistakes (what’s up with the floral overalls???) and they still love me. After a weekend of looking through old photo albums, living without makeup and heart to heart conversations, I am convinced more than ever that these girls are true friends. They love me for who I am. They love me at all times….even without makeup.
What a blessing to know that their love is a reflection of Christ in them. Christ, the one friend, greater than any other, who loves me even at my absolute worst. With others, I can put on makeup and a smile and appear to be lovable. I can hide the fear, pain, insecurity and even sin. But He sees beyond the surface, past my smile to my heart. He knows me to the core of my being and loves me deeper still. In fact, He’d rather me drop the makeup at the door and come to Him as I am, imperfections and all. For it’s when the makeup is removed that He is finally able to reflect His own beauty through me. What a relief! With Him, I can be myself… No Makeup Required!
P.S.
Thanks friends for a weekend of refreshing encouragement. I believe it was a time truly appointed by God. I love you all dearly!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
He Sees You!
“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” Psalm 33:13-15
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” Psalm 33:18
The beautiful little boy in the above picture is Connor Robertson. Connor is three years old, has down syndrome and is an absolute, living miracle. You can read more about his miracle life at his blog, www.mamaslittlebug.blogspot.com. I have the privilege of being “Auntie Heather” to Connor and his siblings, 2 year old Mackenzie & 7 month old Alex. We like to say that even though I am not “auntie” by blood, I am “auntie” by love.
Because they live in Washington state and I live near Washington DC we don’t get to see each other…..ever. SO, when I found myself with the joy of spending a weekend in the Seattle area with college girlfriends (A completely different post is coming on that soon.), I arranged my travel schedule to spend a day with Connor and his family. What a blessing it was!!!
Connor’s mommy, Lori, and I have one of those rare, click as soon as you meet each other, sisters in Christ, heart strings tied together forever kind of relationships. I can tell you that she is truly one of the most amazing women of God I know. A day in the Robertson home will prove the God given strength, patience and love she possesses and expresses to her family. My one day in their life was a joy. Lori’s day after day can be “trenches” living. Any parent can imagine that. But imagine adding to it the care for a precious little boy who’s down syndrome and accompanying medical needs have slowed development so much that it is almost impossible to see whether he understands the love and effort you are pouring into his little life. He can’t say “I love you” or run to her and wrap his arms around her neck in excitement. There are times when his mommy feels unseen and heart-broken. Not long after she had shared this with me, she left the room for a few minutes. As I sat on the floor, playing with Connor and his sister, I noticed his eyes focus on the doorway every minute or so. I realized he was waiting for mommy to come through that door. Later, when she again had to leave the room, he became very agitated, calming only when she returned. His source of love and security is his mommy. She had never seen that and never would have known had I not been there to see it and tell her. When I did, the expression on her face was worth more than gold. It was almost as though Connor was saying, “I love you” with his own little voice. His actions showed that he does receive her love and a sense of security from her.
Even greater than Connor “seeing” his mommy, is that Christ sees and receives every bit of love and care she gives each and every day. Even if Connor never expresses, “Thank you!” or “I love you!” Christ does.
Have you ever been in the midst of “trenches” living? Have you ever felt that you pour out yourself, maybe even for the Lord, and nobody sees? You question if harvest will ever come from your sowing. Does anybody care? Maybe you’ve even questioned if God cares. Let me assure you, He does! Every bit of love you pour out, every tear you cry, and every drop of sweat you shed in His work is seen. And should you never see the harvest or reward in this life, you will when you see Him.
HE SEES YOU!
HE LOVES YOU!
HE IS YOUR REWARD!
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