I really didn’t have anything particular on my mind but the thought that it’s been awhile since I posted anything on my blog! At the moment I’m sitting at my desk at work contemplating a few ideas I have and wondering if any of them will fly. I’m curious to know if any of the children I work with are grasping the word God has for them…I’m thankful for the people in the church who care enough to share their time with these kids each Sunday morning…I’m glad for friends in my personal life who hold me accountable and allow me to share my heart with them…I’m hoping to hear God’s voice in the midst of all these thoughts and remain quiet enough to distinguish it from the rest of the “chatter” in my brain.
I’ve been reading 1 Samuel! Not everyday, as I probably should, but consistently. I am awed at God…I am inspired by the reality of Samuel’s experience in hearing his Father…I admire David’s graciousness to Saul and his trust in God’s provision…I wish I could just BE, more like them rather than constantly trying to think up new ways to change my habits to emulate them.
I had a moment of truth last night with my oldest. We’ve been reading a christian novel written for kids by Frank Peretti. It’s a mystery and in the end it turns out that there was “evil” at work. An ancient vault was about to be unlocked releasing demons…I know, you might wonder why on earth I would be reading a book like that to my nine-year-old. In truth, I didn’t actually prescreen the book I just assumed that a novel by Frank Peretti would be acceptable material for him to read, especially if it was written for kids. In fact, it created a unique opportunity for me to share with Sam some of the basic beliefs of my faith. The word demons appeared and I realized he’d likely never understood the worD before so I asked him? He was baffled so I began to explain to him how God uses angels as part of His protection over us but that Satan has “warriors” as well that cannot hurt those who are under God’s protection but they will try. He understood but asked me not to use the word demons as it was a “gross” word (funny how without knowing the meaning of the word he instinctively knew it was a word that just doesn’t sit right). Then he paused and asked if they were real. My initial response was to try to downplay the power Satan has but I realized that God had opened a door for me to share the reality of our world and the strength of His power with a child who is getting old enough to understand it. Truthfully, I wanted to pretend he was but a little boy, not grown enough to grasp the depths of faith and young enough to protect from the reality of our harsh world but in recent days God has challenged me to begin letting go and allowing my son to grow up. This was a moment of faith for me as I trusted that God would protect Sam’s mind and heart from the deep fear that Satan has often whispered in my ear at the thought of his power. It was a moment to share with my child that God is greater than anything. It was a moment to live what I’ve been contemplating in listening to one of my new favorite songs by Chris August, Starry Night:
I’m giving my life to the only one who makes the Moon reflect the sun.
Every Starry Night, that was His design.
I’m giving my life to the only son, who was and is and yet to come
Let the praises ring, ’cause he is everything
‘Cause he is everything
God is everything. He is our Creator, our ABBA Father, who has given us life. We often marvel at the creations of man, the architectural genius of human hands, but rarely do we take time to recognize that what we live in has been created with nothing more than a word. He can create and He can destroy. Most important in this situation was not downplaying the power Satan holds in this world but creating the understanding that God has destroyed the stronghold Satan is allowed in our lives. That we merely speak His name, that a word from our lips can bring the power of Heaven and Earth to our hearts.
Like I said, so many thoughts clutter my mind! I am trying to sift through and keep my mind clear for the sound of my Beloved’s voice.
I love to hear you and Sam are reading together and I love that song you quoted!!! It is a favorite of ours! 🙂
Karter LOVES Christian mysteries, too!
Also, hearing of your faith and how you are living it aloud and teaching your children is encourageing!
Happy New Year
Love, Marilyn