A Forward Vision from a Rear View Mirror

Many years ago, while on a cruise to the Bahamas with their father, my girls shopped at one of the ports of call. They purchased a handmade cross necklace from Jamaica. I was touched that they remembered that I used to collect crosses; I hadn’t thought about that “collection” in a long, long time.

The new necklace was a hefty piece, made of sterling silver. The cross itself was thick and shiny. The beads were arranged in a perfect pattern. It was a stunning piece. I had to be honest; I didn’t know if I was ever going to wear it.

What a dilemma! I didn’t want to hurt my daughters’ feelings. I knew for certain that the gift was so much more than just a thoughtful gesture. I came up with the perfect idea; I’d hang the cross with my other two crosses that hung from my rear view mirror in my car. They were not part of my well-known cross collection; these were air fresheners.

  A pastor of mine used to say, “You just know when you know!” I never understood that statement until the very moment that I twisted the ends of that necklace together in order to hang it with the other crosses already hanging from the mirror.  It was a revelation of colossal proportions. 

The black cross has a heart in the
middle. That represents the Father
because He is love. 

The wooden one creates an image
of Jesus in my mind. He willingly
died on a cross for our sins. 

This new, shiny, sterling silver cross
portrays the Holy Spirit.

Once we accept God’s salvation, it is through the precious but costly gift from Jesus that we receive the Holy Spirit. This is given to us by grace and mercy not because we deserve it. We become more polished; our finest versions of ourselves.

So now, when I jump into my car,
I am constantly reminded of the trinity.

I look forward to each new day. My future is bright and secure. I thanked my girls for the special present that reminds me of His constant presence.

R.I.P. Murphy-Part 2

I had originally been so positive that God wouldn't give me this cup of suffering on top of all that I had already been going through.  My faith was shaken; I had been so sure that I wouldn't lose my beloved pet.

 “Ask what you are supposed to learn from the hard knocks in life; don’t ask why they are happening.” I've heard that saying so many times.

So, it’s my turn to ask “What am I to begin to understand from the end of Murphy’s life?” The Lord is so patient with me. He’s revealed many things and He keeps helping me think of more. I may not fully understand right this moment, but I trust God with all of my heart. There is a purpose and a plan for this pain. If Jesus willingly died for me, then surely now he will provide for me.

Here are some of the lessons that I’ve learned from this latest and most difficult trial. I’m so thankful that He loves me enough to change me into someone who is better; more Christ like…

• I learned to let go and let God no matter the cost. 
• He commands us to love others more than ourselves. I wasn't selfish. I didn't hold on for my sake; I let go for Murph’s sake.
• I became more fully aware of the Lord’s constant presence. He gave me amazing strength through all of this. 

The last thought seems to be the most logical lesson of all.  Telling my story might encourage someone else that God’s love and provision are available to us always and in all ways.  The Lord put a vision on my heart a long time ago. I anchor on it often because, in my opinion, it’s an authentic look at who Jesus really is. His heart breaks as He waits for the lost, hurting, and dying to come to know Him so that they can be saved. In my mind’s eye, it is Jesus who pleads with the Father to wait just a little longer for His return. Jesus wants no one left behind.

In the vision that God has given me, Jesus is standing at the open gate of a corral. He holds a little lamb in his arms. His eyes are scanning the area outside the safety of the enclosure. Worry and concern wash over His face. He calls out for the other sheep to come into His protected place of rest. He doesn't want to close the gate until all of His sheep are with Him. 

John 10:16
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

16 I have other sheep too. They are not in this flock here. I must lead them also. They will listen to my voice. In the future there will be one flock and one shepherd.

These days…in the vision…my Murphy is the precious little lamb that He holds. In fact, heartfelt messages from the Holy Spirit indicate that Jesus has to put forth a little effort to catch him :) My handsome little boy is filled with endless energy now. He’s extremely busy chasing butterflies, romping through fields of beautiful grace, and drinking from cool streams of living water. No more pain, suffering, or tears in Heaven! That’s the vision I love to embrace.

Revelation 21:4
New Living Translation (NLT)  

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

I humbly submit to God’s authority and accept that He is sovereign over all. I’ll be honest…I need time to walk confidently across the water of this storm, but I will be more than okay if I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. He is so patient, loving, kind, and supportive. I will defy the odds to bring Him the glory and honor that only He deserves. If my story has the potential to make a difference in someone's life for the Kingdom's sake, then this will truly be a blessed new year!

You loved to take naps!  

My beautiful boy and dearest friend, 

I'm at peace that you can rest easily now.  

I love you so much and I'll see you in paradise!

All Bible Verses are from www.biblegateway.com