Susans Blog

Because Every Child Matters

    Well, this has been an eventful week, with Barack Obama inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America.    I have never been one to be involved in politics, or even take an interest in candidates and electing them.  Yes, I exercise my right to vote, and am proud to be able to do so (because so many fought for me and this privilege).  However, as far as caring who is in office and what they do after they are in office, I am guilty of indifference. 

    Needless to say, over the past few months, I’ve experienced a change of heart.  I know that all things do work together for good, as we are in the plan of God.  Though I disagree with our president regarding certain moral issues, I was reminded in my Bible reading of one fact regarding those individuals in leadership.  Read the first few verses of I Timothy chapter 2.  We are instructed to pray for ALL men.  I have never met an individual, basically, that does not need prayer.  All humankind needs prayer, and we are called to do so on their behalf.  It’s easy to pray for your family or friends, what about the co-workers that annoy you, the church member who grieves you, and the enemy who hates you?

    The chapter continues by saying to pray for kings and those who are in authority over you.  I read that to again remind myself of my calling to pray for my leaders not only in my church, or my home, but also in the country I live.  Even if those in authority are not under the knowledge of Christ, our prayer should be evangelical in that regard.  Let our leaders come under the authority of Christ, and let the gospel have free course to be glorified in every part of their life/leadership/authority.

    I say this today in light of the order signed by President Obama to overturn the “Mexico City Policy.”  This act will put millions of tax payer dollars into international organizations that promote abortion as a population-control measure.  I’m still trying to understand this, but you can read the National Right to Life newletters, www.nrlc.org for more information.   According to the National Right to Life, this is just the beginning of the pro-abortion sweep in President Obama’s agenda. Pray for our leaders in an evangelical manner, that they would come under the authority of Christ.

BECAUSE EVERY CHILD MATTERS!!!

May God help us all,  Susan

I was talking to Philip the other evening about responsibility!  Whew!  It’s definitely a foreign concept to an 8  year old.  However, he does exhibit responsibility in taking care of his family and friends.  He has a difficult time in taking care of his own self, occasionally.  For instance, he frequently misplaces his glasses, his prosthetic ear, and at times his prosthetic eye.  It drives me crazy.  He will inevitably lose something on a day we are running late for school or church or some other important event.  I continue to try to drill it into him that he must take care of his own things, because no one else will do this for him.  Siiiigh!!!

Well, I said all that to give you some background on our talk the other evening.  I told Philip, “You know one day, Phil, your ear is not going to come off your head.  And one day you will see everything with both eyes.  Do you believe that?”  He answered, “Yeah, but when?”  I told him, “I don’t know when, Phil, but I know that God has heard our prayer, and the things that are impossible with humans are possible with God.”  Philip stunned me with his astute response,” I know there is nothing too hard for the Lord.” (That was another verse we had taught him years ago).

I guess this was just another word of encouragement and faith to me from my son.  I have lately been hearing the song “While I’m Waiting.”  I don’t think I really paid attention to the lyrics before when I’ve heard the song.  Check them out on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWI-iZsIKIk&feature=relatedp 

Basically, though the “wait” is painful, the “wait” is not easy, I will move ahead in obedience, and worship and serve while I am waiting.  I encourage you, friends, whatever you are waiting and seeking God for, as it is according to His will, keep serving, keep worshiping while you are waiting.  He is an on-time God, He is not early, not late, but always an on-time God. 

Keep worshiping and serving Him while you are waiting,

God bless,

Susan

Hey everyone I hope you are off to a blast of a new year in 2009!  I’ve had an interesting start, and I suppose even an interesting end to 2008.  I shared this with my church a few weeks ago.  Fasting (denying the pleasure of eating so we can focus on our fellowship with God.) was never a difficult thing for me to do.  I mean, even as a teenager, I would spend days fasting and just seeking the face of God.  However, in the past few months, I know that I have heard God speaking to me of the need for me to fast, yet I have deliberately disobeyed in this.  I said “It’s just too hard, right now, Lord”; “I don’t have the time” and etc.   A phrase I kept hearing through the month of December was “sanctify a fast.”  I couldn’t locate the reference in the Bible until that day I shared with the church.  I’m still reading on the passage from Joel 2:12-14

12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
14   Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 

 Well, I’ve asked God for forgiveness and now am repenting for my disobedience.  I am praying for the strength to spend some days in fasting and seeking the face of God.  We are still in a struggle in regards to Philip’s health and future and his persistent breathing difficulties.  But I know Philip is in the mighty plan of God.  I am realizing, this is not about me, about what I feel I cannot go through or see my child go through.  God has kept him these 8 years, and God will keep him in the future.  I need to release myself and my desires and return to the heart of God, and the reason I live. 

  I used to hate singing the song “Heart of Worship.”  I think it was because I did not understand the meaning of the words. 

I’m coming back to the heart of worship 
Where it’s all about you, it’s all about you Jesus
I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it 
When it’s all about you, it’s all about you , Jesus

God bless you all this year.  If you have prayer requests, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Because every child matters,

Susan