Saturday, May 19, 2007

Sanctuary

Psalm 63:2-4 (NIV)
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Good morning!

I could feel an incredible sense of peace as I walked along the cobblestone garden path toward Serra Chapel in San Juan Capastrano. In October of 1776, Father Junipero Serra established this mission on this beautiful California coast line. Father Serra felt a call from the Lord to share Jesus Christ with the Indians and villagers who lived here. He needed help to launch his vision. Father Serra enlisted the services of two additional padres and an escort of soldiers to help him build the church. With lots of hard work and prayer, the mission grew rapidly. A sanctuary was erected in 1777. It is still in use today. Known as the oldest church in California, the Serra Chapel still stands for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ and in tribute to the vision and faithfulness of Father Junipero Serra.

The facilities are under constant renovation. Scaffolding lines the altar area of the orginal sanctuary. Craftsman and painters work outside to restore the stone pillars to its original beauty. As I knelt in the back of the sanctuary, I could hear the canticles of praise rising up through the voices of the chapel priests. Many people come to pray here. The flickering candles provide light down the narrow aisle toward the altar. The hard-wood pews were very uncomfortable to sit in. This sanctuary was definitely a place to worship the Lord on bended knee.

The garden area was simply breathtaking. The tropical foliage danced and embraced the warm spring sunlight. Jesus Christ lives and reigns in this sacred place. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit hovering above me. Many people come to the Lord here. When I closed my eyes, I could sense the powerful prayers of the faithful that had been borne through worship of the King of Kings.

Have you ever experienced a place embraced with such an overwhelming peace that you never wanted to leave? I could have easily stayed in that sanctuary for the remainder of our trip. Surrounded by the beauty of the ocean, San Juan Capastrano brings a little bit of heaven to earth, and I was one of the fortunate ones to experience His peace as I worshipped in the sanctuary.

We are forever surrounded by a living sanctuary. Sometimes we get so busy doing, we forget that we are walking on holy ground. Can you see Jesus where you are at this morning? Is He walking next to you, standing right in front of you, or whispering in your ear from behind? Will you see Him as you scrub your bathroom floor, while pulling weeds from your garden bed, or when you sit on the bleachers at your child’s softball game? Where do experience the living Christ? Jesus is inviting you to meet Him today right where you are. If you are looking for a place of peace to pray and praise, come join me in the sanctuary to worship Jesus Christ. Experience the peace that passes all understanding. When Jesus takes hold of your heart you will find abundant life today, and every day thereafter; and life everlasting in His kingdom to come.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: willingness to hand the Lord of life your heart today. Come into the sanctuary and experience the peace that only Jesus can give. I’ll see you there!
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Pineapple Palm Trees

Matthew 21:7-9 (NIV)
7 [The disciples] brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David!” Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”


Good morning!

Jeff and I took a little sightseeing excursion into the hills surrounding Miramar Marine base in Northern San Diego last night. Many of the southwestern style homes are situated at the edge of the mountain peaks. I was truly fascinated by the architecture and placement of these single-family dwelling homes. We drove to the top of one of the mountains and took pictures of homes that clung to the edge of the cliffs. The view from above is simply spectacular. Many of these homes are built with adobe bricks, stucco finish, and red brick roofs. Tropical plants and lush flowers line their sidewalks and window planters. Can you imagine what a sight it must be to wake up early in the morning and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from on top of a cliff?

We explored several “hidden” lakes nesting within public parks along the roadway. There are biking and hiking trails everywhere. We waved to young mothers pushing their babies around in strollers, joggers and bikers catching their breath and enjoying the view, and lots of walkers. Families tend to walk together in southern California. It is truly an impressive place to live.

I’ve never seen such a variety of palm trees. I think my favorite tree is the pineapple palm. There are numerous varieties of this beautiful plant. Their trunks are shaped like large pineapples, and from the top emerges the beautiful, detailed palm branches. Many of the branches are greenish-blue in color. They seem happily installed in its subdivision. I think I could enjoy sitting under that palm every day and admiring the beautiful branches shading the ground below. While some of the palm trees are very tall, pineapple palms seem rather dwarfed – short and stocky, just like me! I wonder if I could grow this tree in my subdivision in Missouri – probably not.

Palm trees are breathtakingly beautiful. Its branches move gently in the breeze, waving its praise to the master artist. Only God could make something so beautiful. As Jesus traveled into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey, the people gathered to praise the Son of David. Children waved beautiful palm branches in the air while their parents lay their cloaks on the ground in honor of the arrival of the King. How God must have been glorified in those brief, fleeting moments, surrounded by the faces of the children He came to save.

Palm Sunday will never be the same for me again. I am resting today in the shade of the Pineapple Palm trees. I can feel the chilly ocean breeze blow across my face, and it reminds me that Jesus is here, in this place. He walks with the walkers in the park. He rides with the cyclists on the bike path. He fishes with the children at the pier. He is ever present, ever near.

Come and join me for a siesta underneath the Pineapple Palm. You may find the risen Christ sitting next to you, enjoying the view with you from above.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: the Lord to open your eyes to the beauty of nature as it surrounds you today. He has created a marvelous place where we can live in His awesome presence. Can you feel Jesus near you today in the place where you live?
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers. You may have received a forwarded copy.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Feeding the hungry

Luke 12:22-23 (NIV)
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.


Good morning!

When I was younger, I loved to go out and eat dinner at a restaurant. My family only went out to eat twice a year, and that was it. After church on Easter Sunday, my parents would drive to a Chinese restaurant in South Louis just to eat a bowl of chop suey. My mother’s birthday is in late March, so this dinner doubled as her birthday celebration. My father, sister, and I were all born in December. We celebrated aboard Noah’s Ark every year, a restaurant that has been closed for some time now. I looked forward to seeing the large-mouth hippopotamus greet me at the door of the ark with a loud and scary bellow. I collected the orange long-necked giraffe stirrers that came with our glasses of iced tea. Because we did not eat out often, this was a very special treat.

Food is served in such large portions today. I find it difficult to clean my plate. I don’t know about you, but when we’ve dropped a chunk of change on a meal, we hate to waste the food by not eating it. My mother did a really good job of making me feel totally guilty when I was growing up at home. She reminded me of all the starving children around the world who were dying because they did not have food on their table today. Every time I looked at the plate of food sitting in front of me, I would think about those sweet little babies who were starving overseas. How I wish I could just box up my leftovers and wire them across the ocean. Better yet, I could have saved the money I was spending on that large meal and sent it to feed a family who had nothing to eat today.

Jeff and I spent a romantic evening last night, walking along the Pacific Ocean and picking up seashells on the beach at Coronado Bay. This small island is situated at the southern-most tip of San Diego. We walked by the Old Coronado hotel, strolling underneath the street lamps and perusing the many tempting shops and restaurants. We decided to eat at a quaint little steak house across the street from the hotel. The food was fabulous, but it was way too much. We had no place to store the leftovers, so we did our best to clean our plates. Neither of us was totally successful. I was thinking about all those starving children on the ride home, as my belly screamed at me. I could have fed a small army with that plate of food. Good grief! Have you ever been simply miserable after over indulging at a restaurant?

We spend a lot of our life worrying about trivial matters. Where we are going to eat today and whatever shall we wear seem to consume our thoughts much more than they should. Many of our brothers and sisters have no change of clothes to pick from. Some people do not know where they will eat today, but wonder whether they will be able to eat anything at all. As the body of Christ, we are called to feed each other, not just with food that fills the belly, but food that fills the soul. We are to place our faith in Christ, looking to Him for our every need. Jesus fed the hungry ones with food that filled their bellies and everlasting food that filled their souls. We can feed a starving and confused generation by offering them our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who will you feed today? There are lots of hungry people out there. Will you set aside your personal need to help them? The next time your stomach grumbles from hunger, think about the child who has had nothing to eat today and find a way to do something about it. People are starving to death all around us. Offer them hope. Give them something substantial to eat. Share Jesus Christ today, in your actions, your words, and with your life. You can make a lasting difference by finding ways to meet the physical and spiritual needs of your neighbor today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: courage to step out in faith through the saving power of Jesus Christ. It is time to stop worrying about yourself and start thinking about the needs of those around you. You can offer someone hope today by sharing the love of Christ with them. Whom will you choose to feed this morning?
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Pacific Sand

Romans 9:27-28; 30-33 (NIV)
27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. 28 For the Lord will carry out His sentence on earth with speed and finality.

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone.” 33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”


Good morning!

I saw it with my very own eyes last night. I touched it with my hands; I walked in it barefooted. I stood in absolute awe and watched as the Pacific tide washed over the sandy beach where I stood. The lights of San Diego flickered in the misty hue of evening tide. I was cold in the chilly, wet air; thankful to have a warm windbreaker to wear. My bare feet were toasty warm in the sand as I walked along the shore. Men in wetsuits were playing in the surf. Waiting to catch a wave, they clung to their surfboards and waited for the perfect pick-me-up. Some paddled on their bellies and enjoyed a free ride to shore. Seagulls circled above my head, landing near my feet. They seemed content having me near them. Several people had built a bonfire nearby, enjoying a magnificent view of the ocean while toasting marshmallows and roasting hot dogs on skewers. There are no words to adequately describe this amazing created work of God. I felt very small, standing there, squishing my toes in the wet sand. How can He possibly know my name? The Father knows each and every one of us by name. We are His children and just like the grains of sand along the seashore, He knows who you are. He knows who I am. And He loves us so much more than we can possibly comprehend.

Many generations have walked along the beaches of life. Footprints are seen for only a moment before the tide washes them away. Where are they going? Are they just as perplexed as I am, when I stand on the shore and look out over the deep and endless water? Can they feel the hand of God touching their faces in the salty spray carried by power of the evening breeze? Or do they feel more like an insignificant grain of sand, surrounded in a sea of a billion others, unnoticed, unnecessary and unloved?

Yesterday morning, Jeff and I sat together on the floor near Gate C-8, with boarding tickets in hand. It was a flight filled to capacity, and there were only a few places open to sit and wait. We chose to sit together on the floor close to the ticket counter, next to a young man who appeared to be traveling alone. I offered to buy him breakfast. He looked rather hungry, like most college students do. He was surprised that someone would care enough to offer to buy him breakfast in a crowded airport terminal, where people were consumed by the images floating across their laptop computer screens while talking incessantly on the cell phone hugging their ear. If you want to experience a true moment of insignificance, take some time to sit at the airport boarding gate and watch how many people pass you by, absolutely oblivious to the faces around them.

We are the masses, the tiny grains of sand spread out across the shores of life. The prophet Isaiah cried out to His people, “Wake up! See your salvation not through the things you do but through the eyes of faith. We seem to get so busy moving and doing and working and planning. We try to follow all the rules. Some of us are better at it than others. Yet, there is a tiny remnant, a smattering of faithful ones, who will choose to live out their life not by what they can do, but what the Lord can do through them. They are the ones who hear His still small voice, and answer His call with resounding joy.

As Jeff and I walked hand-in-hand along the shore last night, I twisted my foot on a stone. I stumbled. If he had not been there to catch me, I would have fallen down. Sometimes we all need a hand to hold as we walk along the shore. My friends, we do not walk alone, even though some of us choose to. Jesus Christ is standing right in front of you, and He is trying to get your attention. Will you look up this morning and see the risen Christ walking across the water, reaching His hand out to you? Will you choose to live not by the laws or the culture or the norms you experience day-to-day, but by placing your faith in the only one who can offer you everlasting and abundant life? If you find yourself walking alone this morning, surrounded by oblivious, busy people, self-absorbed and in a hurry, stop right where you are, and take off your sandals. You are standing on holy ground. You do not have to understand why or how to experience the amazing love, healing and forgiveness that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: eyes to see Him today. Come and join the remnant. Take a walk in the sand with me today. We can share a little breakfast together as we wait for our Lord’s return. Jesus Christ is out there, walking on the water, calling your name.
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The heart of a cheerleader

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 22, 23, 24 (NIV)

1 Chronicles 22:11-13 (NIV)
11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the Lord your God, as He said you would. 12 May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.


Good morning!

When I realized I wasn’t going to make the Pom Pom squad in Junior High, I was personally crushed. My nature is to be an encourager and supporter, and I lacked nothing in team spirit. Unfortunately, I was not very coordinated. I could jump and shout with the best of my sisters, but when it came to moving in motion, watching me dance was comical, and very frustrating for my team. I made the first cut, but failed in the finals. I really wanted to wear the team colors and cheer our school on to victory. Fortunately for the Pommies, they were better off if I was cheering from the sidelines rather than on the squad.

Have you ever felt called to do something, yet found you might not be equipped for the job? There is not a person alive who doesn’t want to feel successful in the vocation to which they are called. King David really wanted to build the temple, but when God said no, He bore no resentment toward the calling of his son, Solomon. Instead, this loving father prayed that his son would be equipped with the skill sets and wisdom necessary to get the job done. He supported the boy with prayer and praise. What an amazing contribution David made to the construction of the temple by supporting and encouraging his son to carry out the job at hand.

If someone handed me a hammer, nails, and a level, expecting me to erect something solid and stable, they would be sorely disappointed at the finished product. With a master’s instruction, I could potentially learn how to become an expert carpenter; then again, maybe not. I thank God for the gift mix of our church trustees every day. Please don’t ever hand me a power tool. It’s a truly dangerous thing for every person involved.

The Lord has given each of us special gifts and graces. We are unique creations of the master artist. When we are able to recognize and accept our strengths and weaknesses for what they are, we can find ways to make a positive contribution to the work we are called to do. It is important that we lay aside our petty jealousies, and encourage each another. Cheerleaders in the bleachers are just as important as the squad jumping around on the gymnasium floor. I may not be very good with construction, but I can make a mean turkey sandwich, and maybe I should be the person to feed the carpenters who are raising the roof of the temple.

We are better together. Every heart is valuable treasure to the Lord. Every one of us has an opportunity to share the message of salvation with the people who surround us each day. How will you choose to contribute to the task at hand?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: the Lord to reveal your gift mix. Do not be envious or discouraged by what you may not possess. Hand Jesus your heart today, and just watch what He can do through the amazing gift of you.
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Monday, May 14, 2007

The price of sacrifice

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 19, 20, 21 (NIV)

I Chronicles 21:20-24 (NIV)
20 While Araunah was threshing wheat, he turned and saw the angel; his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21 Then David approached, and when Araunah looked and saw him, he left the threshing floor and bowed down before David with his face to the ground. 22 David said to him, “Let me have the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped. Sell it to me at the full price.” 23 Araunah said to David, “Take it! Let my Lord the King do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.” 24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”


Good morning!

I have always treasured handmade gifts. My mother and grandmother taught me how to knit when I was very young. One of my aunts was masterful at crocheting. I have never seen anything more beautiful than the baby sweaters and blankets she used to make. Every Saturday, the four of us would sit together, and solve all the world’s problems while rocking and stitching in my grandmother’s living room. I made lots of potholders, neck scarves and even a poncho out of bright orange yarn. Mom liked to knit sweaters and vests. Grandmother tatted and crocheted beautiful bedspread overlays and tablecloths. I have a tablecloth that my grandmother made for me. I’ve displayed it on several tables in my home, and it has been proudly used at every wedding for our children. I need to wash it, but I’m afraid it will shrink up to nothing. It needs a good cleaning so that we can use it when our grandchildren marry. My aunt could knit a baby set, including a sweater, cap, booties and blanket in one sitting. I have never seen anyone knit as fast as auntie. It seemed as if they never made mistakes. I, on the other hand, continually kept stopping to rip out a section to pick up a missed stitch. The women in my family were talented and blessed, and they gave away a little piece of themselves every time they made a handmade treasure to share with someone else.

King David had messed up in a big way, and the people of Israel were paying for his sin with their lives. A plague, carried by an angel of the Lord, had wiped out 70,000 people in one fell swoop. Jerusalem was about to be destroyed when the Lord saw David’s grieving spirit and had compassion. The Lord instructed the angel to withdraw the hand of destruction from Israel. David recognized the need to back up and rip out the sin of pride and self-reliance that had led him into some serious errors. David knew he had grieved the very heart of God. Grief can be a bitter pill to swallow when we realize how selfish sin affects the lives of those around us. David needed God’s forgiveness in the worst way. He made an offer to purchase Araunah’s threshing floor so that he could build an altar of sacrifice to the Lord. Araunah saw the angel hovering as he looked into the eyes of his king. He was willing to give the land to David free of charge; yet, David knew that every gift given to God must come at a personal price. How could David offer the Lord something for nothing? Only a sacrificial gift would do.

What are you willing to sacrifice to the Lord today? Would you offer Him a half-hearted prayer, five minutes of Bible reading, and a thirty-second table grace? Is it enough to sit in church one hour every week? Is your giving just a token pledge or something that costs you dearly? How much love is placed in the gifts we return to the Lord? Are you be willing to give everything you’ve got, if it meant that someone might find eternal life through the saving power of Jesus Christ?

The gift of salvation is the very best gift you will ever receive. It is God’s gift through Christ, free of charge, to every person who professes, confesses and places their total faith in Him. This is not a gift we can earn and it is certainly not something we deserve. Jesus Christ gave His life for our redemption. If you have received this gift of grace, are you willing to sacrifice the very best of what you have to extend that gift to another soul this morning? The price of sacrifice is high. What will you sacrifice for your Lord?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: the desire to give God the very best you have to offer Him. Token pledges and half-hearted effort will never ever do. Give the gift of yourself and see what the Lord Jesus Christ can do with one grateful heart. He can use your life for kingdom work, if you are willing to pay the price of sacrifice.
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

A little separation anxiety

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 16, 17, 18 (NIV)

Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)
4 “Haven’t you read,” [Jesus] replied, “that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ 5 and said for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”


Good morning!

Yesterday was one of those days – a day that every parent dreams of forever and dreads most of all. Ultimately, we want our children to grow up happy and fulfilled. We run ourselves silly offering our children every opportunity to learn and grow, hoping they will someday become happy and responsible adults. It takes an absolute lifetime to raise a child, but only the blink of an eye to see them go away. I’ve figured out why mothers of the groom cry on their sons wedding day. I believe it is called separation anxiety.

The weather was picture perfect. There was an undercurrent of excitement in the air. Hair, nails and Starbucks® coffee became the theme of the bridal party’s early morning hours. The women looked radiant in front of the floor-length mirror in the chapel dressing room. The men strutted around in their brand new suits and ties. The children (there were eight of them) prepared to make their way down the aisle just in front of the bride. There was one chocolatey milk mess emergency. Pretty little Emily ran around in her underwear and dress sandals while Granny Deb and Pastor Kim worked feverishly to get the stain out, just five minutes prior to the processional march. These are the moments a mother will never forget.

As I helped my beautiful daughter-in-law put on her wedding gown, I couldn’t help but feel sad. She is so perfect for my David, in every way. And on this day, Becca had a glow about her that I’ve never seen before. Yet, someone we loved was missing this moment. Becca’s mother was ill and unable to be at the wedding. Just two days ago, she entered the intensive care unit at a local hospital for emergency medical treatment. It was her wish for Becca and David to go forward with the wedding on Saturday. In fact, she insisted upon it. It was her lack of physical presence that felt so absolutely unbearable. We were both trying hard not to cry. I found myself dressing my daughter-in-law so that she could walk down the aisle to marry our son, and all I could think about was the bride’s mother. I think I prayed harder in those moments than I’ve ever prayed in my entire life. How I begged the Lord to help me hold back those tears – the kind that makes your nose swell up and eyeballs all red and puffy. But I just couldn’t stop crying. At one point during the ceremony, my sweet sister handed me an old handkerchief belonging to my father. Thank goodness for baby sisters who come to our rescue just in the nick of time.

Yesterday, I was the mother of the groom. But in that moment standing in the processional line waiting to walk, I knew in my heart of hearts that I was also the mother of the bride. I walked behind the wee ones and just ahead my Rebecca. I carried our baby granddaughter Madison in my arms, and held tight to the hand of my three-year-old granddaughter Emily. We walked together down the aisle. There is strength in numbers. Maddie Marie was waving to the congregation, and little Emily picked at her nose while their grandmother wept uncontrollably. It is a mysterious moment in time when we realize as parents; we have done all we can do. We hand our heartstrings back to the Lord, allowing Him to produce a beautiful melody that has yet to be heard.

Yesterday, my son took a wife. He left our home and moved into their new apartment. I remember when they cut the umbilical cord at the hospital twenty-one years ago. Breathe, baby breathe! This is every mother’s prayer. There is a separation anxiety that occurs in the birthing process, and it reoccurs in every major life-changing milestone thereafter. Wedding marches are definitely cord-cutting moments.

Separation anxiety is something we all experience in life. I have learned that it can be a really good thing when we know who to look to for our strength. Jesus Christ understands separation anxiety. He knew what it would mean to leave His heavenly home and become the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus willingly chose obedience over fear, and lived out His love for humanity on Calvary’s cross. I can let go and let God, if I’m willing to trust Him completely. Am I?

Do you trust Him enough today to let the Lord of life cut the umbilical cord? Will you hand Him your hopes, your dearms, and your life? Will you give Him your children and grandchildren and watch with amazement to see what He can do? Faith soars in moments of separation anxiety. Do not hesitate to welcome every tear as you hand the Lord of life your heart's song.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


This is my prayer today. I hope you will make it your prayer too. Help us, dear Lord, to gracefully let our children grow up and fly away, knowing that your plan for their life is so much larger than anything we can possibly imagine. Protect them, we pray, and teach them how to depend completely upon you, as they journey back into your Holy presence. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
________________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.