Thursday, September 13, 2007

Sometimes Miracles Hide

I picked up a used CD for one dollar from a sale table. One of the songs, written by Bruce Carroll, speaks of a couple who were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. A call from their doctor informed them that the ultrasound showed some serious problems. They were left with a difficult choice...to abort or to let live. They chose life!
At birth, the diagnosis was confirmed that their child would be disabled. From the moment they saw their little one, they realized she was extra-special. God gave them more grace, strength and love beyond what they could ever have imagined.

These are the words to the chorus....
Sometimes miracles hide.
God will wrap some blessings in disguise.
And you may have to wait this lifetime
To see the reasons with your eyes,
'Cause you know... sometimes miracles hide.

As a Grandma of disabled grandchildren, I needed this reminder today.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Shall We Gather at the River

This last weekend we went to visit our friends, Peter and Anna, who decided to move away from this rat race, way up a mountain and homestead...yes, free range chickens, turkeys, emus, llamas, bears, sawmill, log house and all....amazing! (but not for me)

We joined them at their church on Sunday morning and it reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie." About 80 people gathered in a little heritage church, complete with a church bell ringing in the steeple to welcome the worshippers.

The entry was a tiny little foyer which was also served as the kitchen. All sorts of cakes, cookies and sandwiches were ready for a picnic on the ground after the service. Casual interaction between the people and the pastor during the service was interesting and sometimes comical.

A genuine love for God and each other was very evident in their sincere and fervent intercessory prayer. This was a very special Sunday as four young people shared their testimony of faith. After the last amen, the pastor said, "Let's go down to the river and we will baptize them".

The whole congregation walked a few blocks down the road past the old hotel, gathered at the river and watched as the pastor and the four young people waded into the cold, shallow Kettle River to show all onlookers their commitment to follow Jesus. PTL! It blessed my heart.

And it was like a step back in time when things were so much simpler.