November 2019 Newsletter
November 2019
Family! – What an amazing gift we have been given in our families. Families come in many different of sizes and formats – all designed to offer us love, safe harbor, warmth and peace in a world that can seem cold, indifferent and, at times, even unsafe.
This past week has been especially challenging for my family. -- My mother fell for the umpteenth time and ended up in the hospital – again! Now, it may seem like I’m complaining – and perhaps I am . . just a little! But my angst is not with her, as much as it it is about the challenges we all face as we get older and life becomes even more of a struggle at a time when we are less able to cope with it all.
. . .And then, like a sweet melody, we are reminded of the gift of family! God gave us to one another in family – our birth families and our family of faith – so that we may know that we are not alone in our struggles. He gave us one another to love – as we reflect His love one to another.
In my challenges this week, God showed up in amazing ways to provide just what I needed most to experience victory over the struggles. He showed up in the form of my wonderful husband, my sister, daughter and son-in-law, teenage grandchildren, the compassionate medical professionals and the many of my family of faith who lifted our concerns and challenges in prayer to He Who is the source of relief, comfort and joy – even in the midst of the struggles of this life. All of this is God’s way of telling us . . reminding us. . .that we are not alone. That He is with us. That He loves us and loves those who we love. That He loves our families.
I cannot tell you how this comforted me this past week – and how it continues to provide hope that He will bring us thought this new challenge. And what a precious reminder it has been that family is a gift and that God, as He told us through Moses’ words to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”— He will NOT EVER leave us! He said it. I believe it. And that settles it!
You see, friends, it has been my experience, that God keeps His word to us. He does not break the promises He makes to us. What this means for us is that no matter how difficult life can get – and, trust me, it can be difficult – and seem hopeless – and like no one cares or hears our cries for help! In all of this, there is God, Who loves us and cares for us, and hears us, and redeems us and delivers us from the most horrendous and most impossible situations life can throw at us.
These promises are manifest in the love He gives us in the covenant relationships He has blessed us with in this life. For most of us, that is in family. For some, it is in friends or church family. In whatever form you experience and receive God’s love and comfort – peace and joy, we pray that you will be inspired to celebrate this gift, as you give thanks for the many ways that God has blessed you with those beautiful reflections of His love as we enter the season designed to give us an opportunity acknowledge our gifts of love, companionship, peace and joy.
We pray you will take some time to notice and receive the blessings that are all around you everyday. Admittedly, it can sometimes require paying very close attention see them – but they’re there! I promise!...but more important, God promises!
And as you notice God at work, blessing you, we pray that you will pause to give Him thanks for the love He provides for you in the circumstances of your life – and in the love reflected in the people in your life!
. . .And have a blessed and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
In His love and to His glory!
