"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

Hebrews 4:16

In North Carolina it's that time of year dreaded by children, teachers, and parents from the first day of school in August.  It's that time when students are instructed to "get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast".  Parents do their best to encourage their children without stressing them out about the importance of a test that can essentially cause them to repeat a grade.  And teachers and staff just try to stay sane while their "performance" is judged based on their students' scores.  What could insight such dread, fear, and stressfulness?.....EOGs, of course!! 

With three sons, we've had our share of End of Grade tests over the years since they began, and I can definitively say, "We're NOT fond!!".  We've always told our boys to do their best but not to let it stress them out.  Easy for us to say!!  They know what these tests mean and, though they put on a good face and pretend not to be worried, they get a little unnerved.

I have a lot of friends in the same boat and over the years we've made it a habit to pray for eachothers' children and the teachers and staff along with our own kids.  We text, email, and call one another with encouraging words and prayers.  This year has been no different.  I have two boys taking EOGs and one taking an AP exam.   So with my work cut out for me, I sat down with my prayer journal this morning ready to call on the One who can bring peace to the worried heart. 

Most of the time when I pray for others I say something like, "Lord, I lift up so and so to you".  But, for some reason, today I pictured God sitting on His throne with Jesus at His right side and me actually taking each of my children to the throne to be blessed.  I've seen numerous movies depicting a priest or a king surrounded by throngs of people seeking "blessings".  But never have I seen God in such a way.  I can't count the times I've read the words of Hebrews 4:16.  But it never occurred to me how very literal they are.

Today God gave me a glimpse into the Heavenlies.  I took my children right to His feet and He blessed them!   He touched them with His hand of blessing and peace.   Yeah, I know, it's just EOGs.  But contrary to what the evil one would have us believe, our God cares about every detail.  He wants us to "come boldly"!  I am so thankful that He does.  So much of parenting is learning that you cannot be everything for your children.  You cannot be with them and protect them 24/7....but HE CAN!   And at His throne "we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

Blessings,

Ann-Marie





ME of little faith!

"Jesus responded, 'Why are you afraid?  You have so little faith!'..." Matthew 8:26

Jesus had to have a little sit-down with me this morning.  He had to give me a little pep talk, a gentle reminding. 

"Ann-Marie, look at Me!"

If our family were to have our own reality show the editors would never need to use the "bleep" button, but one phrase they would probably hear from me continually is,

"Look at me!"

When I'm talking to my children, or anyone for that matter, I want to know that they are listening.  To me, listening requires eye contact.  Therefore, like a broken record, I repeat my mantra over and over to the rolling of my childrens' eyes, and their obligatory "yes ma'ams".

So, imagine my surprise when I found myself on the receiving end of my favorite phrase!

"Ann-Marie, look at Me!  You've lost your focus.  You're concentrating on the winds and the waves.  Nothing about Me has changed.  I haven't moved.  I haven't missed a single detail of your life. But you've taken two steps back.  You've thrown out panicky prayers of desperation.  You've reverted to depending on your own understanding, when you should be leaning fully on Me.  Where is your confidence in Me?  Come back to the refuge of My protective wings.  Rest in the confidence that I am in control and I love you."

Oh the sting of disappointment when you realize you've let The Father down!  When I could have been hearing "Well done, child!", instead I needed chastising.  It's a bittersweet moment.  On one hand I am regretful over the missed opportunity to bring Him joy.  On the other hand, I am thankful!   Thank you, Father for loving me enough to remind me when I am missing the mark.  Thank you for holding no grudges!  Thank you for encouraging me and giving me hope that overcomes my feelings of regret and disappointment. 

The journey of faith is very seldom travelled on a smooth, flat road.  It is wrought with the highest of peaks and the lowest of valleys.  But, by the grace of our loving Father, we learn to remain confident no matter what; not confident in our circumstances, not confident in each other, not confident in ourselves, confident in the only One who NEVER CHANGES!

"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  Phil. 4:7

God is sovereign!

Sometimes God reminds you of what REALLY matters. Life just stinks sometimes, but when it does it always gives me peace to know that He is sovereign and ALWAYS in control. When we think of blessings the obvious things always come to mind first;  family, health, food, shelter, and clothing. But more and more lately, I am mindful of His spiritual blessings. He really is transforming me and molding me into His image. I'm so much more aware of His love for me and His Spirit within me. There is a new song out by Third Day..."Call My Name". One line in it says "Call my name, say it now, I want you to never doubt, the love I have for you is SO alive." That is the blessing I have been so aware of lately. HE LOVES ME!! His face lights up at the just the thought of me. His heart is broken when mine is.
When I do something that glorifies Him, He says "that's MY girl!". And knowing this is empowering !! I pray that my life will reflect this love and that when it is finished I will hear those blessed words "Well done good and faithful servant."