4 Pictures...1 Thing in Common

 Our time together during family devotions has been full and sweet lately!  Last night, as we sat and talked, we once again shared the needs that are on each of our hearts.  There are specific areas that each of us has asked our family members to pray for.  Ted asked us to share the different situations that we are dealing with...allowing each one of us to draw out the actual requests that we can bring before the Lord.  So many cares are represented in each situation...so many opportunities to pray for each other...so many different ways to remember each other throughout the day.  Ted looked around the livingroom as asked, "What do at least four of us have in common in the requests that we have shared?"  I knew right away...I have been playing that "4 Pictures 1 Word" game off and on lately!  The answer..."People!"  Wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we are...we deal with people.  It doesn't matter what age we are...we will struggle at different points throughout our day as we interact with people.  We all have sin natures!  We all look out for number one first!  Some of us have asked Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior...which brings a change of heart and direction in life...or at least it should!  Uncle Pastor has been preaching through some of his favorite Psalms on the last two Sunday mornings.  On Sunday nights, he has been preaching on prayer.  God has given us the challenge and encouragement we have needed as a family!  We are thankful for the growing opportunities to share with our children.

Psalm 27 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

My prayer is that I would be the right kind of encourager to those around me.  It struck me last night...I am not around people as much as my family is.  I have been searching for a part time job to help our family.  God has not answered that in a permanent sort of way.  He has been giving me substitute jobs here and there.  I am thankful and I enjoy those times.  I am beginning to understand why God isn't moving in that direction!  He wants my focus to be on our home...to make it a welcoming place as these four loves make their way home each night.  They need to find a peaceful and comfortable place after being "beat up" all day with the cares of this world and satan's relentless attacks.  It was as if I finally got it through my head!  God doesn't need me out working a job...that, yes, would provide income...but at what cost?!  I need to fulfill my role as wife and mother as God orchestrated...ministering to my family.  We only get one chance at this...and we need to get it right!  5 Pictures of us...Giving God the glory...in every day life...and it isn't a game!