When Trials Roar

Over the past week, our community has been struck forcefully. After feeling as if the world couldn't cave in any more, another football player received word that his mother had gone to be with the Lord. When my husband got the phone call my heart dropped-- "Lord, this is too much for these kids."

Text messages and phone calls have flooded our household this week with questions. Deep questions. Questions that I don't have exact answers for. Questions that only God can answer.

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

"Why did God allow this?"

As my husband and I looked at each other trying to help answer questions together, all we could think to say was scripture. And that's when it hit me-- it doesn't matter what we say, all that matters is scripture. God's word is the only thing that can come close to answering the roaring questions that are swirling around.

The Lord is in control and will remain on His throne no matter how much our world seems to crumble. Although our minds can't wrap understanding around what the Lord allows to happen, I will remain confident that through it all, we will see His goodness. (psalms 27:13)

The Football Captains carried their fallen player's jersey out on the field for the coin toss in remembrance of their friend. In addition, one also wore his number throughout the game. 

My husband and I have only been a part of this community for a short time, yet I feel like we have known the people here for so much longer. When they hurt, we hurt. We truly are one big family.

Through trials and hardship, God's grace is sufficient and so much more evident. For how would we know joy if not for pain.

I ask that you please keep our kids and team wrapped in pray this next week as funerals begin and loved ones are laid to rest. May the Lord's lovingkindness be present and His goodness seen. I pray that through the darkest hours, His light shines brighter than ever to this group of young people.

And forever we will say, You're the Lord our God

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Heartache

I lay awake tonight as my heart aches for my Beggs family. The agony is real, the pain deep, and the burden heavy. The loss of a peer strikes young people like a knife- sharp and double edged. Many questions arise... with no good earthly answers to combat them.

"I have told you these things so that you will have peace of

heart and mind, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, 

but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Although life may see like a vapor, there is always a purpose. There are times in life when trials seem to be more than we can bear, thats when you let go and let God. He never asked us to walk this life alone. Instead He's walking us hand-in-hand through life's journeys till we one day see Him face to face.
Oh, what a joyous day that will be!

In the morning, when I rise... Give me Jesus

Danger in Dismissing

Over the past several weeks, I have looked at more obituaries than ever before. As I received yet another text with heart-aching news, many questions flooded my mind. Why him/her? Why now? How did this happen? Where were their friends and family? Did no one see the danger that was waging within them?

And then quickly I remembered the book of Romans and the downward spiral of man.

Young people didn't die in past decades like they do today... at least not for the same reasons. In centuries past, "young people" already had major responsibilities and viewed life in a completely different manner than we do in today's society.

Today we have an irrational perspective upon life. We say there is an end, yet we live like we are invincible. We say we grieve for those who are suffering and under Satan's affliction, yet we only really care if it affects us or our surroundings. Now-a-days, the world really does revolve around "us."

One more step away...

Too many times the death of a young person can be prevented. Parents are too afraid of the way they or their families will be viewed if they take action and get their child help. Friends hide their friends pain and secrets because it's easier than facing them. Society in general dismisses crucial signals and signs that are presented because it's no longer politically correct to confront them.

One more step away...

Yet I sit back and watch as our politically correct society spirals downward out of control. People are filling voids in their life with things of this world that will never satisfy them. So the war that is waging within them fuels itself until complete destruction has occurred.

One more step away...

I grieve for the families who have lost their loved ones, for children who are now orphaned, and friends who will never forget what happened. I pray these horrific times do not slide by the wayside, but rather that it changes a life. I pray people stand up and stop dismissing behavior simply because it's easier on them if they didn't confront the problem. I pray society in general stops sweeping things under the rug and begins to battle the psychiatric war that is plaguing our world.

Things do not change on their own--people make the change.

I'm a believer that He is strong enough to hold you now where you are.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home--

Here in the power of Christ I Stand

Pray For Oklahoma

My heart is aching tonight after hearing about the horrific storms that roared through my state earlier today. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and sorrow that are filling the minds and homes of many in the OKC/Moore areas. Although I will never understand certain things in this life, one thing I am certain of- my God is reigning and ruling and will always remain in completely control of every single detail in our lives. Tonight, I will rest in this assurance.

Boston 4/15/13

Valentines Perspective

I read this excerpt from a post earlier this week on the Trophy Wife Blog and just had to share. I hope this helps everyone, including myself, keep things in perspective today. 

"Love...we spend our entire lives looking for people who can love us. I get so discouraged reading facebook and twitter the week of Valentine's day because it is just depressing how people talk about not having anyone to love them or how their husband dropped the ball this year.  Since when did Valentines day become about who all can show you love? The creator of the Universe is so madly in love with you that He died for you. You are part of the greatest love story in the world. How about we make this Valentines day about how YOU can show love to OTHERS. Maybe there is a widow who is alone for the first time in 25 years and you could take her out for dinner. Maybe there is a mom who is spending their first Valentines day without their child this year and you could take a teddy bear to the family in honor of their child. Maybe there is a woman who's husband is fighting for our country's freedom and could use some flowers from Jesus this week. You are loved...now go spread it!"

From: The Blankenships

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

Prayers for Austin

I'm writing today with a heavy heart. A friend of mine's brother is in critical condition after falling off a bluff early Saturday morning. It is a miracle that Austin survived the fall, but his medical battle is far from over.

Family and friends are fervently in prayer for Austin. I ask that you would join the body of Christ as we continuously lift Austin before the Throne. Pray that his doctors and nurses will have wisdom, family will have peace, and more importantly that Austin will respond to the treatment and begin to recover from this nightmare.

For more information and further updates, please visit the Facebook page Prayers for Austin Elder as the family is keeping this site up-to-date.