One year old cutie pie and a "senior citizen"!

Yesterday was this sweet little Grace's FIRST birthday!  I had the pleasure of spending the day with her while her mommy and daddy work.  I tried all day to get a cute picture, but when you are one year old you are either asleep or constantly on the move - or eating.  This was the best of the blurry pictures that I captured on my phone.  At any rate, we had a really fun day of play.  She is not quite walking by herself, but she can cruise really fast and crawl like a streak.  Doug and Susie have a really interesting gate setup in their larger than a doorway opening to the family room.  The problem with this larger gate is that the dogs have figured out how to push the gate aside to get into the family room.  So Grace, being the smarty pants that she is, watched the dogs and now pushes the gate aside to get OUT of the family room!  So I spent a large part of the day trying to keep the dogs OUT and trying to keep Grace IN!  The funny thing is that she high tails it directly to the dog bed and toys in the living room when she escapes and the dogs high tail directly to Grace's high chair (hoping to find a stray cheerio on the floor) when they get into the family room.

Here it is, another birthday of a grandbaby and I can't help but reflect in a somewhat similar way on Grace as I did to Anna on her birthday just a few days ago.

This is the "name frame" that I completed for Grace.  These words represent the picture that Jesus gave me before she was born for the plan and destiny for her.  I had a really interesting dream that was sort of like Jack and the Beanstalk.  I saw a large vine extending up to heaven. All of the treasures of heaven would be available through Grace.  And just like Jack in that tale, Grace would he able to fight the giants in the land with a weapon of joy and through song.  I saw her worshiping from the top of that vine, with songs that reached all over earth.    And here she is one year old.  I can tell you that this sweet little girl loves everything musical.  She will dance to any little bit of music she hears.  It is really clear that music is in her blood.  There is no doubt to our family, that she has brought joy and laughter to us.  Grace almost always has a smile on her face.   And she has a large group of people that love her.  When we most needed it, Grace brought hope to our family.  I can't wait to see her destiny play out in the years ahead.  

This has been a week of birthdays.  Grace actually shares a birthday with my sister Karen, who would have been 80 years old yesterday.  Sadly, Karen died in 2007 and I've found that I seem to miss her more each year.  I've been missing my mom also these days.  Along with Ken's retirement, I have just been "feeling" old.  At my small group this past week, we talked about how important it was to know and remember that our life is not over because we are over 60.  It is so easy to fall into the trap that there is nothing left for you to do or accomplish as a senior citizen. We talked about finding ways to discover purpose for the years ahead.  I am so thankful for the time that I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren.  Getting a chance to really know them, to know how to pray for them and to have time to enjoy them and be an influence in their lives, is a wonderful part of my purpose.  The key to finding this purpose is to remember that we are always moving forward into the future, therefore, our purpose can and will change.  In other words, DON'T GET STUCK!  Keep moving forward.  

So, there is Grace at 1 year old - with so much ahead for her.  And here I am, over 60 with so much ahead for me.  Yes, birthday's are a great time to celebrate the time that has past and look ahead to the future.  I am thankful for the reminder that it is good to keep looking ahead.  

No matter where you are in you life - young or old - single or married - celebrate!  This day is what we have been given.  Live your life with purpose.  Make a difference where you are.  Smile and laugh.  Make today count.  Walk forward with confidence into tomorrow.  

Jesus, what a wonderful and amazing God you are.  You shower us with your grace and peace and fill us with your love.  Holy Spirit, help us to be present in our life each day.  Remind us to be grateful for the small blessings.  Thank you Jesus for Grace and the destiny you have for her.  Amen

Work, reminders, a great photo, and reason to celebrate!

So today at work I had one of those "quick" realizations.  You know, the kind of thing that just pops into your mind at the strangest time?  I was trying to keep a group of 16 little three year olds "entertained" when there was about 40 minutes left until lunch time.   I had read a couple of books, but their interest (and desire) to sit still was simply not there.  On a better weather day (not 35 degrees and raining and windy) we would have been outside letting these kids run off their energy.  But sadly, not today.  So I used the wonderful (life-saving) CD's that Gwen had given to me, of active kid friendly songs.  We "Tapped our Toes", we chugged like "trains", we marched like "We are the dinosaurs", and we went "Fast and Slow".  (Note -  all of these are preschool songs). Then we sat down and did a couple of counting "finger-plays".  And it was just as I realized that there was still a good 15 minutes before lunch time, when I launched into "5 little Ducks".  Then, the realization hit me....... Most of the "good stuff" that I know to keep preschoolers happy is Christian based and therefore can't be used at my current job.  

It's funny how you know something, but then the reality of that fact just hits you in the face?   I would say that about 75% of my preschool music "library" (you know, the music that just pops into your head) is Christian.   I can't sing Jesus Loves Me or Arky Arky, at work!  Yep, this is a different playing field for me.   And it is certainly stretching me and giving me lots of things added to my prayer list every day.  

Which brings me to my actual topic for tonight's blog.  Remembering that I said that I was going to spend the month of April with a spirit of celebration, tonight I am celebrating this amazing picture!

I actually just downloaded the pictures from Ellie's 5th Birthday party (actually held on March 8), and here is the above picture!   I am celebrating this for several reasons.  First, it is a great picture of Ken holding Anna.  Not the most usual thing!  Most of the time I am the one holding the baby.   But on that day, I was busy helping with other things.  And then the fact that it is a picture of Ken and Gwen!  Another not so normal thing.   Usually, once again, it is ME and Gwen with Anna.   This photo is just so worth celebrating.   It is such a natural picture of both Ken and Gwen and Anna is peacefully sleeping.    It just makes me smile and makes my heart happy!  Yep, I love this picture!

 

Isn't it interesting how Jesus puts us in "out of the box" situations (like my current work), so that we have to rely on the Holy Spirit and not necessarily what comes most naturally for us?   And even though I am NOT using all those Christian, Biblical songs, every time one comes into my mind, I am reminded to shot up those arrow prayers for these children and their families.  I really celebrate those moments when the Holy Spirit reminds me that there is a plan and purpose for my current work situation.  And this picture of Ken and Gwen with Anna reminds me of the importance to catching those moments of celebration.  What a great reminder of the plan and destiny that Jesus has for my family.  

 

Jesus, thank you for preschool music, for finger plays and your gentle reminders.   Holy Spirit, your plans for us include putting us in sometimes difficult situations.  But you give us the courage, boldness and inspiration that we need to walk through them.   Thank you Jesus for family and the reminder of the bigger picture of your plans and destiny for us.  Thank you for giving me reasons to celebrate every day.  Amen  

Preparing for promotion day......

Here is my sweet Lia, way WAY back in 2009 when she walked across the bridge and "graduated" from 2 year old preschool to 3 year old preschool!  It was her first "PROMOTION"!   Today, at work, I spent most of the day preparing for promotion day.  You see, on Monday there will be lots of confusion and probably, lots and lots of tears.  This will be happening because Monday is "promotion day" at my school.  All of the kids who have had November or December or early January birthdays will be promoted to the older class. So even the littlest in the baby room will be losing some friends to the toddler room.  Today I was working in the 3 year old room.  There are 8 friends moving out of the 3 year old room and 5 friends moving INTO the three year old room.  This process requires lots of work for the teachers.  There are cubbies that need new names.  There are folders and charts and name tags that need to be changed. It's almost like the start of a new school year. Taking out 8 kids and adding 5 mean that you have a totally different group of 20 kids. Even the names on the rug in circle time need to be changed (If you think this sounds odd to have names on the rug so that the kids have an assigned spot, you have never witnessed what happens when three or four very active boys sit shoulder to shoulder during circle time.  Not good. Assigned spots allow us to "divide and conquer!") All this to say, it was a busy, busy day.  And I have been thinking about "promotions".

Several years ago I had many, many words about coming into a year of promotions. I remember the feeling of excitement and joy.  I didn't really understand what these words meant in the spiritual, because I was thinking in the natural.  I felt that I would be coming into a higher level - you know, the next grade up!  There would be new things and more to learn.  I remember also thinking about what it means to get a promotion at a job.  Usually a promotion means new responsibilities and a bigger salary.  But what actually happened in that next year for me did not fit my idea of promotion. Things did not go well that year. It was a time of shaking and in fact crumbling. I even lost my job.It really did not feel like a promotion in any sense of the word.  But now, looking back on that year, I can see all that the Lord was doing deep in my spirit.  There was a lot of junk that needed to be stripped away - and that happened.  I needed to have my priorities straightened out and they were.  I thought I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing and where I would end up.  Boy, was I ever wrong.  This year of promotion was all about the plans and purposes and destiny of Jesus being promoted in me.  It was about Jesus being promoted over ME!   And that reminded me of this verse (actually the very old song that I was humming while typing this!).......

Galatians 2:20 -   I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ, liveth in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved and gave himself for me. 

And now, looking back at the last 5 years, I am beginning to understand exactly what Jesus was saying to be about promotion.  This has been a 5 year promotion process that has gone deep into my spirit and taken me to a much higher place, closer to Jesus.  And the process is not done.  The words that I have been hearing about "expecting the unexpected" and also drawing closer to Jesus are still part of that promotion that I heard about more than 5 years ago.  I am thankful for the reminder today, that Jesus is in the business of promotion!

Thank you Jesus for once again, using my day to day life to remind me of your plans, purposes and destiny.  Holy Spirit continue to work in me and bring me to the place you desire for me.  Bless all of those little ones being promoted on Monday.  Please help the transitions go smoothly and calmly.  Bless all of the teachers at this school and Jesus, help me to reflect your light and life to everyone that I work with.   And Jesus,  thank you again for Lia and all that you are doing in her life.  Amen

the importance of a pencil

Funny to be writing a blog post entitled "the importance of a pencil" when I am sitting at a computer without a pencil in sight!  But there is so much more to this story than the actual pencil......

Yesterday there was a post on a website that I read daily - The Elijah List - that was written by David Walters entitled "Did you know that revival often comes through children?" The article is actually a portion of a book written by Walters by that same title.  Since reading this post, I have been meditating on this topic.  This is a subject near and dear to my heart.  Children and Jesus.  Children and the church.  Children and Spiritual gifts.  Children.  Many of the concepts that Mr. Walters talks about are some that I have spoken and written about over the last almost 20 years.  Seeing these words in print yesterday reminded me that I have been given a message that I need to bring on this subject.  I have not been relieved of my calling or destiny.  Yahweh has spoken to me about this and I need to continue to bring forth all that is on my heart about children. 



 

Today I was thinking about the times it seemed easy to share.  Certainly, when I traveled to Kenya and Uganda in 2004, it was easy to share.  This picture is of a church in the western area of Kenya near Kakamega.  I remember this particular day very clearly.  My message to the kids and parents that I spoke to on this trip was simple.... God has a plan and purpose for your life - a destiny that is yours and yours alone.  And, most importantly, He will do this through you.  In His strength and power.  On this day I gave out pencils to the children.  Just a simple yellow #2 pencil.  I noticed that some of the kids actually held the pencil in both hands.  One girl just jumped up and down when receiving her pencil.  There was lots of excited conversations all around me.  I finally asked the translator what was going on.  He told me that pencils are very precious to these children.  IF their parents can afford the school fees - and IF their parents can afford the uniforms - and IF their parents can afford to buy the pencil - THEN they can go to school.  I was stunned.  A simple pencil. As our group was getting ready to leave this meeting, there was a shout across the corn field near the meeting place.  A very old women was running through the corn toward us shouting for us to wait. As she got nearer to the car we could see that she was holding avocados in her apron.  She came up to me and handed me the avocados and hugged me tightly.  She had tears streaming down her face.  She was giving us those avocados in thanksgiving for the pencil that I had given to her granddaughter.  With that pencil her granddaughter could take the exams at school that would allow her to go to the next level.   They did not have money for a pencil. We accepted those avocados with great thanks.  But for me, this was a life changing moment.  I will NEVER - EVER look at a pencil the same way.  I understood that Yahweh had a destiny and plan for that girl to continue her education, and allowed me to deliver part of His plan through a pencil. 

 

Now, I just need to figure out how to continue to share this message......in this place, at this time. I know that I feel the message in my spirit.  So now it is up to Yahweh to provide the opportunity and the timing and the exact message. 

 

Yahweh, I pray for that girl and her family who received that pencil in 2004.  Touch them and remind them of Your great plan and purpose for their family.  Thank you for your provision that allowed me to pack my suitcase full of pencils for that Africa trip.  Jesus it is your heart to see children raised up and becoming a part of your army in this world.  You always have used children and you will continue to do so.  Bless all those in ministry to children.  Open their hearts and minds to your plans that are so much bigger than just keeping kids busy during church.  Yahweh, speak to pastors and leaders and to parents and other adults, to encourage children to go deeper in You.  Help me to carry out your plan for my life by being bold and courageous to share Your message.  Thank you Yahweh.

Amen



Do I need a "reason" to write?

I've only been doing this blog for a couple of months but it has been so life-giving for me.  Its funny how putting thoughts and words and prayers down in a blog feel like fulfilling my destiny.  I never thought of myself as a writer.  It would not have been something I imagined doing.  In fact, I really didn't like having to write when I was in school.  I much preferred reading over writing.  Back in 1988 when Jesus  became real to me, I started journaling.  I have boxes and boxes of spiral notebooks to show for the last 25 years.  I am so grateful that, early on in my learning and growing spiritual life, someone suggested that I try writing down my prayers.  But I never imagined writing with the purpose of someone else reading my thoughts, feelings and emotions.  And I couldn't comprehend writing down and sharing things that Jesus was saying to me.  Gradually, I sort of got used to the idea of sharing through writing.  But I certainly did not feel "qualified" to write anything really important.
Looking back, I can see that I ran away from writing when there were many times that Jesus was calling me to do exactly that.  Almost 20 years ago, Jesus gave me ideas for an extremely unconventional and powerful "out of the box" education program for children.  I did act on those ideas.  I actually created and executed a unique program for kids.  But very little of it was written down and much of it is contained in scraps of paper and folded copies.  I had a pastor at the time who was encouraging me to get the material in "publishable format".  But I didn't think I had the time and/or the resources to do that.  I wasn't qualified.  Eventually, some ideas did make it into print. (I have previously mentioned the materials on www.cyrusministries.com under Kids Rock).  However, not much more has been happening with my writing................until now. 

In April of 2012 I had a powerful visitation from an angel.  I woke one night from a dream and saw an angel standing by the end of my bed.  He was holding a silver tray.  On the silver tray was a very ornate gold pen. There was a powerful word from the Lord, encouraging me to write down and share the things I was receiving.  To fulfill my destiny.  I knew that I was supposed to write.  I started sort of gathering together some thoughts and ideas and trying to imagine who might even want to read what I was going to write. But that was as far as it went.

Then in February, I read a book that shook up my world.  You see, the author wrote words that I felt and heard in my own head.  I sobbed my way through the book.  The last chapter contained words that were so similar to things I had written in my little booklet "God's Plan and Purpose for Children", that it took my breath away.  I contacted the author of this book and she replied to me almost immediately.  Her response was that "it sounds like there is a book or more in you that is waiting to get out".  She encouraged me to write what I knew I needed to write.

So, here I am.  A new blogger.  I've been encouraged to do this blog by my daughter who always reminds me that "unqualified" is not an acceptable excuse.  Since the Bible is full of unqualified people who God used in amazing ways.  And I am continuing to gather my thoughts and ideas for some bigger project.  But for now, this blog has been amazing for me.   I want to encourage everyone who might be reading this post to follow your destiny.  Don't let being "unqualified" or "uneducated" stop you from following Yahweh's path for you. 

Thank you Yahweh for your patience with me.  Thank you for drawing me to a place where I can share all the wonderful things that you are doing in me and through me.  Yahweh please encourage and give hope to anyone who feels purposeless and hopeless.  You are the Creator and you have amazing ideas to share with us.  Jesus, I receive all that you have for me today.  Thank you for the people who have encouraged me to step out and write.  Yahweh, you are the reason that I write!