Marriage

Cake testing, bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding venues – these are the plans that are underway for my son and his fiancée. In just six months, they will exchange their marriage vows.

This is another path along my empty nester’s journey. I can’t help but look back at my little tow-headed tike and recall his quiet and playful spirit. Look at him now! All grown up and starting his own family.

Thank God for the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. He established that union from the beginning, in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. God knew that it was good for man and woman to be helpmates to one another. Man was made for woman, and woman for man. Throughout the Word of God, we see the great value God places on marriage. How can we not also honor this God-designed provision?!

Sadly, the governor of the state in which I live, Colorado, signed legislation yesterday recognizing civil unions between same-sex individuals. This is not God’s design.

I am privileged to work alongside folks who, although certainly not the “popular” thing to do, will stand up for righteousness in our hurting culture. Our nation is reeling from apathy and poor choices. Is it a lack of knowledge, a selfish mentality of entitlement or a blatant disregard for godliness? God help us at Family Talk to have a voice that speaks truth in love.

The next few months will hold many plans, expectations and decisions for my son and his soon-to-be wife. I am praying for God’s wisdom, protection and care to infuse them as they approach their wedding day. Let’s ask the Lord to guide and bless all of our young adults who are contemplating marriage or moving into relationships.

A Mother's Prayer

I returned a few days ago from Nashville, Tennessee. I was there to attend the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) Convention. I am thankful to have gone – I learned a great deal and met many, many people who are serving the Lord through radio, television, social media, etc.

One of the highlights of the trip was the worship service on Sunday morning where we gathered to sing together, pray, worship through the act of giving and to hear Pastor Tony Evans share a powerful message. Keith and Kristyn Getty and their band led us in music – oh, how marvelous to hear voices raised in unity to magnify the Lord, along with amazing strings, bagpipes and piano. What a great blessing that time was for me!

My heart was lifted up by several of the hymns the Gettys sang, which prompted me to take a look at the CD from which those songs came. And then I found another one that we didn’t sing Sunday morning, but I’ve listened to over and over since I returned home. It’s called “A Mother’s Prayer.” Here are just a couple of the verses to the song (I think you’ll see why I love its theme):

Before you close your eyes to sleep,
I have a promise still to keep.
As I hold you in my arms,
I pray your little frame grows strong
And that faith takes hope while you are young.
This is my prayer for you.

Hold my hand, I’ll teach you the way to go
Through the joys, through the years
The journey of these years.
May you trust Him till the end.
May you trust Him in the end.

. . .

You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach
As the road will rise and lead your feet
On a journey of your own.
May my mistakes not hinder you,
But His grace remain and guide you through.
This is my prayer for you.

Take His hand and go where He calls you to.
And whatever comes, seek Him
With all your heart.
This is my prayer for you.

Father, hear my ceaseless prayer,
Oh, keep her in your care.

So, even now my eyes are welling up with tears. Yes, all my children are “where my arms won’t reach.” But my intercessions for them are heard by the same Heavenly Father to whom they pray. Hallelujah!!!

I Am Honestly Befuddled

I am honestly befuddled. There are not many days that I sit down long enough to watch a newscast. Sure, I catch headlines and read about what’s going on in the world around me. But, I can hardly recognize this world anymore – at least not the world I was hoping it would be for my children.

The news stories of yesterday – just yesterday – made me want to cry ... a national economy spiraling downward, an outright endorsement of homosexual marriage by the President, a six year-old child whose parents promote that he is “transgender,” and on it goes!

The Bible tells us, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21)” That is a stern warning from God Almighty! As believers, we are commanded to stand for righteousness. As a believing community, however, we have fallen asleep at the wheel. Our personal conveniences have overridden our commitment to morality and discernment.

I must call upon God’s grace and forgiveness for my ambivalence. Oh, how restoring is God’s Word. James 4 tells me, “But He gives more grace ... God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Lord God, where can I go but to You? You are life! You are light in a dark world. Show me, Father, how You would have me to be a vessel of Your truth. Open my eyes to discern good from evil and, with Your strength to stand and speak for what is right. You have redeemed me at great cost. My life is Yours. Use me to courageously proclaim Jesus and Him crucified.