Weekly Inspiration

Again Daddy, Again

ry-lyla1Again…

Remember as a child saying, “Again, Daddy, again,” when you wanted him to lift you up and twirl you, or dance on his feet or toss you up in the air, knowing and trusting fully he would catch you? Or maybe to let him know you wanted him to watch you do something you felt was magnificent, and he just couldn’t miss out? Like maybe do another cartwheel? You’d say, “Watch, again, Daddy.” Or, to simply be picked up and held in the strength of his arms.

Now, imagine how Jesus feels when you come to Him saying, “Again, Lord, again. Help me get through this trial. Teach me to love as You love. Help me to focus on You more each day.”

On and on, over and over. He doesn’t mind. He longs to hear your voice. He wants to give you the desires of your heart—as long as they are what He wants for you, as He knows what is best for you. Even if you think you do. Think ‘again.’

God will always want you to talk to Him. About everything. He’s your best friend and since He knew you before you were born, He has only your interest at heart. His answer(s) may not be what you want to hear, but you can be certain, it will be for your own good. He knows—all.

But, what do you think about Jesus asking you, “Again, child, again?” It doesn’t matter how many times you drop to your knees to pray about the same thing. He wants to hear you. He wants you to come to Him, again and again.

If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart, I encourage you to do so. Your life will never be the same. His loving kindness will be unfathomable. His mercy is new every morning. And, oh, so much grace.

Once you know Him, you will be going to Him—again and again. He will lift you up and carry all your burdens, time and again.

His compassion is so great. He’s waiting, as He will, again and again.

lamentations3-22-24

Lamentations 3:22-24

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Holidays | Weekly Inspiration

Memorial Day is Not Just for Barbeques!

Arlington Cemetery - taken Sept 2006
Arlington Cemetery – Taken Sept 2006

Most people consider this long weekend a time for fun with barbeques, picnics and beer. But do they know the true meaning of why they are celebrating? Do you?

For those of us who had or have family and friends who serve(d) in the military. We know. Even more importantly for those who have lost loved ones while serving. This is what Memorial Day is all about.

Originally called “Decoration Day,” back in 1861, the first Civil War soldier’s grave was decorated. The first widely publicized observance of a Memorial Day-type observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. There are conflicting stories as to when Memorial Day truly began. (You can find more information out on the web and Wikipedia.)

My purpose of writing about today is merely due to my passion, respect, and love for our country.

In my heart of hearts I feel we should teach our children why they get these long weekends. Yes, enjoy the holiday, picnics and all. But respect is learned and it starts in the home. We see all kinds of pictures posted on Facebook, Twitter, etc. about our men and women who paid the ultimate price to give us the freedoms we know and take for granted. Explain this to your kids. It is not only part of our history, it is our present and future. Forever.

On my first sabbatical in 2006, my husband and I took a trip to Washington, DC and visited Arlington Cemetery. Unless you have experienced that, you can never really know the impact. We also experienced the Vietnam Memorial.

Vietnam Memorial Wall
Vietnam Memorial Wall

We witnessed people scratching names onto a piece of paper directly from the wall. There were combat boots laying on the ground nearby. It was heart-wrenching. We know, since we have family and friends who were drafted and deployed there. Some didn’t come back the same and their experience in that awful war has affected them in one way or another—forever. Please don’t forget this.

We then moved on to the Korea Memorial.

Korea Memorial
Korea Memorial

We saw thousands upon thousands of names on the wall and gravesites of our fallen. Engraved on one wall was “Freedom is not Free.” FREEDOM-Is-Not-Free It gave us both chills. Truth. And this is for all of us.

So, before you take that first bite or guzzle of beer, say a thankful, sincere prayer for the families who lost their loved ones who aren’t there to enjoy the holidays with them anymore, who died for your freedom and mine. Then celebrate your day in honor of those fallen.

I get it. Do you?

Amen?

Signing off as,

Thankful and proud of our service men & women.

Chrissy <><

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