July 6, 2013

The Glad Game

I sat and watched Pollyanna today. My goodness its been forever since I watched that feel-good movie. (In a house full of boys, it is rare that I ask to watch a girl movie, but today I couldn't resist)

                                                    
Remember the Glad Game?
Whenever something bad happened, Pollyanna's father had taught her to think of something to be glad about. Like the time she had prayed for a doll, but the missionary team sent crutches instead.
Pollyanna's father invented the game in that moment. What is there to be glad about in receiving a pair of crutches rather than a longed for doll?
Pollyanna cheerfully exclaims, "That we do not need the crutches!"

My Father has similar advise. In Psalm 118:24 He says, "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Pollyanna also wore a locket with an inscribed quote from Abraham Lincoln. It read,

Abraham Lincoln

“If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will.”



This sweet little movie reminded me of two amazingly simple, yet life changing principles:

1. There is always something to rejoice in this day that The Lord has made.
2. I would rather spend my time looking for the good in people, because I am confident I will find it!

What are you Glad about today?
I am glad that I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel; that my body is healing; and that I will have my entire family under my roof tonight!




July 4, 2013

Exactly What Does it Mean to Send Positive Thoughts My Way?

                                                              
When I interact with people on the Internet, sometimes I ask for prayer. 
When people say they will send positive thoughts my way I am often left scratching my head.


Exactly what does it mean to send positive thoughts my way? Do they think of butterflies and chocolate dipped strawberries? If so, how will that impact my life?

I am sorry, but sending positive thoughts to someone is not the same as sitting at Jesus's feet talking to Him about what is on my mind.

Don't get me wrong. Butterflies are good. Strawberries are only made better by that wonderful coating of chocolate. But let's be real. They will do nothing for me.

Jesus on the other hand, is not only positive- He is real and ready to handle whatever I bring to Him.
I have seen Him answer prayer.

 Its not just a coincidence. there are countless examples of answers to prayer, but here are a few:
 Prayed my sons surgeon would have renewed strengths and wisdom during one of of his surgeries.
-doctor shared afterward that half way through, our son had begun to bleed I expectantly, but after the bleeding was controlled the surgery went better than they expected.

Prayed for mercy during a very difficult pregnancy. Baby was in an excruciating position
-baby turned sideways for the duration of my pregnancy and relieved much if my pain.

Prayed for clothes (knowing I needed maternity clothing and could not swing a new wardrobe at the time)
-received 2 huge boxes of maternity clothing unexpectedly from my mother in law ( who lived 2,000 miles away and did not know I needed them). She said she walked into a store that was having a blow out sale and couldn't resist. **she had never sent clothing before or since**

Prayed with young son that God would help people in our neighborhood to stop hanging a scary skeleton from a tree because it terrified him.
-that year, they cut down the tree and never hung another skeleton.

These are just a few answered prayers off of the top of my head. Again, I say I scratch my head when someone thinks of puppies for me when I ask for prayer. Why? Because its so beautifully obvious that there is a true and living God. He not only created us, but He loves us. He cared for us. He wants us to talk to Him, to trust Him, to rely on Him.

Do you know Jesus? If you have any doubt about whether He is real, take the time to ask Him to show Himself to you. Then: wait, watch, and listen.

This is one of those prayers that is always answered.


Your turn: share an example of answered prayer. Please;).