Ice Cream for Breakfast, with David?

My baby boy is 14! Time seems like a river flowing faster and faster, and I can't get it to stop. I remember the first time I saw his sweet little face. Waking up the first morning and I heard some chatter ... I looked over and James was holding him and telling him about everything he will ever need to know about football and girls. And I remember him talking about how hard his mommy worked to get him here (38 hours of labor ...then c-section!) and how much we loved him. There was a U of Michigan game on and James was rocking him in his arms as they talked football.... my my how things never change! My sweet 6lb12oz baby boy is about 6 inches taller than me now.... And has a heart of gold. I have been eternally blessed by children with huge hearts and sensitivity to others. He is always the first to encourage and defend someone. Still to this day, every time I pull into the garage in the evening, Zach always opens the door for me and comes out to greet me. Every time. I simply could not ask for better children.

 And ice cream cake for breakfast! Yep.... that's how we roll!

Something very powerful is happening. I've been writing and blogging for years now. And in the past 6 months or so God had been doing a major, major, major work in me. Some may wonder why I write about my heart and am pretty transparent about my triumphs and struggles. And there have certainly been times when I questioned it myself. I mean, there are a lot of people reading this! All over the world.

The past 2 weeks I have had so many people reach out and tell me their story and how my openness and willingness to write about my journey has awakened something in them. Some love God. Some are angry at God and question His plan. Some have walked away and are wanting to come back. So many people. Even friends I've known for over 20 years. Or friends that share with others in their life that have fallen away. I/we do overcome by the blood of Jesus and the words of my/our testimony, Rev 12:11.

A long time friend reached out on Friday evening with the most beautiful message. Such an open heart. The fact of the matter is, I'm guessing for a lot of us who have had a not so perfect life, Jesus and the message of salvation just doesn't come naturally. If you grew up knowing Jesus, consider yourself blessed. But for some of us who have come to know him, or are seeking him, through a lot of pain, struggle, and question.... it doesn't seem natural, at first.

I had a God shaped hole in my heart that I thought used to be shaped all sorts of other things. But the "filler" never "fulfilled" the feeling. My walk has been brutal at best. I've failed. Been angry. Heartbroken. Been lied about. Been harshly persecuted for being obedient to what God told me to do, even when it was excruciating at best. You cannot hide your heart from Him. You cannot shift blame. There is no rug to shove your trash under when you live in Christ. I think if David were still alive we would have been good friends.

It is when we are truly honest with God that we find His mercy and grace. When David opened his eyes in the morning, he knew that he was alive for one reason and one reason only.... the sheer grace of God. That turning point changed the direction of David’s life, and deepened his relationship with God to a level he had never known before. Understanding God’s grace will have the same effect on you and me.

I want to encourage those reading this that are stuck in anger, shame, guilt, sadness, heartbreak, depression, unforgiveness; to seek the loving, merciful, grace filled power of Jesus into your life to restore that which is broken. So many people think they need to "fix themselves" before seeking Jesus. While just the opposite is true. He knows every thought you think anyway. He knows every detail in your life. He knows you are sad. He knows you question the untimely death of loved ones. He knows you were betrayed. He knows you have sinned against him. He knows you have a pride tendency. He knows you are angry. He knows you have trust issues. He wrote your days before you were even a cell in your mothers womb. But he wants to fix all of that for you. He wants to be your Healer, Redeemer, Restorer, and Saviour. Our Jesus experienced every single trial and tribulation we have.... He understands your pain. With true repentance and diligent seeking comes transformation. There are countless scripture references, but here are some of my favorite;

Isiah 43:25 I, yes I alone- will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Joel 2:13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Phil 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Then you will experience Gods peace which exceeds all understanding.

Rev 51: 12-13 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach the rebels, and they will return to you.

Matt 11:28-30 Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. (The Message)

It's never too late to turn back .... He is waiting.

There is so much I feel God wants me to share with you. Next up... Funny Mirrors... What We See Versus What God Sees! Stay tuned! Posts are coming fast and furious right now!