Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 58

Do you ever “help” God work?

Our house was full during the Memorial Day weekend. All three of our grown kids were here. Plus two spouses, one fiance, and our 3-year-old grandson. It was fun. It was special. It was exhausting.

We cooked, we swam, we played games, we made homemade ice cream. And we taught Micah how to “play” dominoes. The first time around, he didn’t quite get the hang of it.

 

But the second time, he not only began to catch on, he was also amazed at the results.

 

The way Micah “helped” the dominoes fall reminded me of how I sometimes try to “help” God work in and around my life. Instead of allowing Him to work in His way and His timing, I try to force things to happen.

I’m not saying we don’t do anything, ever. Often there are steps of obedience God asks us to take. But there’s a difference between following God’s leading and hurrying out ahead of Him. Sometimes we get so tired of waiting or are so anxious to see things happen a certain way we rush forward, knocking down all the dominoes ourselves.

So here’s a challenge for all of us: Instead of running ahead of God to make things happen under our own power and will, let’s take our hands off and watch Him do what only He can do. The results will be far more amazing!

I’d love to hear about a time you allowed God to work in a situation and the results were amazing!

The post Do you ever “help” God work? appeared first on Kathy Howard.

Mug Monday: Is Your Cup Overflowing?

This blog is the first in a series. Join me every Monday through the summer for Mug Monday! Each post will feature a mug (some mine, some yours, & some borrowed) and will seek to make some sense out of the wisdom or humor written on its side. Pull up a chair and join me in a cup of coffee!

I love coffee mugs.

Wait, let me clarify… I love coffee. That makes mugs a necessity. So, I’m always on the lookout for my next favorite coffee container. However, they must meet certain standards:

Size – It can’t be too small or too big, but just the right size to hold what I consider to be one serving of coffee.
Weight – It has to be thick enough so the coffee doesn’t cool off too quickly, but not heavy enough to be cumbersome.
Handle – The handle has to be large enough for at least 3 fingers.
Appearance – It has to appeal to me with either beauty, wit, or relevance.

As you can see, I’ve put a lot of thought into this. So, it won’t surprise you that I’ve created a summer blog series around coffee mugs. But it’s the mug in the photo below that really got things flowing.

Is Your Cup Overflowing?

When I spotted this mug in a local store, the writing on the side made me stop and pick it up. Who knew there could be such wisdom on the side of a coffee mug! It hits women where we live doesn’t it? In America today, we truly can do just about anything we want to do. Unfortunately, we can do anything we want to do and we haven’t learned how to say “no.”

Is your life constantly busy? Sometimes it seems there is no end to our responsibilities and commitments. Between work, caring for our families, and taking care of ourselves, most of the time we women don’t even have a minute to just be still. Add to that all the extra stuff we “choose” to do and life becomes a whirlwind. Does that describe you?

Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the “full” (John 10:10). Sister, God desires that you have a full, abundant life, not a crazy, busy, “run til you drop” life.

But that means we must set priorities and reorder our lives to match. We really don’t have to do everything – and neither do our children! That kind of life is just conforming to the culture around us.

God created our body with limits – physically and emotionally. It’s okay to say “no” to some things – even good things – so you can say “yes” to God’s best!

Give it a whirl! What can you say “no” to today?

Does your life feel a bit out of control? Do you have trouble saying “no?” What is one wise choice you can make today?

For more help on choosing “full” over “busy” see “Slaughtering the Sacred Cow of Busyness”

Come back next Monday for more wisdom from a coffee mug!

The post Mug Monday: Is Your Cup Overflowing? appeared first on Kathy Howard.

Family Vacation Devotional Guide

 

Getting away with the family this summer? This 7-Day Family Devotional Guide, developed just for the family, is perfect for car trips and lazy days on the beach!

Each day features a Scripture passage, brief comments, and questions to get family discussion about God’s Word rolling! Read the passage and the commentary, then ask your family the questions and encourage them to share. Close in prayer!

You can either use the guide straight from here or download and print the PDF

 

7-day #Family #Devotional Guide! Great for your #summer road trip!
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Day One: Follow Me                                                                      

Genesis 12:1-9

God called Abram to move away from the only home he had ever known. It meant he would have to leave his father and other family behind too. God had an exciting plan that would help all the people on the earth. But Abram had to obey to be part of it. So Abram obeyed and followed God. And he didn’t even know where he was going!

Have you ever moved from one town to another? How did you feel?
Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t really understand?
Abram obeyed God quickly. Do you sometimes have difficulty obeying God right away?

Day Two: Get Out Fast!                                                                 

Exodus 12:31-42

God’s people had been in slavery in Egypt for 400 years. He promised to bring them out and lead them safely back to the land He had given Abram. Pharaoh did not want to let them go, but after God sent 10 terrible plagues, he finally told them to “get out!” Hundreds of thousands of people had to pack up everything and leave in a hurry.

What are some of the things the Israelites took with them from Egypt?
In what ways did God provide for their long journey ahead?
Has God ever provided for you during a trip or vacation? How?

Day Three: Two Spies on a Mission                                            

Joshua 2:1-16*

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the people of Israel are about to enter the Promised Land. Their leader, Joshua, sent two spies on a mission to gather information about the first city they would fight.

How did God protect the spies? In what ways has God protected you?
What had Rahab heard about God?
Do you ever tell others about God’s works? What could you tell them?
How did the spies get away?

*Note: Parents, depending on the age of your children, you may just want to skip the description of Rahab in verse 1!

Day Four: Long Way to Go to Have a Baby                                  

Luke 2:1-20

It was about 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Even though we see pictures of Mary riding a donkey, there’s no mention of one in the Bible. They probably walked the entire way and it would have taken them several days. That’s a long, tiring journey.

What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?
What exciting thing happened while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem?
Why did Jesus come? How can you spread the news like the shepherds did?

Day Five: Detour to Help Someone                                             

Luke 10:25-37

Jesus told many stories, called parables, to help people understand things about God. This parable shows us that if we truly love God we will also love other people. Real love isn’t just words. Real love helps others who need help.

What dangerous thing happened to the traveler? Who didn’t help him?
What did the Samaritan do to help? How did that show real love?
Do you know someone that needs help? What can you do to help them?

Day Six: Quick Trip                                                                           

Acts 8:26-40

After Jesus went back to heaven, His followers began to tell people everywhere about Him. God sent Philip to meet the man from Ethiopia on a road so he could learn about Jesus.

How did Philip know who he was supposed to talk to about Jesus?
Has God’s Spirit ever guided you like He guided Philip? How?
What decision did the man from Ethiopia make?

Day Seven: Shipwreck!                                                                  

Acts 27:13-42

Paul was under arrest for preaching about Jesus. He was being taken to Rome to stand trial when the ship got caught in a terrible storm. They battled the sea for two weeks before it finally sank!

What was lost at sea? What was not lost?
In what ways can you see God at work in this seemingly hopeless situation?
How did Paul use it to tell others about God?
How can you use difficult times to tell others about God?

 

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4 Tips for Staying Spiritually Fit this Summer

Summer is almost here! For many of us, that means a break from the usual routines of school, work, and other responsibilities. We sleep in, take time off to be with family, and even get away on vacations and long weekends. Life seems to slow. Regular weekly activities – like sports, lessons, and Bible study groups – go on hiatus until fall.

All of this is great for our families, our bodies, and our human relationships. But unfortunately, the change of pace often throws even the most disciplined among us off kilter spiritually.

Because of the weird schedule, regular Bible study and quite time sometime get set aside. Even church attendance gets spotty due to travel. But rather than feeling guilty or giving up altogether, let’s work with the season instead.

4 Tips to help you stay #spiritually fit during the #summer months.
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The following 4 tips include lots of great resources to help you take advantage of the summer schedule and keep spiritually fit:

1. Online Bible study and community – Many of you participate in Bible study groups throughout the fall and spring, but most of these groups don’t meet during the summer. Rather than neglecting Bible study until September, make use of one of the these great online opportunities.

KathyHoward.org – I have 4 full studies available on my website. Each lesson is available to download and print. You can work through them at your own pace.

Fruit of the Spirit
Growing Up Together: A Study of Ephesians
A Superior Savior: a Study of Hebrews
Unshakeable Faith


WomensBibleCafe.com – great site that facilities online community to go through published studies together. They will be studying Mary Kassian’s “Conversation Peace” beginning June 3rd.
HelloMornings.com – online community that provides accountability and encouragement for women to spend time with God each morning The next t6-week challenge begins June 29.

2. Summer Bible Reading Plan – Use a plan that’s short-term and gives you some breathing room!

My 10-week plan on Paul’s Life and Writings is perfect with just 4 days of reading each week.
Here’s another summer-friendly plan I found at WomenLivingWell.org

3. Family Devotions – Since you’ll probably be getting away with your family this summer, make good use of that time together. Download this 7-Day Family Devotional Guide to use on that next road trip or family vacation. The guide includes a Scripture passage to read, very brief commentary, and 3-4 discussion questions to get the family talking!

4. Podcasts – Many churches make their pastor’s sermons available for listening through the church website. If your church doesn’t, you can listen to many great preachers and teachers from wherever your summer travels happen to take you. Here are a few of my favorites:

Matt Chandler, The Village Church
Priscilla Shirer, Going Beyond Ministries
Andy Stanley, Northpoint Church
Jared McCaleb/Bruce Webb – my own pastors!

Summer doesn’t have to mean a spiritual setback! Just temporarily change the way you do things. I would love to hear how you and your family incorporate spiritual disciplines into your summer schedule.

Unusual #summer schedule doesn’t have to mean a #spiritual setback. Stay fit with these 4 tips!
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Let’s share now! How do you stay spiritually fit during the summer months?

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6 Steps for Unshakeable Faith When Life is Shaky

I’ve never felt the earth literally shaking beneath my feet, but devastating circumstances have caused my world to rock. What about you? We can build an unshakeable faith on our rock-solid God so when times of trial and difficulty come, we can stand firm.

Scripture tells us that trouble and trials will be a part of our life (John 16:33, James 1:2). But what do we do when they hit? What do we do when we can’t see God actively working in our circumstances?

In Psalm 71, the psalmist cries out to God for help. His troubles were piling up and he couldn’t see God at work. If you have time, read the entire psalm. It’s only 24 verses. Here, I’d like to share six things the psalmist did to stand firm on God’s truth when everything around him was shaking.

Ask – Express your need to God and ask for Him to intervene. “Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 71:4).
Remember – Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and helped you in the past. “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you” (Psalm 71:5-6a).
Praise – Glorify God for who He is! It will foster trust in your great God. “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:8).
Appeal – Base your request for help on God’s character and faithfulness. “Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness” (Psalm 71:2).
Place – Put your hope and trust in God to work in your circumstances. “But as for me, I will always have hope” (Psalm 71:14a).
Anticipate – Watch for God to work! Anticipate His deliverance! “You will increase my honor and comfort me once again” (Psalm 71:21).

6 steps to #StandFirm on #God’sTruth when everything around you in shaking
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In the middle of #trials reflect on how God has helped you in the past
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Anticipate that God will work in your #trial. Then watch for Him!
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Like the psalmist, even in the midst of his trouble we can stand firm on God and His truth. We may not see Him working, but we can take refuge in our Rock and Fortress (Psalm 71:3).

What storm rages around you today? Cry out to God for help. Praise Him and anticipate His deliverance!

 

The post 6 Steps for Unshakeable Faith When Life is Shaky appeared first on Kathy Howard.

Is God Still Good When Our Circumstances Aren’t?

I often hear other Christians say, “God is good!” I heard it when the life of a sick child was spared. And when a biopsy returned benign. And when a job in jeopardy was saved. And when a rebellious teen turned back to God. But is God still good when our circumstances aren’t?

But what about when the child dies or it comes back “cancer” or the job is lost or the teenager never returns? Is God good then?

Yes. God is good all the time. The Bible says so. God cannot be good one moment and not the next. He cannot be good in one situation and not another.

God cannot be good one moment & not the next. He is good all the time.
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A Facebook post I read not long ago caused me to reflect on this truth. The FB friend wrote, “God is good!” And then she detailed all the recent positive happenings in her life as the proof.

This really troubled me. See, we flawed humans tend to declare God’s goodness only when things turn out the way we hope they will. This implies that we believe God is good because our circumstances are easy. But what if our circumstances are hard? Does that mean God is not good? Or that He is good only to those who don’t have trouble and difficulty?

Our circumstances do not dictate or define God’s goodness. God’s character dictates His goodness. God is good all the time. No matter the circumstances.

Circumstances don’t define God’s goodness. His character does. #GodIsGood all the time no matter…
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The Bible says that God is Good All the Time

Here are a few truths from Scripture to help us develop a correct understanding of the goodness of God:

God’s will for our lives is good (Romans 12:2). Sometimes – in fact, often – His will includes trials and difficulty that He uses for our refinement.
In all things, in all circumstances, our good God is working for our good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
The assurance of God’s goodness enables us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and to declare in easy times and hard times, “God is good!”

#God is working for our good in ALL #circumstances, good or bad
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3 truths from Scripture that teach #God is #good all the time!
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4 Tips to Help You Live the Truth that God is Good All the Time:

How should these truths impact our daily lives? How should we upgrade the way we live and talk and relate to others? Here are a few suggestions:

Remember that God is good all the time. Not just when things are going the way we want them to.
Thank Him for His goodness in every life situation.
Be sensitive to those around you who are facing difficult and painful circumstances.
Declare His goodness in every circumstance, particularly in the hard times.

4 tips to help you live the truth that #God is good no matter the circumstances.
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Upgrading our attitudes about God’s goodness can change how we approach every circumstance of life and each person we encounter. God is good, all the time!

Let’s talk. Have you ever been guilty of declaring God’s goodness only in times of ease? Forgetting His goodness in times of difficulty? What are some things we can do to remind ourselves of His goodness in every situation?

 

 

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Every Trial is an Opportunity

Today would have been my mother-in-law’s 84th birthday. She died in a car accident in January 2004. Whenever I think about her death, I remember God’s presence and provision. What trial are you facing today? This post, which originally ran in 2013, shows how God can – and will – work powerfully in the midst of your pain, griefs, and struggles.

The call came from Pappaw, my father-in-law right, after dinner. He and Wayne’s mom had been in a car accident. He had suffered some cuts and bruises. She was with Jesus.

We had seen them two weeks earlier for Christmas when we made the 2,000 mile trek from where we lived in Alberta, Canada to their home in Louisiana. Now the distance seemed insurmountable. We would leave as quickly as possible but so many things had to be done.

First, I called my friend Susan. Twenty minutes later the house began to fill up with loving members of our church family. Our friends surrounded us, taking care of details and covering responsibilities at home. In the midst of all the activity there was prayer, hugs, and tears. Within hours we were ready to travel.

In Louisiana, my father-in-law encountered the same love and care from his church family. Friends went to the hospital to bring him home. Two men stayed with him throughout that first night. Some of the women made sure the beds were ready for us. By the time we arrived, the kitchen and refrigerator were filled with food. No need went unmet.

As we learned more about the accident we recognized God’s presence and activity even there on the street. The other driver was also a Christian and prayed with Pappaw as they waited for the responders.

A young woman who witnessed the accident had stopped and waited with them. She did what she could to comfort Pappaw and stayed with him until they left for the hospital. Later, we found out she was not a Christian, but God used the tragedy to capture her attention. She even visited Pappaw’s church with her son.

Throughout those days, God’s peace reigned, defying the circumstances. Even in grief, hope for God’s promised future gave reason for joy. His palpable presence strengthened us.

God proved Himself faithful, loving, and true.

Yesterday in the book of John, I read about another time of loss and grief. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had become ill and died, leaving grieving family and friends. When Jesus learned of his death, He told the disciples that the trial would be an opportunity for them to believe (John 11:14-15).

Sounds a little strange doesn’t it?

Every trial, difficulty, and obstacle in a believer’s life provides an opportunity to experience God’s character, power, and ways.

Every #trial & #difficulty provides an opportunity to experience #God’s character, power…
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Jesus said we would have trouble in this life (John 16:33). We live in a fallen world. But God is bigger than any tragedy, natural disaster, illness, or loss. He adds joy to our sadness and gives peace in the midst of turmoil. He shines His light in dark places to guide us along difficult paths. He eases our fears and whispers words of comfort in our ears.

#God is bigger than any tragedy, natural #disaster, illness, or #loss.
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Are you in middle of a trial right now? If not, you will be in the future. Let’s look for God in the middle of it. Let’s watch for His activity and personal, loving provision. He is faithful and true.

Look for #God in the middle of your #trial. He is #faithful.
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In what ways has a previous trial been an opportunity for you to experience more of God?

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Worried or Anxious? 3 Tips for Casting Your Cares on God

I woke up this morning feeling worried and anxious, with several things heavy on my heart and mind. When I sat down with my coffee, my Bible, and my journal, I actually made a list because I intended to pray through them. Half a dozen items stared back at me from the page. And none of these things are minor. Barring a miracle, none of them will be resolved in a week, a month, or even this year. Some of them won’t be fixed this side of heaven.

As I stared at this list and began to pray, God brought a verse to my mind:

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

So I found it in my Bible and read it. Okay, sounds good, but sometimes easier said than done. Then I read the verse in it’s larger context (1 Peter 5:5-9) and a couple of the cross-references (Matthew 6:25-34 and Matthew 10:29-31). The truths God showed me this morning helped and encouraged me. Maybe they will help and encourage you too.

1. Contemplate God’s concern for you – God’s care and concern for us is deeper than we can imagine. Because He is omniscience, He knows every small detail of our lives, the tiniest bit of turmoil. In Matthew, Jesus tells us God puts the colorful blooms on the flowers of the fields and keeps track of every sparrow in every tree. If God is that attentive to the flowers and the birds, how much more does He care about you, the one He made in His own image?

2. Get and stay humble – Look at 1 Peter 5:5-6. We can’t pull verse 7 out of its greater context. Just before Peter tells us to “cast our cares on God,” he tells us to “clothe yourselves with humility… humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” So, what does this have to do with casting our cares on God? It’s hard to give God our cares and concerns when we pridefully think we can handle them; when we think we know the best way to work them out. Truly giving our worries to God requires humility so we can trust Him to do what’s best in His time frame.

3. Watch out for Satan – What?! Our enemy does not want us to trust God. He wants us to handle things our own way. He wants us to take our troubles back from God and worry them to death. Don’t do it! Be disciplined against his temptations by standing firm on God’s truth. Cling tightly to your faith in the One who cares and can do something about it!

Well, nothing on my list has been resolved since I began writing this post. But my resolve to trust God with them is stronger. My awareness of His concern and care for me is renewed. I will continue to wait on Him.

Do you believe God cares for you? What do you need to “cast” on Him today?

 

The post Worried or Anxious? 3 Tips for Casting Your Cares on God appeared first on Kathy Howard.

Mother’s Day Giveaway to Strengthen Her Faith

This post is a giveaway for Mother’s Day. Read to the end to find out how to enter!

This Mother’s Day, many mothers dear to me are struggling. Some battle illness. Others suffer grief and loss. Still others are weighed down and overwhelmed with the trials of life. But no matter their specific struggle, they can all find strength in the same Source. They can all take refuge in the same Rock.

God never promised us a life free of pain and trouble. In fact, He clearly told us it would come. But the world and anything it can throw at us is no match for the One and Only.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, NIV

God’s Word is full of His promises for times of trouble. Promises of strength and comfort and peace and guidance.

His Word also teaches us that if we build the foundation of our life on Christ, we will stand when the storms come:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25, NIV

Does your mom need comfort and encouragement this Mother’s Day? Maybe you need comfort and encouragement. God longs to give it. He is able to give it.

Does your mom need comfort this #MothersDay? God longs to give it.
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God sees. He knows all about your circumstances. And He cares. He invites you to come to Him with all of it.

Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22, NIV

He desires to be your help and strength.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV

Maybe you don’t know how to start. How to lean on Him. Sit in His presence. Immerse yourself in His Word.

I pray He will strengthen and comfort you today. I’d also like to give you a chance to win one of two resources that can encourage your heart and bolster your faith. I’m giving away a copy of my devotional book God is My Refuge and one of my Bible studies Unshakeable Faith. You can enter up to 4 times! Here’s how:

Leave a comment on this post.
Share this post on Facebook. Then let me know in a separate comment here.
Share this post on Pinterest. Then let me know in a separate comment here.
Share this post on Twitter. Then let me know in a separate comment here.

I will draw two winners. One for each book! The giveaway closes at 8am on Monday, May 11. I will let winners know by email.

Enter to win a book to encourage your mom this #MothersDay
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Enter up to 4X for a chance to win a book for #MothersDay
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The Birds, The Beast, and an Empty Nest

Four baby barn swallows peered over the edge of the mud nest on a wall in a corner of our patio, eagerly waiting for their mother to return with breakfast. I had a really good view of the feathered family from my bedroom window. “This is going to be great,” I thought. “I can watch them grow, learn to fly, and leave the nest.” Like my own empty nest, the experience would be bittersweet, but exciting.

Then I remembered the beast. Our ninety pound, yellow lab dominates the back yard. Did the baby birds have a chance against a dog that pulls trees up by the roots? Maybe it would be better for the babies to never leave the nest. The mama bird could continue to feed them. Of course the daddy bird would have to build an addition to the nest…

Two days later I stood at the bedroom window again. One baby clung to the edge of the nest and one was perched beside it on a brick that jutted out from the wall. It was time for flying lessons! Mother Swallow called to them from atop a blade of the patio ceiling fan about five feet away.

The beast lay on his side by the back door seemingly unaware of the unfolding drama. The baby on the brick hopped off into space, untested wings flapping. He dipped low, coming within eighteen inches of the ground. I held my breath. The beast slept on. Then the baby’s wings caught air and he awkwardly joined his mother on the fan blade. Whew! One down, three to go.

Within a few days, all four baby birds had successfully learned to fly. At first they only flew to the ceiling fan, then back to the nest. As the days went by they became a little more adventurous and visited the roof and the large tree beyond the patio. Then one day they were gone. The nest stayed empty. Their mother had done her job and they were on their own.

All three of our babies have tried their wings and left the nest. Even now, I worry about what could happen to them outside the nest. Will they watch out for those “big, yellow labs?”

Yet, today God brought one of His many promises to mind:

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

Nothing happens to a single sparrow without God’s knowledge. If He cares that much for a sparrow, how much more does He care for my children? For yours? They are worth more than many sparrows.

So I’ll pray – and watch from the fan blade with squawks of encouragement.

May is a time of graduations and planning for “leavings.” Do you have someone leaving the nest soon? What promises of God do you hang onto?

Someone #leaving your nest soon? Keep #GodsPromises in mind. #EmptyNest
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