[Sally's Jubilee] 2011Recall

[sallynava]

We all know about recalls: cars, baby items, dangerous drugs...the list seems endlesss, doesn't it?  How about a recall, a "do over" for the Christian?  Can I recall those mean spirited words I said, or, here's a good one, how about those terrible thoughts I had while I was driving and someone cut me off?  I believe we are in our truest form behind the wheel in peak hour traffic...at least, that's true for me.  When I spend a couple months back in the states then return to driving here I Costa Rica, there is a 2-3 week readjustment period when I catch myself saying, "I just can't believe the way they drive!"...and the thoughts are much worse!  After 51 years of being a child of God, why are those words still there, just waiting to pop to the front of my thoughts and right out my mouth??  I am praying that at the end of 2012 that I won't need as many recalls as I did this year, that God will help me to bask more in all that He has done in, around and through me, and that everyone He has created (even the guy who cuts me off???!!!) is valuable to Him, valuable enough that He sent His Son to die for that crazy driver!!  I want to learn more about accepting whatever comes my way in a spirit of "My God reigns and He knows what is best," and He never allows anything to happen to harm me, that He has only my best in mind.  My perception sometimes is off kilter and I get it wrong (thinking He has made a mistake) but in hindsight my thinking is always changed. I am learning to depend more on hindsight even when I am in the midst of something when my earthly eyes and heart can't see that what is happening has meaning in the light of eternity, with eternal consequences.

So, what does 2012 have in store for us?  For some of us, it is far better that we don't know ahead of time. I pray for those of you who already have a dark cloud hanging over you as you head into the new year, that you will have a keen sense of your Heavenly Father's presence. For others, we would be jumping for joy, wondering, "Is it here yet? Has the time arrived yet for that event to happen?" I will turn 70 in 2012, and believe me, every year from here onward is a gift!  I recently have reconnected with some of my Emmaus Bible School classmates from the early 60's and a bunch of them are no longer here. Death is a fact of life at my age - just this week I shed tears over a dear brother who is now dancing with Jesus (I say dancing because Dave never danced here on earth and I often told him he would really enjoy it and I don't think he ever believed me!) Will 2012 be the year I go home to be with my Lord?  In so many ways I long for that day, to see Jesus face to face, (I can only imagine!!!) to be free of an aging (but healthy, thank God!) body, to be free of a sin sick world with all the symptoms of the end times, to be reunited with those who have gone before me.  But, as Paul said, I feel it is better to be here, especially for my three wonderful kids, my three amazing grandchildren.  I want to see them marry, have children of their own...but, only God knows how many of my numbered days are left. 

One thought goes with me into 2012, though, and that is that, no matter what, our Lord IS in control and WE WIN!! We may be losing some important battles in these days, both personally, as Christians, as a nation, but when all is over and dust settles, JESUS WINS, AND WILL BE RIGHT ALONG SIDE OF HIM!

Finally, I want to share the following with you from Jeremiah 29:11

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Also, The Message version:
I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  

Blessing to you all!

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Posted By sallynava to Sally's Jubilee at 12/31/2011 12:06:00 PM

[Cheryl Hanson]

Thanks, Sally.  Read your email a couple of times and share many of your same sentiments!  I thank the Lord that I am one of those who was able to reunite with you on this side of the grave.  One day, we shall all be together in that new place called HOME!  

Love, 

Cheryl

Sent from my iPad

[Ben Coster]

Beautiful thoughts and words Sally!  I appreciate your wisdom and perspective, written from a truly mature daughter of Christ.

 

We love you and miss you!  Please pass along our greetings and blessings in this New Year!  We pray that 2012 will bring you much peace and joy as you walk, serve, worship, witness and praise Him each of the next 365 days!!

 

God Bless,

Ben