I'm sure this weekend has been full of family, fireworks, fun, and food! I hope every had a wonderful and safe holiday. I know I sure did.
My family never does anything that would be considered exciting to others. We roast hot dogs and marshmallows and just have a good time together. but I wouldn't have it any other way. We've been invited to other get-togethers, and I always appreciate each invitation. But I've always enjoyed our simple time of fellowship. This year I found myself even more thankful for what I have been blessed with in this country.
Freedom is such a privilege. Not just the freedom that our country grants us, but the freedom in Christ Jesus. I found myself basking in that yesterday morning. It had been a while, I confess, since I really considered all that Jesus gave up so that I could be free from sin. He died so I could live. He let himself be captured, so I could be liberated. We all need to stop and consider that, REALLY consider it.
I found this Fourth to be a bit more precious to me than usual. A month ago my dad, an experienced horseman, was thrown from his Paint mare, Shawnee. We watched it happen. He was knocked unconscious and flown to St. John's. As it turned out, he suffered a fracture to his eye socket/nasal bone and a concussion. He is still having trouble with numbness in his face and blurriness, but it could have turned out so much worse! It could have happened when no one was out there to help him. His horse could have trampled him. He could have sustained serious injuries to his head, neck, or back. He could have been crippled. He could have been completely blinded. He could have even been killed. God was watching out for him. We could see that from the very beginning.
I was the first one to reach him in the horse field. I heard his labored breathing and saw his eye swelling and turning purple. In that instant, I immediately began calling on the name of the Lord. When Mom got there, she began praying as well. And then Dad was able to catch his breath, began moving, and woke up, though he was very disoriented. God still answers prayer!
I hope that you will remember how quickly things can happen and take advantage of every day and every moment with your family. One never knows when things might change. I heard on the news a few days ago about a serious bus accident involving the well-known Southern Gospel group, The Bowling Family. The bus looked like it was mangled and ten people were injured, some of them seriously. But no one was killed. There again, God's hand could be seen at work when you consider how it could have turned out. Be in prayer for this group as they begin the long road to recovery.
In the meantime, enjoy and appreciate the freedom we still have, the good times you share with your loved ones, and the price Jesus paid for it all.
God bless!
Crystal
In this day and age, it's refreshing to see someone who has had his share of fame using his life for God. That is what Kirk Cameron is doing. If you watched any TV in the eighties, you were sure to see this young, good-looking kid from a show called Growing Pains. He is now working with a program called The Way of the Master. He, along with minister and author, Ray Comfort, air this program weekly on the Family Network. They also have a website with advice on how to witness to others among other things. I really like what they are doing, so I am including a link to their website for anyone interested in seeing it. I also encourage you to watch their show, The Way of the Master, on the Family Network. They work through sometime complicated subjects with wisdom, caring, and even humor.
To find out more about their program, go to their website, www.thewayofthemaster.com . You are sure to be blessed to see this talented actor dedicating his life to the work of God.
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I love to hear from people, and I feel humbled and honored when someone confides in me. If you have a need you would like me to join in prayer for you, feel free to send it to me. Or maybe you have a testimony you want to share. There is nothing like hearing of someone else's victory to boost my own faith. Share your thoughts on this month's reflection. I always appreciate feedback. If you have a prayer request or testimony, my email is available and open. I do my best to respond to every message. Even more important, God hears every prayer and He has an answer, even if we don't always understand it. The Bible says that And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) What a blessed promise!
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