Mt Olive Lutheran Blog

The Perfect Parent

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:43:30 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello and welcome to the Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas blog. My name is Lori Prehar and I’m honored to have you visit. But first, let me tell you how God gave me this awesome opportunity to connect with you today.

A couple of months ago, I was minding my own business in Duxbury, MA, trying to figure out where our fifth child would sleep when he arrived in January. The phone rang and my husband told me he had just been offered his dream job –in Austin, Texas! One month later, we found ourselves and our four children (ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 ) packed in the car, traveling 30 hours to our new adventure.

My husband found Mount Olive through a dear friend’s referral. One Sunday morning the pastor made an announcement looking for help creating an Advent Devotional written by the congregants. I inquired, the pastor encouraged me, made the proper introductions and I got to pursue a life long dream of writing! I thought, “How blessed am I?” Well God didn’t stop there! Mount Olive wanted to start a blog and asked if I could help. “ME? OH MY GOSH!! YES!!” And here I am! I’m delighted to have your eyes and hope I can hug your heart with words grounded in faith. I pray to be the conduit with you and our Lord each time we “meet.”

I think as moms we sometimes feel like we must competently wear so many hats all day every day. It’s the hardest, but most rewarding job we’ll ever hold down.

At my house each day is a new adventure. All of our kids are SO different. One needs more emotional support and face time, while another needs clear boundaries and some freedom; another has an insatiable appetite for physical contact with heaping helpings of hugs and kisses. Our little girl needs to know we appreciate her dramatic response to everything from toothpaste to the color pink, but our one boy is such a natural ham, we need to carve out time for him to “perform.” So one day I was discussing all this with my mom (as I often do) and I remarked that for as many lessons you only learn once as a parent, at least half aren’t transferable to the next child at all. My mom said, “But you love them all the same,” and I had to respectfully disagree. “Oh, Mom,” I said. “No. I don’t. I love them all differently because otherwise I’d be cheating them of that one of a kind love God wanted them to have.”

Society tells parents to be their kids’ friend. I think someday that will be something I enjoy with my children. But that’s down the road. They are going to have a slew of friends come in and out of their lives over the years but I’m the only mom they’ll ever know. My responsibility to them is a much deeper and greater one. And most importantly I get to introduce them to God!

When I pray I beg God that they know Him every day of their lives. I implore Him that they always remember they are fearfully and wonderfully made and OH SO LOVED by Him. And I ask Him to help them know Him intimately, not just as a “spare tire God.” I know I’m not going to be here on earth forever but He will NEVER leave them. If we fail at all the other lessons we’re trying to teach them, but they get all that, I could argue we didn’t fail at all.

In this life we could easily feel pressure to strive to be the perfect parent because we see others that appear to be leading the white picket fence life. In one of the many parenting books or tools I’ve employed over the past 9 years, I’m reminded that we compare our intimate, “behind closed doors” lives to the outside appearances of those around us. It’s so true! And admittedly, if someone I meet comes off too flawless, I stop and pray for them because those facades might be all they have holding their house together. Nobody’s perfect. Well, at least not this side of Heaven.

I’m a transparent person and transparent parent too. I’m honest about how I feel and what I see and I’m not afraid to be vulnerable. Popularity isn’t on my radar. I admit when I’m wrong and I say sorry to my kids a lot. It doesn’t sadden me that I’m not all things to all people. And I don’t want my children to try to be. I’m desperate for them to be the person God designed and not just crowd pleasers. I remind them no one ever said it’s mom’s job to be perfect. That job has been filled from the beginning of time. It’s the only perfect parent they will ever know – Our Father in Heaven. I remind the children how lucky they are to be in His.

A few weeks back I heard a wonderful Christian mom, Linda Anderson, speak to a “Mom-to-Mom” group. She gave us so many great parenting tips, shared hysterically funny stories and offered solid advice on how to not only survive but cherish the occasionally exhausting role of motherhood. Her “Top Ten Messages You Want Your Kids To Get” were SO worth sharing:

1. I love you unconditionally
2. I like you for who you are – just as you are
3. I believe in you
4. I love you too much to let you…
5. God loves you even more than I do
6. Choices have consequences
7. You – and I – will both blow it sometimes. But God will always forgive us if we ask Him
8. God will never leave you or forsake you
9. It’s all grace. Living in God’s grace makes life fun
10. I will always pray for you

I relished her messages. She looked so “perfect” to me, but she was incredibly real. She exposed some of the dark moments of parenthood, but fed us a generous dose of scripture.

God gave us so much pertinent information regarding this vital role in His word. So the next time someone tells you no one hands you a how to guide on how to raise and love your children, hand them a Bible and tell them your Father did.

Victory Songs

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:10:39 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I can’t sing. I realize a lot of people aren’t the next American Idol either. But seriously, Troy actually used to fight back loud laughter before he broke the news to me that I was startling people in the pews around us on Sunday mornings!

Music inside God’s house is the most fulfilling to me. When a loved one passes away, I actually fantasize about the music they are hearing. What’s the choir like in Heaven? All I know is like so many talented musical icons, Johann Sebastian Bach’s music was amazing here on Earth. Imagine the superhuman music he must be composing in heaven!

Many people have favorite Christmas songs. That’s to be expected. I honestly wouldn’t know where to begin. I have so many that the word “favorite” really doesn’t apply. I wonder how many people have favorite Easter songs? Let me share the powerful lyrics to one of my favorites with you that Paul and Lisa Stiller, an incredibly talented husband and wife team from Boston wrote. Think Sarah McLachlan as far as the overall somber tone (but BETTER!):

He Is Risen, Alleluia

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here.
He is not here.”

Haunting, right? Almost spooky. But hang on…

“Alleluia sing hosanna. Christ is risen and I wanna sing His praise,
Alleluia sing hosanna. Christ is risen and I wanna shout His name.

Jesus is arisen and on Easter morning set me free!
Jesus is arisen and on Easter morning set me free!”

My soul sings – it leaps! It’s so powerful and uplifting and humbling and sobering all at once. My price to Heaven was paid the only way it could be – with the innocent blood of God’s only Son. The song continues…

“Mary went out to the empty tomb.
Where have you laid my Lord?
Jesus said “Mary” and Mary knew.
ALLELUIA!”

I can only imagine despair, anguish and torment overcame Mary. After all she had just witnessed, now someone had taken His body. Emotionally broken and battered she simply uttered, perhaps whispered, “What have you done with Him?”

“Alleluia sing hosanna Christ is risen and I wanna sing His praise,
Alleluia sing hosanna Christ is risen and I wanna shout His name

Jesus is arisen and on Easter morning set me free!
Jesus is arisen and on Easter morning set me free!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Jesus is here.
Alleluia!”

OMGosh – He’s HERE! Within us!! Think about that. He’s not just some nice guy that died and was placed in a tomb. The tomb was EMPTY! EMPTY – like completely empty. He wasn’t dead – he is alive! He triumphed! God loved us into existence and Jesus loved us into Heaven for all of eternity.

On Easter morning Troy and I hum this one again and again:

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today

“Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Stanza 2:
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Stanza 3:
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

My inner radio blares another favorite that I can’t get out of my head. I think of all He chose to do, for me, for you, for our children and our children’s children and all who receive His gift of salvation:

How Great Thou Art

“Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!”

It’s Easter – and I wish the radio was flooded with Easter triumph songs the way it is in December. Christmas is glorious! I would never take one ounce of beauty from it, but Easter is the best news we’ll hear all year. So crank up the victory songs. There are SO many to love and all because He loved us first. To quote my pastor from Boston, “Sing along WITH GUSTO!” even if your voice isn’t your strongest gift. Like my Mom says, “In God’s ears we all sing in tune.”

Motherhood & Servanthood

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:01:45 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

During a Bible study recently something our Lord said jumped out and struck me as so human. During His final hours on the cross Jesus said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son” and to the disciple whom He loved, John, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27) Think about that for a moment. He had only previously lived in Heaven. He volunteered for the job to leave paradise and save mankind. But His emotions (I’m guessing in some way like ours, except perfectly Divine, so not at all like ours) – expressed concern about His mother’s well being once He was gone. He entrusted someone He dearly loved to take care of her and John did. Jesus knew exactly where He was going after it was finished because He had been there before. And of course, He knew Mary would undoubtedly grieve the loss of her son, but ultimately she would be ok. He had the reassurance they would be reunited in paradise. That was the way He loved us. Even in His final hours He was putting all of us ahead of Himself, not because He had to, because He chose to. That part was so God-like, but the concern for those He left behind seems so human to me. He yearned to know-his mother would be alright.

I think of Mary (mother of Jesus) a lot. She birthed a child that would forever change our world. He would be our only hope. When the angel Gabriel told her of this news, she took the leap of all leaps of blind faith. She trusted in God the whole time. She knew God’s plan was perfect, and she obediently went with this idea that although she was a virgin, nothing was too great for God.

In Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion I am always struck by the way he depicted her viewpoint. She watches the capture, torture and crucifixion of her beloved son. She calmly says, “It has begun.” I think of the duality of her anguish and servanthood.

The way she accepted God’s will adds to the wonder of the story. Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38) To be so obedient and so devout as to take this mind blowing news in stride is amazing. Never mind being so courageous as to communicate with THE angel Gabriel. Imagine his power and prowess and enormity! Then imagine the faith you would have to possess to turn to your fiancé and tell him you would give birth to a son he had nothing to do with and you hadn’t intentionally set out to have.

Then as the first Easter approached, she had to stand by while her son suffered so terribly – as a mother, this leaves me speechless. She had amazing, unswerving faith in who He was and what He came to do. Gabriel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30) Even though she was the mother of Christ, she was a servant of God first, and mother of His son second.

I aspire to that – to so fully embody my role as servant to God that it trumps everything else. She added to Jesus’ life by believing in Him and Honoring Him all the days of her life and found favor by her rock solid trust.

Then I think of Mary Magdalene. She arguably lost her only friend in the world. She stood by Him to the very end side by side with His mother. She followed behind like a loyal pup. The day our Lord died, she must have felt as though she lost everything good in her life. And let’s face it, 2000 years later, we’re still trying to make sense of the death and resurrection, down to Hell, up to Heaven with a layover here and there with the disciples. Imagine this woman, who had formerly been possessed by 7 demons, trying to get her head around all she had witnessed and lived through. Her bravery (when all the other disciples scattered) blows me away. She put her self out there and if she weighed the consequences, chose to be there with Him to the end. She anointed His dead body to prepare if for the tomb. She literally walked with Him to her Hell and back. And that morning when the stone had been rolled away, He chose her to feast her eyes on Him – ARISEN!

I want to be an obedient servant to our Lord, like Mary. I want to trust in all He does and His plans to answer my prayers. I want to honor Him in all I do and have him trump everything in this life. I want Him to choose me to display Him ARISEN in spirit in the Christian I am.

It’s Lent: Time To Do The Math

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:29:34 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lent is the time of year when I ponder my faith more intently. I focus on the perspective the people of His time and His disciples must have had as they each watched The Last Supper and the first Easter unfold. Jesus’ first followers weren’t the scholars of their time; they were fishermen and regular Joe Schmoes. Some were examples of great faith, and others doubting Toms. But even Einstein would have been challenged to “get” the love story that was unfolding.

Our Lord said to these simple men, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead (Luke 24:46) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). He said, “If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” (John 6:51). I gotta guess they were stumped. What in the world did He mean? Was this another one of His stories? We know some of His stories confused them, because the Bible says as much. This time, was He being literal? They had to stomach the worst news they had ever heard. Jesus had to die to pay our way into paradise even though He hadn’t done anything wrong. That must have been such a hard pill to swallow. This amazing man,their leader, would have to die for them. He was the Christ, He was sacrificing Himself for them and they would have to watch. They had to look Him in the eye knowing His death was an innocent one. Of course that meant He was leaving them behind. Who would they be without Jesus? He tasked them with the job of multiplying His ministry. Jesus told Peter that He would build His church on the rock of Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ. The son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Who have you brought to Jesus?

Are you a multiplier?

Then there’s Judas.He was such a complex guy. He followed Jesus, but secretly had it out for Him for a number of reasons. At the Last Supper he found himself sitting right next to Jesus! Imagine that – he was in a seat of honor at the most famous meal ever consumed. Yet he still handed our Savior over for a price. Jesus washed his feet and broke bread and drank wine with this man. He knew Judas would trade Him (the King of Kings) for mere silver. Not unlike a child calling out “DO OVER” Judas realized this isn’t really what he wanted. He actually tried to give the money back and later hung himself he was so conflicted. He was divided. Do you flip flop? Do you have regular arm wrestling matches with yourself? Who wins?

Are you divided?

In a recent sermon, Pastor Meyer talked about a despised tax collector desperate to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed through town. Poor fellow was vertically challenged, so he climbed a tree to see what he could see. He subtracted monies from the townspeople, and they subtracted him from their guest lists. But Jesus told him to come down from the tree and to open his home to Him. Imagine the people in the crowd gasping as they heard this preposterous host being hand- picked by the son of God? Did Jesus not know who he was? Surely if He knew the corrupt kind of guy this tax collector was He would have picked someone of higher stature – someone more righteous. But that’s just our simple little lamb thinking. Perhaps Jesus picked him to remind us we have all been corrupt, whether our accounting methods are questionable on April 15^th or on Sunday mornings. Maybe He wanted to remind us AGAIN that He loves us despite all that we do or don’t do. Whether we give or don’t give, He knows us and loves us anyway. Are you a giver or a taker?

Is your math ever fishy?

It’s Lent. It’s the perfect time for reflection and an inner audit. Does it all add up? Quietly scrutinize which way you live your faith. Who are you? Aspire to be more.

Prince Charming vs. The King of Kings

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:47:28 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello and welcome to the first Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas blog. My name is Lori Prehar and I’m honored to have you visit. But first, let me tell you how God gave me this awesome opportunity to connect with you today.

In country music sensation Taylor Swift’s super hit Love Story, she sings “Romeo, save me.” Yikes! That puts a lot of pressure on poor Romeo. “You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess”? Are we living at Disney World or in reality? Once upon a time….and they lived happily ever after” I think that pretty much sums up our culture’s view of love and marriage. Hollywood tells us we’re entitled to the fairytale. We are urged to “Say Yes to the Dress.” Huge television franchises have been built around the premise of “bachelors” and “bachelorettes” fiercely competing to win a rose and a marriage proposal from someone they hardly know. Prince Charming or Tom Brady, Snow White or Giselle – what’s the difference? And if it doesn’t work out, no problem! Just trade discontent for a better spouse, better house, or something that mimics what we thought marriage was BEFORE we walked down the aisle. But come on people, to host the dream wedding but forget to invite our Heavenly Father to the big day would be just having an overpriced party. Don’t be fooled-it will vanish. Because it’s just worldly happiness, it comes with an expiration date. Look how it turned out for poor Romeo and Juliet!

“He/She is perfect!” Sometimes we buy it, don’t we? We want that effortless bliss where love is easy, life ideal, all our selfish needs are met and adversity is something we only see on the evening news. Oh that crafty Satan! If we only aspire to things of this world, we never truly tap into the happiness God has for us. Our Lord hardwired us to have a need for His love that ONLY He call fill. Our spouse is our gift from HIM. And remember, when we get married, God expects it to be forever – like into the next life forever. He calls us to spend the rest of our days on earth with one person and love them, even when they aren’t being particularly lovable. He promises, if you lean on Him, He will get the two of you through absolutely anything this fallen world throws your way.

You promised in front of everyone you adore and more importantly, in front of God, to love one another in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, in good times and in bad. You can access our Creator’s powers and strength any time of day or night because He’s in this marriage as much as you are. Like a braided rope, you will be stronger together, as long as you remember He’s the strongest part of the equation. I’m not saying it’s all going to be rosy or a fairytale – neither is He. His ways are not our ways. He asks us to live by our wedding vows and honor one another all the days of our lives, not just the sunny ones. He asks us to put their needs above our own. Consider going through your vows this Valentine’s Day. Replay that video that cost you thousands and listen carefully to the words you both spoke.

The bad times, the poorer days and the sickness mentioned in our wedding vows WILL happen. God doesn’t pull any punches. Marriage isn’t a bait and switch. But He promises NEVER to leave you. He will stand with you each and every day until death parts you. Lean on that next time Satan whispers something selfish in your ear.

When we join lives with our chosen “Prince Charming” or “Queen of Hearts” and settle in to daily life, do we keep ourselves and our behavior in check and treat them like, well, royalty? Are you holding up your end of the bargain? Do you treat him or her like they are only trumped by The King of Kings Himself? I know for me, I fall short of such noble and upstanding behavior often. I take God’s gift to me and many times hand him all my LEAST favorite parts, instead of reserving my most flattering parts for him. I have learned I have to work at it – it’s more than worth it. My faith has sustained me when I wasn’t “happy” and I have learned to aspire to what is Holy. Our commitment is forever, like into the next life forever. I have prayed a lot and realize we are a work in progress, but God absolutely, unequivocally knows what He’s doing.

Troy and I were at a Bible study in Boston where the Married Couples Ministry studied Genesis. You can imagine the guys broke into a sweat when a woman took issue that Eve was “just designed to be a helper.” The tension was broken when one man said, “I’ve never understood why women take issue with that. After God spent some time with Adam He said to Himself ‘Oh man, this guy’s gonna need some help’.”

God perfectly designed women to fall into a role in the man’s life that the man could not fill alone. Just like Jerry Maguire said, “You complete me.” That was our Lord’s intention – “the two will become one” means a lot when you stop and think about it. One is not better. It’s two very different skill sets and together we balance out God’s love-one masculine and one feminine. Perfectly designed! We have to always remember that truth, and not sell out to the lies Satan and the world has spent forever feeding us.

February 14^th doesn’t have to be the only day you celebrate your love each year! Acknowledge the gift God has given you – your forever Valentine!

If You’re Not Helping Someone, You’re Wasting Your Time

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:17:03 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In 2011, I was minding my own business in Duxbury, MA, trying to figure out where our fifth child would sleep when he arrived. The phone rang and my husband told me he had just been offered his dream job –in Austin, Texas! One month later, we found ourselves and our four children (ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 ) packed in the car, traveling 30 hours to our new adventure.

Right before our big move we found out this would most likely be our last pregnancy. Once we arrived in Austin, it was confirmed that a hysterectomy was necessary after we delivered our little one. It rustled up a host of emotions. But eventually I got over myself, accepted that this would be our last baby and that this was God’s plan. God had been so very generous to bless us with a big family full of healthy children. Quietly I prayed, ‘’ Please Lord, help me to slow my life down to enjoy every minute of this last tiny, wondrous gift from you.”

This isn’t what I had in mind.

I spent December 7^th – 22^nd on mandatory bed rest in the
hospital. On the 23^rdour son was born 5 weeks early and put in the NICU with a list of health concerns. An unexpected complication during my surgery required an additional emergency procedure. I awoke to a long and painful recovery. I wasn’t physically able to get to the NICU to see my sweet baby for two full days and it devastated me to be separated from my newborn. I was weak and helpless and in more pain than I had ever been. But God surrounded me with His reassurance.

My husband and mother spent most days with me, with my mother-in-law holding down the fort at home. Almost every nurse spoke of their faith in God and my spirits lifted. The football team, the Bible study I attend as well as this amazing church all took care of meals through a care calendar, leaving my family’s greatest worry being, “Will we be able to eat it all?” My father got the kids where they needed to be and countless new friends offered help in every conceivable way. My mom did laundry around the clock, grocery shopped after everyone else was fast asleep and still managed to play and sing with the children. Pastor Meyer visited me throughout the 23 days in the hospital, and once I got home. My father-in-law fed me some of my favorite foods to offset the yucky hospital fare.

Prayers and encouragement and a cheering section second to none answered our prayers. Baby Andrew and I both came home (he’s doing great, by the way!) and mostly all our needs were met – think about that! God stood with me in the pit I was in. Never before were Troy and I more humbled and more grateful and more in awe of God’s power. His Children were caring for us the way He would have. “Do Unto others” means something very different now. It left us desperately searching for “How will we ever thank all these people?”

It reminded me of a Catholic friend who told me of an exercise they did at their church during Lent. One of the priests washed the elders’ feet, reenacting how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet before the Last Supper John 13:4-8 “….He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” –John 13:6-8

Many emotions must have stirred in Peter – surely he felt uncomfortable, a sense of inferiority and of being undeserving. In part, that’s how I feel. Who are these people that barely know us, giving so selflessly, and we’ve done nothing to deserve it? But yet, I see the joy in their eyes to serve me – and who am I? I can only imagine the joy Jesus feels watching us “Loving one another.”

It has planted in me a deep desire to give back in new ways and serve once I’m strong again. I would urge you to introduce yourself to the wonderful people who lead the outreach ministry here at Mt. Olive. See what they have planned for 2012, then pray and search your soul as to how you can help them serve. You most likely will get an answer you weren’t planning on either – trust me. I guarantee sharing your time and talents will bring you exponential joy and fulfillment. Our Heavenly Father never wastes our time. As the gospel song says, “Reach out to Jesus, He’s reaching out to you.”

And remember, on His 33rd birthday when Jesus might have been putting together a bucket list of sorts, He willingly listed at the tip- top “Die for you.” That will put your work in perspective. No one is going to crucify you in your outreach effort. But heaven might be a little more crowded someday thanks to you and the example you illustrated for others in how you choose to live your life here. Be a beacon on top of a hill, be a light to others and show them the way to serve cheerfully and have a servant’s heart. Reach out to someone in the hospital or nursing home. Reach out to a child needing nurturing or guidance. But answer the call and reach out this year as He would reach out. Your outreach effort could lead someone home. Take it from me, your kindness will make a huge difference.

Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:26:20 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Believe it or not, this month I am writing to you from a hospital bed. I’ve been put on mandatory bed rest until our fifth child makes his “ready or not, here I come!” arrival. Complications demand I be benched during my favorite time of the year. But God is good ALL the time. Never have I felt so loved by Him and His than I do this Christmas.

I have found God to be absolutely everywhere. On my ride to the hospital, I was serenaded by the music of Elvis Presley’s “Amazing Grace”, reminding me to “Put (my) hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters, put (my) hand in the hand of the man who calmed the seas.” His loving compassion, lavish grace and constant camaraderie have comforted me with each twist and turn.

I have found Christmas miracles in the form of a praying army who have pledged to keep me, our baby boy and my husband and four little ones in their daily prayers:
“Precious Heavenly Father, I lift up Lori to You and ask for your hand of protection on her and her sweet baby. I pray that You will cause her body to relax and heal. Please keep “lil’ man” in her protective womb until Your perfect timing. Thank you for the gift of good doctors and hospitals and we pray that they will have compassion and wisdom as they care for Lori. Thank you for loving and caring for Lori and her baby so much and for taking care of them. I also pray for her family that they can have peace and joy as they help out their mom right now!”

As if that wasn’t enough, I’m reading Max Lucado’s Fearless where I’m reminded regarding Jesus and storms:
“We expect Jesus to come in the form of peaceful hymns or Easter Sundays or quiet retreats. We expect to find Jesus in morning devotionals, church suppers and meditation. We never expect to see Him in a bear market, pink lip, law suit, foreclosure or war. We never expect to see Him in a storm. But it is in storms where He does His finest work, for it is in the storm that He has our keenest attention.”
AMEN, I TELL YOU, AMEN!

Then unexpected visitors from Mt. Olive , including Pastor Meyer, show up with goodies for me and words of courage wrapped in faith. My nurse shares with me her miracle story of a kidney transplant for her son that had our Lord’s signature all over it. My mother-in law steps in to take over my crazy life, my mother drops it all to come to the rescue from 2000 miles away and my husband finds a new admiration for all I do. Texts and emails blanket me in peace the way only God’s tender hands could. I feel cherished, not forsaken, and I’m living a life strong in faith, not dictated by fear. What a gift to unwrap! This isn’t how I dreamed it, but I’m astonished it could bring me this much sheer joy and jubilation.

I would never have imagined having Christmas in this precarious position. But you know what? My presents aren’t coming from a department store, a little blue box or some one day sale. They are coming from Him who so loves me that he has sent faithful brothers and sisters in Christ to my bedside to love on me like a daughter to the king. Never before have I slowed my life down enough to feel His constant comfort and healing and power. My prayer for you as you read this and for anyone who finds themselves in a less than ideal situation, is that you can access this fantastic adoration from our Father. His peace passes all understanding and his love for us could melt your mind…but instead let it melt your heart.

Pastor’s reoccurring theme this December has been “Christmas Gifts that Won’t Break.” We are those gifts to one another. I think we are his favorite action figures and dolls – in his eyes heroes and porcelain beauties. He uses us to His glory whether we are aware of it or not. He never said it was going to be easy, but He promised never to leave us. As I sit here feeling helpless over so much in my life at this most glorious time of the year, I know I am to “Be still and know I am God” – Psalm 46:10 and “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11

This Christmas please keep your focus on the gifts that won’t break in your life. Praise God for His generosity to us through His love, faith and hope. His love being greatest of these is so clear to me now. Splurge a little this Christmas and slow it all down to allow it be clear to you, too.
Jesus is all the evidence we’ll ever need to know how real His love for us truly is.

Thankful for Thanksgiving?

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:23:55 +0000

LORI PREHAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’ve been thinking a lot about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. One definition for the word thanksgiving is “a blessing or prayer.” To some of you, that’s a funny name for this beloved holiday, right? I can think back to many years where I would have called it, “No thanks, giving” for one relative, I mean, reason, or another. I’m completely convinced that God has a sense of humor that is particularly tickled at the holidays. He sees all we’ve done within our relationships (the good, the bad and the ugly) have to get sorted out so we can enjoy a civilized meal together. A man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). How true! I can tell you for me, at the holidays I need to dive into God’s word more than ever. I need to remind myself, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). I try harder knowing “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and I know He knows I’m trying.

Marys, Marthas, Cains, Abels, Pauls, Matthews, Peters, Marks, Lukes, James’, Johns, and (depending how colorful your family is) the woman at the well all congregate together at some willing soul’s home to break bread and give thanks. Just make sure you invite Jesus, too. Offer to say a prayer to begin your feast thanking Him for the food AND the people He helped us whip together. Put some thought into it. Each person at that table is there (like it or not) and you might be the only Bible they will ever read. So BE the salt shaker of His word. Share His light and truth and way through the way you live. Look past the turkey, potatoes and stuffing, the yams and cranberry sauce, to see the glorious creations God put at your table. Although you may not be as delighted to see everyone as Mom’s apple pie, someone there in your midst might feel like the lost sheep our dear shepherd selected you to corral. Showcase your gratitude to God. Not sure where to start? I like Psalms 100:3-5 or go to www.esvbible.org where you can run a search finding the right words for you. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Lord’s Prayer. That one came right from His lips.

This year I challenge you: instead of dodging your sister in-law at the dessert table, tell her how you value her and remind her she’s in your prayers. A lost soul that is reminded how they are significant, can find hope. I can’t think of one relative that would refuse seconds on that dish! Dig deep and find one thing in one relative at your table this year that bugged you last year but at closer glance is clearly a blessing. And bear in mind, you might be it for them. Just as Rick Warren said in the opening line of A Purpose Driven Life, “It’s not all about you.” God could be using you as His instrument to plant some seeds in them that they need. Feel honored He picked you…He NEVER makes mistakes.