My God is so Big

I remember a Christmas many years ago. Many. Years. Ago.

I asked for a typewriter. (Okay, now you have an idea of how many years ago)

I'm not sure how they managed it, but that Christmas Eve I opened a gift and saw the most beautiful blue typewriter ever!

And I sat at the table that night, wondering if I should write about my dog or my sisters or my mom's crocheted slippers or my parents...

I don't remember what I wrote that night. I don't even remember what happened to that most wonderful gift.

I do know, God planted a love for words deep inside me. It came to life in school. B.B. Hall's speech class taught me the power of words, spoken or written. LaRue Speights' English and Literature class taught the importance of order, syntax, and the impact of story. (I'm sorry Mrs. Speights, I still struggle with a few things. I'm so thankful for editors!)

Several years after we married, I told Tommy I wanted to write curriculum for LifeWay Kids. He encouraged me. I applied and God allowed me to write for them almost ten years. It was a wonderful experience.

During those years, life happened.

And lessons were learned.

And I began learning to give my failures to God and trust him to do what only He can do.

Opportunities presented themselves.

Children. Hundreds of children. All needing to hear the gospel and know God loves them.

Through the ministries of Towering Oaks  Baptist Church I have been gifted with the opportunity to teach and serve among those who teach. Bible study, small groups, Vacation Bible School...so many opportunities.

And the love for words continues to grow and the desire for those words to make a difference in lives continues to grow.

And in a terrifying, exciting whirl of activity God said "Yes."

My mom has been a cheerleader with this writing thing. All along my prayer has been "Please Lord, your timing." When we learned Mom's cancer is back, my prayer changed. "Yes, Lord, I want your will. But, Lord? Please send a contract so my mom can share in it."

Mom is strong and doing well and your prayers are more coveted than they have ever been. When I learned of the book contract, my first instinct was to praise God for being larger than obstacles and more powerful than doubt. Then I called Tommy. Then I called Mom.

God is so good to give me this desire and to open doors.

God is so good to give me family and friends and opportunities.

May HE forever by glorified!

My GOD is so BIG. so STRONG and so MIGHTY! There's NOTHING my GOD cannot do!

Thank you, God, for Pastor Tim

I woke up at 2:30 this morning. It soon became obvious I would not go back to sleep anytime soon.

I prayed for the list of requests that easily came to mind. My mom, my children, my church family, Vacation Bible School, kids camp... I praised Him too. I praised Him for my mom, my children, my church family, Vacation Bible School, kids camp...

I got out of bed and worked on kids camp. It's right around the corner. Many children will be there, ready to have a blast. They will arrive with questions, questions they won't ask out loud.

Questions such as:

Why did my mom die?

Does God care that I am lonely?

When will my mom and dad stop fighting?

Why don't I fit in?

Can God hear my prayers?

Pastor Tim has prepared messages and music for these kids. I am almost finished with the devotion book. The t-shirts are ready for pick up. Long View Ranch is ready for us.

One thing remains and is needed now until next weekend.

Prayer.

Prayer for safety.

Prayer for strong friendships.

Prayer for health.

Prayer for powerful worship.

Prayer for great weather.

Prayer for super-amazing fun.

Prayer for our counselors to be sensitive to the needs of the kids.

Prayer for kids to leave camp with a greater, stronger realization of who God is and just how wide and deep His love is!

Won't you join me in praying for the best camp experience ever?

Won't you join me in praying for Pastor Tim and our counselors?

I love watching God do amazing things! We don't have answers to all of life's questions, but we serve a God who keeps His promises. He is all we need.

Thank you, God, for Pastor Tim!