No Second Chance at Today

10 Sep

The presence of eager anticipation filled the car as we piled in and buckled up. Thoughts of donuts and coffee prompted us to press on even as we realized we had left the coupons in the house. Sunday we drove together to Sunday morning services for the first time as a family. Certainly other pastors and their families can attest this is a special treat as pastors most often arrive earlier and stay later than the congregation. To celebrate the occasion we promised the children Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast if they were dressed with little complaining and were in the car on time.

Success!

The pictured trip was from our last donut stop while visiting family in Alabama; but viewing these images while contemplating the question Emily posed yesterday, solidifies the point of our temporary status even more.

“Mom, will we ever have another day like this one?” Emily quipped the question while we were enjoying a “game” of checkers in the church library prior to its hours of operation.

“No, not exactly like this one. We are going to come with Daddy to church early some weeks, but no day will be exactly like this one again. ”

Elements of our days are the same but an exact replica of today will never be experienced; be it good or bad.

This day, the people we encounter,  and the circumstances mulling in our mind will pass only to be visited in our memories during our finite time on earth. This begs the question: Are we setting our gaze on eternity so that the decisions we make, the discipline that we provide, and the memories that we create will make a difference in the lives we impact? Or, are we pressing the present enjoyments and neglecting the future good?

There is never a second chance at today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you are both the Alpha and the Omega: the beginning and the end. Thank you that you see and know all that encompasses our every minute: past, present, and future. Thank you Lord that in light of eternity you bless us with today. Help us to transcend the temporary and press the points that matter for eternity be it a gentle process or disciplinary in nature. We ask this for your glory and our good.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Filed Under: Contemplation, Family Tagged With:

Water Sports in Heaven?

7 Sep

 

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. ~Mark Twain

Earlier this week we enjoyed a great day on the lake with a beautiful family. While out tubing Emily asked her daddy, “Do you want to do this in heaven?” I offer a hearty yes!

Enjoy your weekend friends! We serve the God-man who walks on water and calms the sea.

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Filed Under: Family, Life

Talking to Children After the Death of a Loved One

5 Sep


Emotions surrounding death weather sudden or expected are difficult for adults to process let alone little hearts who are not accustomed to the pain of loss.

Our pain may manifest itself in anger, withdrawal, or a lack of focus. Theirs may or may not look similar. Underneath whatever behavior is on display are little hurting hearts that miss their grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, friends, or siblings.

How do we talk to these hearts at their greatest point of need? How do we address their fears and feelings? I would offer, with much prayer, affection, and an open posture towards talking about the deceased.

Recently we had a family member pass away very unexpectedly. While our youngest doesn’t truly understand death at this point, or maybe this loss wasn’t close enough to impact him very much, our oldest is having difficulty letting go.

I have found it helpful for her to express her emotions by asking God to, “Please tell Mrs. Carol that I love her and I miss her and thank you for the presents you gave me.” She has also drawn her many cards and played with the toys that were gifts from Mrs. Carol.

This summer we helped the kids to memorize the 23rd Psalm. In this passage David states: “Event though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” As we state this passage often I sense that our children will one day draw strength and comfort from these words. This perhaps is a good time for us to expand on what these verses are saying.

In the midst of death, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is with us. He comforts us and extends His mercies toward us. The 23rd Psalm may be a source of comfort for your children as they walk through the days in the valley.

Finally, reading stories about death provides a window in which we express, “This is a good time to talk about how you are feeling.” These are the books that we found helpful to our children in dealing with loss:

We will not always have the most eloquent words to say to little hurting hearts; that is not the point. Out of our overflow of grief and sympathy  it is most important that we are open to communicating and comforting. Being the arms that hug, the lap to sit on, and the prayer of prayers that seek comfort and wisdom, this is our gift and our strength in talking to children after they loose someone they love.

Praying the God of all comfort will comfort your heart and your child’s at your point of deepest sorrow.

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Filed Under: Family, Life, What I Am Reading Wednesday Tagged With: , ,

Labor and Contentment

3 Sep

 

Joshua Cone 2012 034

As we celebrate Labor Day, a day to honor the workers of America, there are some points of contentment for us to consider.

In Acts chapter 17, Paul is explaining to the Greeks in Athens that God placed man in his determined dwelling places at their appointed times so that they would seek after Him and find Him though He is not far from us.  God has placed us here at this time for His purposes and our good. Likewise, He has blessed us with the resources that we now posses in order that we would use them for His glory.

The resources that God has granted us are a gift from His hand that can be removed at any moment. Today as we rest from our labors, why not reflect on our present level of contentment with what we have and take time to be grateful?

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” ~Luke 12:15

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. ~1 Timothy 6:6-8

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~Hebrews 13:5

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. ~Psalms 119:36-37

I am very grateful to live in the land of opportunity and freedom. I want to protect these God-given rights and offer up the sacrifice of praise to God, the giver of all good gifts, with a heart of contentment and as a worker approved.

Happy Labor Day friends! Thank you for how you serve your fellow-man and the Risen Savor with your labors. May we continue to work in such a way as to bring Him glory and our brothers and sisters good. May we serve out of a contented heart; grateful for all that we are given.

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Favoring Fall

31 Aug

With the onset of college football, the first weekend in September, and the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes (had my first pumpkin spice of the season this morning!) I am pining for the change in season. I want to kick up my cowgirl-booted heels, do-si-do my partner, scour the pumpkin patch for the just right pick with family and friends, and savor the cooler breezes of fall to accompany the fiery orange sunsets.

In short, I am ready to welcome fall.

For my fellow Pinterest users, the one thing I love most about Pinterest is the inspiration that it provides. The beautiful pictures and thoughtful capturing of memories stimulates my creative thought processes. However, Pinterest is the only place that simultaneously has me wanting to eat a Reese’s and run a 5K in the same breath! You ladies know what I am talking about!

When I walk away from a pinning session on Pinterest, I want to be inspired to:

  •  create beauty in my own home with resources that I already have on hand or can acquire cheaply
  •  have ideas to organize my home or feed the hungry bellies in this house
  • capture an idea to write about
  • see the beauty before me and let it conjure thoughts of Home

I always desire to walk away contented that where I am and what I have is enough for me because this is what He has ordained. For me, Pinterest is a tool, not a reflection of my treasures.

Please follow me on Pinterest at LBrookeCooney to view all my boards and especially Fall!

I can’t wait. What about you? What most do you enjoy about the fall? In what ways does the fall point your thoughts toward the Kingdom, towards God? I would love for you to share your thoughts with me. Until Monday…

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Filed Under: Family, Life Tagged With: ,

Lessons Between the Pages

29 Aug

Memorable moments in the day always include my children climbing in my lap or piling on the couch as we open a book. Between paperback and hardback covers lies a great story waiting to be discovered.

In anticipation of all they will learn and see, or with the eagerness of the familiarity to see an old friend, little fingers turn pages and point to pictures. Stories burst forth from their little mouths putting more of their personalities on display. Life lessons that teach character and provide models, both good and bad, of behavior choices help redirect our conversations to Biblical truths that we are striving to teach.

Emily’s read aloud shelf looks like this:

You are sure to fall in love with Millicent Margaret Amanda, or Milly-Molly-Mandy for short. Milly-Molly-Mandy is a charming little girl who views the everyday occurrences of life through the wonder of a child. This book is beautifully written and full of life-lessons to share with your little one about responsibility, being a good friend, and making wise choices. I would recommend this for the “big girls” like me as well!

The classic tale of Black Beauty, is my all-time childhood favorite. The gentle tone of the book, as well as the wonderful lessons on humanity and kindness and respect for God’s creatures, make this a wonderful read for young children. This story helps both adult and child to evaluate the effects of their behavior on others and to work with the integrity and determination. This book deals with death, so if you are apt to shy away from this subject with your children you may want to refrain from reading it at this time.

Joshua’s read aloud choices vary, but one of the ten books from the box set by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker, Amazing Machines: Truckload of Fun is usually a nap or bedtime pick.  

The ten books in this set will teach your curious little ones about how machines work, their parts, and what the passengers and drivers of each can expect to experience. These rhyming books are illustrated in primary colors making color instruction and review a natural part of your day. The sound effects written on each page are also a fun way to teach the sounds the machines make. If your son is anything like mine, the sound effects will carryover into his play with trucks, trains, and airplanes rather quickly.

That is what we are delighting in reading this Wednesday; what about you?

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Filed Under: What I Am Reading Wednesday Tagged With:

An Orderly Life

27 Aug

From the time I was a little girl organizing my books alphabetically by author, it was apparent I liked order.

Today as an adult, the craving for an orderly life manifests itself in a semi-organized home, books piled in the appropriate bin, and the schedule of my days. When the schedule is adjusted I occasionally find myself frazzled as demonstrated by the uncertain scratch of my head, the hand on one hip, and the rub of the nose as I try very hard to contain my issues with change.

This weekend we were afforded a surprise visit to my parents. There is another order there. It is good and it is also a stretch for me in some ways. I am doubly sure it is a stretch for them dealing with me as well!

A few traditions that we enjoy are trips to my grandmother’s house for hot chocolate and marshmallows, time with my grandfather, walks down the rock road at Nana and Big Daddy’s and movie and popcorn night.

A necessary tradition on the 18 hour round-trip ride is at least one stop for coffee. If we are lucky one of the kids will also take a 30 minute power nap, waking up just as I start to doze off.

If Ron is with us, he always drives the trip’s entirety and stops for a pack of sunflower seeds he can pop in his mouth and then fill the contents of a cup with the hulls.

Today the change in routine continued with me sleeping-in until 8:00 AM. Eight may not seem like sleeping in to you, but if you were to wake up around 5:30 each day that  two and a half-hour difference would seem huge. I had barely peeled a banana when another door cracked open and little feet came pattering into the kitchen.

I confess this mama finds it hard to share her waking moments selflessly.

By one o’clock, I am sitting in Ron’s lap scratching my head and rubbing my nose trying to control my nerves. He knows that it is time for me to sneak away and reclaim parts of my usual routine.

I sit there and try to enjoy the moment watching Emily and Joshua play. I turn to him and say, “I know that I am to give thanks in all things, pray, and enjoy the day as a gift. This is life.” He nods his yes and his eyes say, “That is what I try to tell you.”

Weather in order, transition, or the occasional change in daytime routine. God tells us there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and do good; to take pleasure in all our work. (Ephesians 3:9-13) An orderly life is one that pleasures in the work that the hands, heart, and mind find to do…even on disorderly days.

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Filed Under: Life

Tomorrow’s Race

22 Aug

Each child is a gift from God. No matter how children come to us, they are made in His image and were created to bring Him glory. Ron and I are blessed with two such children. We are seeking to adopt to make it one more.

As we have considered adoption we are now pursuing a license to foster as well. People will caution that you shouldn’t foster to adopt. However, this scenario happens and we are hoping that it does so for us.

Two nights ago Joshua was pushing his over-sized dump-truck outside and went down hard after he raced his truck bobsled style down a small slope in our court. He incurred two pretty nice knee scrapes that kept him awakening multiple times in the night. With little sleep from frequent calls for mom and dad, I came back to bed muttering, “And I want to foster only newborns?” Oh my!

Yesterday on the very few hours of sleep that I did manage to get, I kept asking, “Is foster care really going to work for us?”

The truth is, I really don’t know.

With another night of minimal hours of sleep, I awoke early this morning to some much needed quiet time to read.  I need that early morning time alone to be with my Father…and uninterrupted silence is golden. In my study I came upon these verses that spoke directly into my worried heart concerning tomorrow.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

~Matthew 6:33, 34 ESV

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

~Hebrews 13:20, 21 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

~James 1:5-8 ESV

God promises grace for today and hope for tomorrow. I cannot rely on today’s grace for tomorrow’s race.

What worries do you need to give God today that require tomorrow’s graces?

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Filed Under: Discipline, Family, Life, My Story, Walking in the Spirit Tagged With: , ,

6 Miles with DRIVE

20 Aug

This morning as I was running, I reflected on the past six years. Our stint in student ministry started out much like my morning run…will power to keep going even when the cup of joe I had just downed was shouting, “You know it is more comfortable walking!” The longer I ran the easier it got and the less I had to tell myself, “Just keep pushing.”

There were moments in our ministry and moments in my run that looked like the story of the little red caboose; an object bracing the weight of a digressing train and in need of two black steam engines to give a boost from behind to make it over an ominous hill.

In the course of the ministry God sent much needed relationships to get us successfully over mountainous terrains. We are forever grateful for the mountains and for the people that God sent because without both we wouldn’t be the people that we are or are becoming. Likewise the student ministry would not look as it does now either.

Yesterday, it was Ron’s turn to tell our students that he is passing along one baton and taking up another.

He hasn’t stopped running. It is still the same race. It is a different track.

In the midst of the past 6 years some stretches seemed so long. However, in looking back it was truly less than a breath. A compilation of moments each allowed by an infinitely wise and loving heavenly Father.

Ron has continually told me that he wants to be faithful with what God puts in front of him. I can attest during this portion of the race he has done so.

More than anything this mission has hammered into me Galatians 6:9:

 Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

This year has been a year of harvest. We have watched the students who are serious about their faith rise up. We have seen them disciple one another in community groups, be faithful counselors and planners in Intersection Weekend (a three day high school led middle school event to transition the 6th grade class into the ministry), and act in such a way as to bring God glory.

It is true of youth leaders as disciple makers as it was of John:

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

~3 John 1:2-4 ESV

More than anything as we transition out of student ministry we long to hear that our students are walking in the truth.

Likewise we pray for continued growth.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

~Philippians 1:9-11 ESV

There is so much more work to do. If it were not so Christ would have already returned. Students, look around you. Pray for one another and hold one another accountable. Read your word and become a student of it. Pray also for Travis and Jessica and the new youth pastor and his family.

 

I ask you to pray for Ron and I as we set forth in this new area of ministry. As Ron puts on the adult discipleship hat, pray for God’s will to be done in and through us and for faithfulness to obey all His commands. Join us in praying for the health of adult life groups and for God to send out workers into His harvest field both in our local body of the church and to all areas of the world.

May you realize this truth and may we not rob God of the glory due His name:

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

~ Isaiah 26:12 NIV

Likewise, we agree with Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:

 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV

It has been our absolute privilege to run the last 6 miles with DRIVE Student Ministries. May God bless the next man who is set to run miles and miles more.

To the volunteers who have worked with us the last 6 years, our deepest gratitude. You have made all the difference! To the students: We LOVE you and count it the greatest blessing that you would have chosen to worship with us.

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Filed Under: Family, Life, My Story Tagged With:

Needing More Jesus

15 Aug

Some nights our children enter bed time with ease, and other times, oh but other times, it is a wrestle to the finish line.

Last night was one of those nights, or at least it started out that way. Tears cried and consequences fell and yet our little one would not stay in her room. “But I miss Nana!”

Nana is what the kids call my mom. Both of my parents had left earlier in the week from a long weekend visit. To say the kids love them is an understatement.

 

I finally looked my child in the eye and said, “You need more Jesus that is who you need.” After a few more sentences I told her that I need more Jesus too. I need to be more thankful instead of crying over what is gone or what isn’t going my way.

I need more Jesus, and don’t I need to learn the very lessons that I try persistently to teach my children?

Honor God… follow the golden rule…remember we are on the same team.

It is true, I am the mom and I do know more than my kids; but it is also true that I am learning the same lessons multiple times over because I am so apt to forget.

Humility in every area of life, in every relationship with other people, begins with a right concept of God as the One who is infinite and eternal in his majesty and holiness. We are to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, approaching every relationship and every circumstance in reference to him. When relationships with people are good and circumstances are favorable, we are to humbly receive these blessings from his gracious hand. When people are mistreating us and circumstances are difficult, we are to humbly accept them as from an infinitely wise and loving heavenly Father.

~ Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness

She calmed as I began to speak all that I am thankful to God for. Because those who need more Jesus must recognize His hand on their lives each day. I said, “I am thankful for:”

  • our home
  • your health
  • how you help your brother
  • the fun we had today
  • a comfortable bed and sheets
  • a door to lock
  • a safe neighborhood to live in
  • all of our family

“What are you thankful for Emily?”

“Fish”

“What kind of fish?”

“Stingrays.”

“I am thankful for stingrays too. That is good. What else?”

“Birds.”

“What kind of birds?”

“Peacocks.”

“We will look for some peacocks tomorrow when we drop daddy off at work, okay?”

Remembering  Jesus’ works today gives us something to look forward to tomorrow. We must give thanks in humility, knowing that every good and perfect gift is from above and every difficult situation may provide a window to purer relationship with God and man.

I know I need more Jesus…and so do you. What can we thank Him for today?

Linking with Ann.

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Filed Under: Family, Life, What I Am Reading Wednesday