Faith

 Earlier this week I had the most fabulous day with my kiddos.  We traveled to several amazing places.  I had two of the best pilots in the world flying me in a private jet and I was even provided with a delicious gourmet meal in flight.  I also traveled to the airport to board my private jet in style; in a black stretch limo. 

My private jet took me to Hawaii where we landed and spent the afternoon splashing in the warm water and building sand castles on the beach.  After our delightful afternoon in Hawaii we made our way to our next destination.  We boarded a cruise ship headed to Alaska to see more of God's beautiful creation.  It was an amazing fun filled day. 

The kids and I wish every day was like that; filled with relaxation, fun and adventure.  Funny thing is with kids it seems every day is a bit like this.  You see, kids have amazing dreams, imaginations and huge faith.  I don’t know how many times I shake my head in amazement on a constant basis at my kid’s faith.  And I think I have faith.  Ha! I don’t even begin to have a clue. 

Just yesterday my son and I were hunting for a paint brush to complete a little project and he said, “Mom let’s have a prayer and pray we find one.” “Of course, let’s have one,” I replied.  Without delaying we bowed our heads and had prayer right in the doorway of our storage shed.  After prayer I walked right over to a box, and the first thing I put my hands on was a paint brush. 

We have tried to teach our kids to pray first in any situation.  If they need help, if they have lost something, whatever the issue might be they know they can take their cares to God. 

Many times when we have prayed for a situation or a lost item to be found, their prayer isn't please help us find…. They pray thank you we found….  Mistake? No. Faith!  Faith in action.  They know God will answer.  They have faith.  They don't question if He will or how He will they know He will.  

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight.

One time we were having a thunder storm with light rain.  My kiddos aren’t crazy about thunder so on their own they prayed the thunder would stop.  I am sad to say I was silently thinking and praying during their prayer.  I prayed, “Lord, how will I explain to them without squashing their faith that you do answer ALL our prayers it just isn’t always yes or the answer we want?”  I don’t believe they finished their Amen’s and…… the thunder stopped!  While I was rejoicing in awe they were not surprised.  They prayed about it and they knew God would take care of it!  

Matthew 18:3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Kids can see and imagine anything.  Even though we can't see it they can.  Just like God can see far beyond what we see.  Kids live a life of faith.  By faith and dreams, the impossible becomes possible.  We see a swing on a porch or a tarp in the yard but kids; they see a private jet, and a gorgeous cruise ship. 

Let’s start living our lives more like children.  Let’s let our dreams and our faith collide and stop limiting God.

Soak Up The Sun

As we stood on the pier and gazed upon the sea lions basking in the sun you couldn’t help but notice a rather large one (let’s call him Pepper) jump out of the water onto the dock.  There was a perfect place for him right on the corner of the dock where he jumped to from the water.  The only trouble was he didn’t want that spot.

Most of the sea lions were relaxing peacefully in the sun. Unfortunately, Pepper wasn’t content where he was so he began scooting along the top of the other sea lions creating quite a stir as he woke them all up.  They started barking at Pepper as he squashed them and Pepper growled grouchily back at them.  Pretty soon a somewhat serene setting became very noisy and loud.  Sea lions were noisily barking at one another because Pepper wasn’t content to lie down at the edge of the dock where there was already room.  He wanted to find his perfect spot to lie down in the sun no matter the consequences.  He wasn’t concerned with who he might squash, disturb, or wake up along the way he just cared about getting what he wanted. 

I am reminded of Eve in the Garden of Eden when she left Adam to go exploring.  She knew she was told to not eat of the forbidden fruit but she found herself discontent with what she already had.  She wanted more so she wandered to the tree she was specifically told not to eat from.

Genesis 3:6 tells us Eve found the fruit desirable. 

Eve had an entire garden full of amazing trees and plants full of fruits, vegetables, and beauty beyond any magnificence we know today.  However, Eve was not content with what she already had.  She wanted more.  She was not at peace with where the Lord had placed her, or with what He had given her.

It makes me think about our walk with God and how we can so easily become discontent with our lives.  Even though our situation may not be the most comfortable, or the place WE want to be sometimes all we can think about is getting over “there” to a place where we think is better.  We lack peace in our trials and struggles of life.  Job 22:21 “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.

What can you do right now to enhance your life?  Take a look around you and count your blessings.  Before you complain about what you don’t have, be grateful and content with what God has placed right in front of you.  Focus on your blessings where you are.  Recognize that warm place on the dock right where you are, soak up the sun, and give thanks.