My heart weeps for the people of Hawaii struggling with such devastation. #PrayForMaui
This #SundayMessage is one of the first ones I wrote over seven years ago. I chose to repost it this week because a periodical reminder of the great power that comes through prayer is so important. Especially now, with all the hardship and suffering happening in Hawaii, it is even more important than ever. I pray we keep our hearts connected to God; I believe the best way to do this is through prayer. So let’s continue to pray for each other, and know mine are with all of you! Have a wonderful Sunday, and remember you are loved. ❤️
I love this photo of my parents. I kept it on my night table in my bedroom so it would always remind me to "phone home" on Sundays and check up on my cute parents. Our special time together after the busy week was to talk, laugh, and sometimes cry. I'd hear about their past week’s adventures and what they had been up to, and I would share with them the same things about my busy life and all that was going on with my children. I always loved those Sunday calls because, at the end of the conversation, I'd always hang up feeling enriched and more connected, determined, happier, and motivated no matter what was going on in my life. There's nothing better than good advice from loving parents who keep us focused on what really matters.
One day when my mom was at my house, she saw the photo of her and Dad with the phone by her face. I told her why I had it in my room and how it helped me remember to always "phone home." She started to chuckle. Mom had the cutest laugh. Now, she loved clever analogies… me too (must be genetic). She looked at the photo and said, "Honey, you should put this downstairs where your children can see it. Tell them that Grandma said, ‘This photo should not only remind you to call us your grandparents because we love and miss you and can't wait for you to come to our home to see us, but this photo should also be a reminder to connect with the greatest Parent in the universe, God! The Creator of your eternal spirits! All you have to do is pick up that amazing phone called Prayer!’"
Much like a cell phone, it is super convenient, and with the "prayer phone," all you have to do is speak with real intent to communicate, then listen.
You won’t see with your eyes, but you can hear with your heart. Oh, and you WILL feel because God does hear us, especially when we call consistently and with great humility. The more we practice, the clearer the line of communication becomes!
Growing up, I always heard my mom say, "Pray often! Pray in your mind and in your heart. Pray on your knees, in your closet, when you're driving, and even on stage. It doesn't matter when or where... pray continually!"
I now keep their photo in a prominent place where all who enter my home can see it. And when they ask about its meaning, I pass on this story about the "Power of Prayer" that was taught to me and reminds my children that Prayer is their personal and direct cell/phone line to heavenly communication. It is the avenue through which we can approach God and His way to grant us peace and give answers while we are apart from Him in this mortal life.
I love this poem:
With thoughtless and impatient hands,
We tangle up the plans
The Lord hath wrought.
And when we cry in pain, He saith, ‘Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot.’ (Author unknown)
I have learned to conclude my prayers with “Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2)
God knows why we go through the things we do. Do not expect to be entirely free from trouble, disappointment, pain, and discouragement. For these are the reasons we were sent to earth... to also experience love and heartache, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat... that we may learn to endure with joyful understanding, peacemaking hearts, and with the knowledge that our God is by our side every step of the way. Now, that's one powerful Wi-Fi we should connect to.
On special occasions, as I look at their photo, my sweet mom's words ring of truth…"Pray with all your might, mind, and strength. Pray continually." A reminder to me that there is always a way to connect, we just need to make time to "phone home!"
Proverbs 3:5-6