Celebrating Dalton

It’s so pretty outside today.  Colors of pink, purple, and yellow cover the landscape, sparkling under the gaze of the bright sunshine. Mt Rainier is showing off her collection of winter snow causing bicyclist, walkers, or motorist to turn and take a second look.  Pilots in small planes have taken off the afternoon to enjoy the view from their favorite spots. Gardeners enjoy the feeling of the warm dirt. Hearts are lighter as the month of May begins with warm, sunny days bringing hope that winter has finally passed.   

The month of May finds young people looking for the perfect dress or outfit to wear to senior prom.  Seniors are winding down their high school days and looking forward to graduation. For the 5^th time I get the privilege of celebrating high school graduation with one of my grandchildren. 

This year of 2013 is Dalton’s year.  Our family is excited to celebrate and pay tribute to this fine young man.  His mom has been going through hundreds of pictures to find just the right ones to tell the story of Dalton’s life.  Meghan is waiting with all the supplies to scrapbook this incredible story.  The days of festivity are on the calendar. Valerie has made the Graduation Announcements and I’m updating addresses so we can let everyone know the dates and times to pay tribute to a young man for which we are very proud.

For years Dalton has known what his profession would be.  He feels this is God’s will for his life; therefore, he has been preparing himself all during his high school career.  His pathway will be different from my other graduating grandchildren; that is, he will be going straight into his calling and then getting his education. In the fall he will become an active team member of the United States Marines. The unknowns of this career make sending him out a little tough but knowing the One who has called him and will be with him helps me relax and commit him to His Heavenly Father’s care.

I have no reservations that Dalton’s not on the right track.  Watching him play as a child, seeing his love for the military as a teen, and observing his heart to follow God’s will has prepared me for this time.   I stand on God’s promises for him: “For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:8

I’m enjoying these beautiful days and times spent outside with family. I’m also enjoying the anticipation of a grandchild’s graduation and celebrations. I spend time daily praying for this newest generation leaving the “nest” and believing God is going to use Dalton to make a difference for God’s Kingdom. My words to this precious grandson is “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on tract.” (Proverbs 3:5 The Message)

Speak His Name

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10  I love this verse.  "Jesus!" Just saying His name takes me to a strong fortress where I am safe.  When I'm frightened, when I need provisions, when I need comfort, when I need to ask for forgiveness, or when I just want to show my love, I can sincerely whisper "Jesus" and know everything will be okay.  It doesn't mean I will never feel pain, go through challenges, or not continue my prayer with more words, but it does mean I'm never alone and I can trust Jesus with my life.

I'm glad we don't have to say a long prayer to get God's attention.  When the lady didn't see my car and she pulled out in front of me, I cried out "Jesus" while putting on the brakes and turning my wheel.  We ended up inches from each other, driver window to driver window.  She rolled down her window with tears saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"  I said, "Its okay.  I called out to Jesus, and He helped us.  He deserves the thanks."

Last weekend I opened my electric bill and almost choked.  I lifted my eyes upward and said, "Help, Jesus." I had never had a bill that high, $181.39 for one month.  I use my wood stove every day so my bill is usually between $60 and $90 in the winter.  I couldn't believe turning on my Christmas tree every evening and having extra cold weather which caused my furnace to come on during the night would make that much difference. I put the bill in my drawer quoting Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  

Tuesday was the first day of our Ladies' Bible Study.  As I was gathering my things to go home, I saw a friend slip a check under my notebook.  I followed her out and asked her about it.  She said the Lord impressed on her last week that I had a need.  She talked to her husband and they agreed to bless me.  When I sat down in my car, I looked at the check and this time I said the name of "Jesus" with a thankful heart.  God had met the need for my electric bill, as well as the $17.00 increase in rent.  Have you ever tried to drive when the thanksgiving in your heart is pouring down your cheeks?

I made a stop on the way home.  The clerk, a young black man, asked while waiting on me, "Are you having a good day?" I answered, "It's been so wonderful I can't stop crying. May I tell you about it?" He leaned over the counter towards me and listened intently as I told him how God had just met my need.  He responded with a "wow."  I put my hand on his and said, "I don't know how you feel about God but I can tell you from years of experience that He is real, His promises in His word are true, and that He loves you." I walked away saying, "Jesus" again.  This time I added, "Please let my story touch this man's heart."  I realized another miracle had just taken place.  Not one person came up behind me in line until I had finished my story and started to leave.

Friday, I went out on the porch to bring in wood.  I realized I had forgotten to call one of my grandchildren to come bring more wood up from my shed.  I went back in and called Meghan.  She was  getting ready to go babysit and didn't know if she had time to stop by and help. I quietly said, "Jesus, I need wood tonight." I went back on the porch and there was my son-in-law bringing up wood from the wood shed  "I was on my way home from a job when I had the feeling I should check on your wood," he shared with me.  At first I was shocked to see him but then my heart overflowed with thanksgiving as I watched Him bring up box after box of wood, making sure I had plenty for the days to come.  God knew Meghan's schedule and He had already taken care of the need.

Isaiah 65:24 says, "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." I'm thankful God knows our needs, even before we call on Him. I'm also very grateful for God's children who are sensitive to His voice and so graciously put James 1:27 into practice.  I will never cease to be amazed at God's goodness and the generously of His people.  As I share the message of God's provision in my life, I pray that it will lead others to understand the greatness of our God and desire a relationship with Him.