A Prayer for Tomorrow (And Really Every Day)

I have been praying for this election for weeks and months.  I know my friends are praying with me.  Of course, I know who I will vote for, but I have been impressed over the last few months that this election isn't just about a new leader.  We can have a change in leadership, but unless the hearts of the people change, a new leader is just a new leader.  

I have tried to stay out of the fray too much, and that is a hard thing for this political junkie.  I have tried to stick to the facts and speak the truth in love when it is appropriate.  Frankly, I have had so much more on my mind than this election, but what is on my mind comes full circle when you look at things in the light of this election, and even more importantly, in the light of eternity.

Our families are in trouble.  Our children are in trouble.  Our nation is in trouble.  There is one reason we are in trouble.  Our nation is turning away from God.  It has been happening for some time, but it seems to be picking up speed and intensity.  When you go through what our family has gone through, you begin to question everything.  We didn't choose this path.  We don't want this path, yet, here we are.  Our family has been immediately impacted by the evil that this world throws at us daily.  The world says that we can dabble in sin and still be fine.  The world is wrong.  The world tells us lies that are subtle and persuasive, but literally, deadly.  Satan is having a field day deceiving Christians with things of this world that eventually leave us discontented and disillusioned. 

On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked.  I have heard many trains of thoughts about why this happened.  The thoughts range from sheer terrorism to the beginning of God lifting his hand of protection from our country.  As disturbing as these thoughts are, I was more dismayed by the response to 9/11.  Suddenly, we were united,  politics didn't matter, and it was even acceptable to mention God's name on the Capitol steps....for about two whole days.  The main verse we heard over and over from politicians, even Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle on the Senate floor, was out of Isaiah 9.  This passage specifically talks about the judgement of the arrogance of God's people in their response to the fall of Israel.  

Here is a portion of Isaiah 9. 

The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; and all the people will know,  Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,  who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: “The bricks have fallen,  but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down,  but we will put cedars in their place.” 

When our leaders began to proclaim that we would rebuild, I can't say whether or not they knew what the verse meant that they were quoting, but it was basically a warning against Israel and their prideful, arrogant ways.  Our leaders, possibly unbeknownst to them, were proclaiming a warning over our nation.  The rebuilding the Israelites were referring to in Isaiah 9 was defiant and rebellious.  Instead of falling on their faces before God in repentance they shook their fists in His face.  Sounds familiar doesn't it?  

We can rebuild buildings.  We can fortify security.  We can do everything humanly possible to make ourselves safe and happy, but unless we return on the One who blessed this nation from the beginning, everything we do will be in vain.  2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

This nation needs God.  This nation needs the people of God to be the people of God.  This nation needs to know the love of God.  We have a unique opportunity to show people how much God loves them.  

My prayer for election day is that we will be Spirit led, that we will be humble, that we will be repentant.  My prayer is that God will hear the cries of His people, and in His mercy and grace will continue to use this country as a beacon of light to a lost and dying world.  I pray that people God's people will see the truth, and that any deception will flee in the name of Jesus. I pray that we will vote in a manner that will protect our children from the womb.  I pray that we will vote for freedom.  I pray that God will have his hand on this nation tomorrow as we make a decision that will impact us for years to come.  I pray that the church will rise up and be the church.  I pray that our hearts will be softened to the needs of others, and that we will show, not just tell people of Christ's love, grace, and forgiveness.  

I know that God is not done with this nation.  He has called us and equipped us to be a nation that points other nations to Him.  I pray that we as a people will return to Him and fulfill the purpose He has for each of us.  I pray for the next leader of our country.  I pray that the spirit of God will fall on Him and the people around him like we have never seen.  

I love you my friends!  May His love and grace be apparent in your lives today.   

Eyes on Him

I started this blog last year because a man I highly respect said that all political conservatives should blog.  Being the political creature that I am, I thought, "Well, I don't know much, but I am fairly good at forming and expressing an opinion."  Little did I know that our family would face a tragedy this summer that would rock us to our core.  I haven't felt impressed to publicly write about what we have gone through until now, and I am sure that this will come in waves.  Because we are so close to what I think is a very important election, you will probably see a few posts about politics, but in light of what our family has been through, things that once seemed so important have had to take a back seat.  Instead of this being just a political blog, it will, and already has been, more of a mixture.  I pray that it is God-inspired.  If you read something you take issue with, please let me know.  I am not perfect.  I am just a wife and a mom trying to walk a path that no parent should have to walk while keeping my eyes on a Heavenly Father who has the best interest of His children at heart.

I haven't really been drawn to the blogging world lately, for a myriad of reasons, but today I have been impressed to write a few things down.

As most of you know, on May 21, 2012, we lost our seventeen-year-old son, Brad.  He was our first child.  He was smart, funny, and kind.  He was rowdy, rambunctious, and always the first to try something, especially if it involved a hint of danger.  He had an impish little grin that followed him into his teenage years.  He kept us on our toes.  He had that teenage boy disease that so many boys do, invincibility.  Brad had just finished the 11th grade.  He was enjoying working with his dad for the summer.  He had plans for work and continuing his education, and all too abruptly, those plans came to an end.  The manner is which Brad died was preventable, making this all the more devastating for his family.  For those of you who don't know the details, we have been very open in person, but I won't put them here unless I know it is time because the issues are sensitive, and there are teenagers who might read this.  I would rather their parents talk to them about those issues.  I respect a parent's right to inform their children about certain things in their own time.  

It would take days to tell you everything that I have learned and am still learning.  My main purpose here tonight is to tell you that in the midst of the darkness, in the bottom of the pit, in the wee hours of the morning, when you think you can't take it anymore, there is a God who loves you.  There is a God who comforts.  There is a God who takes ashes and turns them into beauty.  In no way am I saying that I don't struggle.  Like any parent who has traveled this road, I thought that this was a bad dream, but as the days became weeks, I began to realize that I was very much awake and would have to figure out how to traverse the path we call grief while still caring for a family who very much needed me.  I have been angry. I have been overwhelmed with sadness.  I have questioned God.  I have had moments where breathing was all I could do, and even that seemed to be too much to ask.  I still have moments where I feel like I'm going under, but the God who calms the seas has caught me every time, and I know if I keep my eyes on Him, He will continue to do so.  Through these moments, we have had family and friends who have been faithful to be here when we needed them, they have prayed fervently on our behalf, they have mourned with us.  They have fed us and mowed our grass. We are putting one foot in front of the other because of the goodness of God and the prayers of His people.  

I have to take a moment to publicly thank the people who helped make Brad's funeral a service to honor our King.  That includes the musicians, our Pastors, the congregation, and all of the people who were behind the scenes.  Hundreds of people surrounded us on May 24, 2012, to honor our Savior, and to tell Satan that he was not welcome in that sanctuary or around our family.  The fiery darts that he was throwing at our family on that day were intercepted and deflected by the people of God who stood in the gap when we were at our weakest.  We love each and every one of you! I have included the link to Brad's funeral service for those of you who couldn't be there.  I have only watched it once.  It is just too fresh, but I can assure you that the worship and the Word was God-breathed and amazing.  The Lord heard the cries of His people, and He answered.   http://www.crossgates.tv/portfolio/item/brad-scoggins

I have so much running around in my head that wants to get out, but there will be time for that.  My charge to you tonight is to love the people around you with all you have.  Life is but a vapor.  If you are up to your neck in the waves, and you feel like you are drowning, call on the One who created and calms the seas.  He listens.  He loves you.  He answers.  Call on His people.  Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them."  Praise!  Praise!  Praise!  There is nothing that drives the devil crazier than when we praise God even when we don't feel like praising.  Psalm 42:11 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."  There are days that I just can't read, but I can listen to music.  I had someone tell me that I wouldn't be able to sing for a while, but for some reason, God has preserved my voice.  It might not always be beautiful, but it is there.  Finally, when you have done all you know to do, stand.  Ephesians 6:13 tells us, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."  That has been my toughest challenge.  When I have done all I know to do, and I still feel that empty hole in my chest, I tell God, "I am standing here.  Do you see me?"  I know He does, but sometimes, I ask anyway.  Hebrews 12:2 is my focus verse.  "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Eyes on Him.  That's what this is about.  That's really what every day, every good thing, and every trial should be about.  Eyes on the One who endured the cross, so I can one day see my son again.  Eyes on the One who knew the day that Brad would come home to Him, and that our family would change forever.  Eyes on the only One who can save, comfort, and heal.  Eyes on the One who has forever conquered the grave!  Here are the words to one of my favorite songs.  Someday soon, we will sing this in His presence.  I, for one, can't wait!

1. “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
   For the Son of God, who came
   Ruined sinners to reclaim.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
   In my place condemned He stood;
   Sealed my pardon with His blood.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
   Spotless Lamb of God was He;
   “Full atonement!” can it be?
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Lifted up was He to die;
   “It is finished!” was His cry;
   Now in Heav’n exalted high.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. When He comes, our glorious King,
   All His ransomed home to bring,
   Then anew His song we’ll sing:
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
6. -Philip Bliss

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year!

I started this blog because I am a political junkie.  I love our country.  I still believe the USA is the greatest place to live.  I once heard a conservative talk show host say that all conservatives should blog.  I am not much of a blogger, but I decided to give it a try.  My next blog will be my first real political blog.  My mom told me today that I would be a great journalist.  I said, "But mom, I will make people mad."  To which my sweet mom responded, "You won't make them any angrier than Ann Coulter."  Last time I checked, Ann Coulter had people throwing things at her.  I like Ann, but I really don't want anyone throwing things at me.

All of that aside, I want to wish all my friends a Happy New Year!  I know this year will bring changes for many of us.  I know this year will bring challenges, joys, frustrations, and victories.  We will have chances to be kind, to be forgiving, to be considerate, and to rise to many occasions.  My prayer for my friends is that you will be abundantly blessed and highly favored.  I pray that you see the promises that you have been holding on to come to fruition.  I pray that your families are healthy physically and mentally.  I pray for provision and protection.  Most importantly, I pray that you see the manifest presence of Christ in your lives and your families throughout this year.  I thank God for my family and friends.  There have been times over the last few years that I might not have made it had it not been for your love and support.  No matter what happens in 2012 I know one thing for sure.  I am one blessed girl!  I pray that my friends  experience the kind of blessing that comes from knowing you are loved.  You are loved.  You are important.  And don't you ever forget it!