tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29302245.post8495516797448714242..comments2023-05-12T07:35:38.062-07:00Comments on Under the Cedars: Bill Ruddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04925796506601845598noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29302245.post-20306548399050566642007-09-14T06:18:00.000-07:002007-09-14T06:18:00.000-07:00I've learned the lesson as a young mom- through a ...I've learned the lesson as a young mom- through a way I never would have imagined- through the death of my own daughter and through my grief. It was not long ago that through some Scriptures and experience and reflection that God gave me the insight to see how my grief is turned to joy so often. And in that, I have seen God glorified and my own faith strengthened and my life- through my pain and suffering- becomes a shining testimony of God's love and faithfulness. It doesn't make sense to me, except to know that God can use the brokeness of this world and the pieces of my life to reflect His almighty power, His ability to heal, and His desire to make me 'holy' as He is Holy. I have prayed many times for my kids and their lives to be full and beautiful. I have changed the words of my prayers- I ask God now to be merciful to my children and to my family and friends. I have learned that what I may perceive as 'bad' may be just the way God can draw my loved ones closer to Him...and so I pray too, for His will to be done. In their lives and mine. Even when it hurts!Jodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01338865463777681078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29302245.post-15665735283377395712007-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:002007-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00These words say everything. Even though we want t...These words say everything. Even though we want to best for our children, sometimes a bit of 'rain' will fall...<BR/><BR/>MercyMe-Bring the Rain<BR/><BR/>I can count a million times<BR/>People asking me how I<BR/>Can praise You with all that I've gone through<BR/><BR/>The question just amazes me<BR/>Can circumstances possibly<BR/>Change who I forever am in You<BR/><BR/>Maybe since my life was changed<BR/>Long before these rainy days<BR/>It's never really ever crossed my mind<BR/><BR/>To turn my back on you oh Lord<BR/>My only shelter from the storms<BR/>But instead I draw closer through these times<BR/><BR/>So I pray<BR/><BR/>Bring me joy, bring me peace<BR/>Bring the chance to be free<BR/>Bring me anything that brings You glory<BR/>And I know there'll be days<BR/>When this life brings me pain<BR/>But if that's what it takes to praise You<BR/>Jesus Bring the Rain<BR/><BR/>I am Yours regardless of<BR/>The dark clouds that may loom above<BR/>Because You are much greater than my pain<BR/><BR/>You who made a way for me<BR/>By suffering Your destiny<BR/>So tell me what's a little rain<BR/><BR/>So I pray<BR/>Bring me joy, bring me peace<BR/>Bring the chance to be free<BR/>Bring me anything that brings You glory<BR/>And I know there'll be days<BR/>When this life brings me pain<BR/>But if that's what it takes to praise You<BR/>Jesus Bring the Rain<BR/><BR/>Holy, Holy, Holy<BR/>Is the Lord God AlmightyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29302245.post-84506479664383183222007-06-29T04:46:00.000-07:002007-06-29T04:46:00.000-07:00Watching my children grow through trials is more p...Watching my children grow through trials is more painful to me than my own journey, as would be true with most parents. But it's only through coming to the end of myself that I learn what surrender is (I wish that weren't true). Why would it be different for my children who are so much like me? Sometimes I feel like I'm in a cocoon (both physically and prayerfully), immune to the world's pains and my own are magnified. Thankfully, God touches me with others -- who make me aware that my view is so myopic -- which is why I pray for God's eyes, not my own, to view others.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959674159406292346noreply@blogger.com