Tag: angels

God Said No

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

It has been a rainy week in Charlotte, NC, and I am feeling as blah as the weather because I have been painfully reminded that life is not all sunshine and roses. When someone you know and care about loses their child, and a sister loses her baby sister, life takes on a different meaning. And if you are human, you too can feel and understand their grief and sadness.

We prayed and prayed for Keri to be healed in our human meaning of healing. For God to give her back to us, her family, her husband, and her children. Keri’s human healing was not to be God’s will, and God is sovereign. I say it that blunt way because it is how I need to hear it. There are no arguments, no pleading when God’s will is going to be accomplished. And yet, the human side of me wants to argue and intends to plead one more time, even if it is to ask for resurrection. It is a hard lesson for me with my walk with Christ. I can always find a hundred ways from Sunday why He should listen to me one more time. God tells me to sit down, be still, and listen to Him. Yes, God is Sovereign. And He said, “No,” to Keri staying here.

In the bible, God tells us that His ways are not our ways, and I know God thinks and perceives on a level I am unable to comprehend. Knowing and trusting His sovereignty does not take away the pain or the grief felt by us humans. So I must remind myself that Jesus took our pain to the cross, experiencing every minute facet of human emotion. He knows our pain intimately, and He knows Keri’s family is suffering. I believe Jesus grieves with them and will continue to until they see Keri again.

For now, my choice is prayer for Keri’s family and throughout the next year to remember them as they move forward without her but with an amazing faith in our Savior.
For Keri.

You walked this earth with a heavenly grace that sparkled throughout the universe.
Generously illuminating the many lives, you touched with your hope, grace, and love.
Were you one of God’s earthly angels given this short amount of time?
And with your job well done, it was time for God to call you home?
We will not know for now.
Those you have left here find ourselves a little lost and our world somewhat dimmer.
But you, dear Keri, will carry on as the Guardian Angel shepherding over your precious loved ones.
Shining your angelic light through them, and watching their very steps, until the day you meet again in glorious Heaven above.

How Would You Handle It?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I recently read an article about a family having dinner in a local restaurant. Their ten-year old is a high functioning child with autism.  And they have experienced meltdowns with him before when out in public.

This time, his older sister was teasing him and he went into meltdown mode. His mother got up, walked over to his chair, and knelt down. She rubbed his back and whispered reassuring words to him. His meltdown ceased.

After the incident the waitress came over to their table with a kind note about the mother and family. The note came from another restaurant customer who also paid for their meal. Most people who give from the heart, do not wait around for the “thank you.” This patron didn’t wait either.

Now the family, had received comments before, like asking them not to come back to the establishment. But never a comment with such a display of kindness and generosity before.  The grandfather was sure the people were really angels sent by God, because human nature appears to render aggravation rather than compassion in these situations.

What would you do or what have you done, when in a similar situation?

I guess because my husband and I are grandparents, our response is more sympathy.  And with me, I would love to go over to hold the child or help the family if I can. Sometimes if they are near us, we reassure the parents it is all part of growing up.

You see, some adults forget they were once children. And usually the ones who complain the most, were probably the more difficult child.

Now, I am not saying reward a child for bad behavior. Children can not learn how to act in public, if they are never given a chance. It is how the situation is handled which makes a difference.

Because there is nothing worse than, when a parent starts shouting at their child.  Which usually causes things to escalate. And then you know who the child models their behavior from, the parent or parents.

Have we forgotten life is an imperfect dance and children especially need a little more consideration under stressful circumstances.  Just like us, they get tired, hungry, and grumpy.  Yes, and just like adults, kids act up too.  Sometimes all that is needed is soothing words or a time out from the situation.

Parents and especially single parents, have a tough job these days. They compete with technology, media, school environments, and social environments. Not to mention the family dynamics. We the spectators, should be prepared to give a little kind consideration or maybe even some help. You can usually gauge a situation by observation and know whether to wait or to jump in and help.

Next time, think about Jesus and how He would handle the situation. Would Jesus walk over and ask them to leave? Or would He pay for their dinner and leave a kind note? Just saying.

God Bless You!

God Bless America!