Mourning with those who Mourn

     The Bible talks a lot about mourning and weeping.
     Last week, a close friend of ours at church had a miscarriage. To see such a dear friend, so close go through something like this, was hard. I cried, a lot. I cried because I know how important children are to their family, our church, and God. I know that God knew how long that baby was going to be in the womb, before He decided to take the baby home. God knows it all, and it was His will that the baby went home early.
     The Bible says in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
      Jesus Christ himself mourned the death of Lazarus.(John 11)
     Many years ago, when I was 9, my mother was carrying a child in her womb. She was 8 months into her pregnancy, when she knew something was wrong. My dad and her rushed to the hospital, and my little baby sister, Grace Elizabeth Baughman, was a still-born baby. My parents mourned for a long time. In many ways, it still hurts. However, in the midst of that hurt. In the midst of them fighting those tears, and long nights; they knew that God was in control. They knew that this was all part of Gods perfect plan. Although they didn't understand it, they both begin to seek the Lord even harder than they ever have before.
     God blessed them with another baby 6 weeks later, and 8 months later, my sister, Joy Elianna Baughman, was born. We don't always understand why God does what he does, but we know this... God is in Control! He's Sovereign, and He's on his throne.
     I'm constantly reminded of God's Sovereignty every day. From praying and having faith that my husband gets home safe from work every day, to God's sovereignty over the womb of many babies who've died. God has his perfect plan, and although it doesn't make sense to us, it's His plan. 

     Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

     Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

The Power Of Prayer

     When we pray, what do we usually pray about? Is it things we want or need? Is it to heal someone over sickness, doubt, loneliness, anger, or bitterness?
     Recently, I was looking over my old prayer journal's; A journal that I started writing in, a couple years ago. of my prayer request, struggles, concerns, and thoughts to God. Looking back on them always amazes me how faithful God really is... even in the dark times.
     I couldn't help but look back on my life, think, ponder, and reflect on how God had used every instance for His glory. At the time, I didn't understand it, but after looking through all my journal entries, I have those "ah ha" moments that God brought back to my mind. Those moments of confusion, and chaos became clear to me, what God was doing.
     Reflecting back, I wondered, was I praying out of love, or pure selfishness? Was it from my heart, or out of hate and anger? Sometimes, it was a mix of emotions, and sometimes out of peacefulness and tranquility.
     God hears every prayer that we say... whether on paper or out loud. Prayer is conversation with God. Prayer can be the internal voice that directs the external action. The weather may be bad, and the economy may be bad, but even then God is still good!
     Have you ever had those moments when you want to cry out to God, "I need help!" but fear and pride get in the way? A pride that says, "I can't do it!" When it should be, "God, I need help, only You can do it!" That silent plea inside us all to surrender, unto Christ.
     "I practiced what I call, "Let go and let God." I took my hands and cupped them in front of me, held them up, and verbally put inside those hands everything I was fretting over and didn't have any answers to. I said out loud as I held up both hands, "There it is, Lord, I give it all to you."... As I dropped my arms to my side, a wonderful feeling of serenity suddenly spread throughout my entire being. I now had peace in the midst of the storm." ~ Dale Galloway
     "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer." ~ Psalm 4:1~
     "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7~
     "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." ~ Colossians 4:2~

The Christian Homeschool Dog

This last week, our family had to talk about a very sad subject. Our golden retriever dog is 12 yrs. Old. She’s the only dog we’ve ever had. Our family had to discuss about her death. Our dog is getting so old that it’s showing on her. She’s going blind in one eye, has a huge wart type thing on her foot, doesn't chase things anymore, and is overall… slow! L I keep reminding myself that death is a part of life. It happens to everyone and everything eventually. The other day, when my dad asked us about whether or not we wanted to say goodbye to her before she died. What do you say to that? Our dog, “Annie”, has become a part of our family. She’s the best family dog we could’ve ever asked for!!! 

     I keep reminding myself that we’ll get another dog after we put her down, but it’s not the same. Annie loves people! She love’s children of all ages! She lies with anyone, and let’s babies climb on her and yank on her.  There are not enough words that I can explain about our dog. She’s so calm, quiet, and what our friend’s calls her, “The Christian Homeschool Dog”.

     In the Bible, we see in John 11:35 that, “Jesus Wept”. Even God knew what sadness meant. Are there going to be animals in heaven? No, they don’t have spiritual souls, but… how can there not be animals in heaven? God created them! And while God doesn't tell us if animals will be in heaven, we can wonder. Wonder what God has in store. The last time I had a death in my family, I hardly remembered it, because I was so young. Our dog’s death will be the first death that I experience. No, dogs aren't people, but they do leave you feeling loved! I remember one day when I was young, I was crying in our backyard; our dog came over to me and just sat next to me as if she knew why I was sad. Dogs are loyal. You've heard it say, “Dogs are man’s best friend.” While yes, God gives us animals to enjoy, God should be our best friend. So, I have to put my best foot forward and… move on. Will I forget about our dog when we have to put her down? No! However, God gives us comforting words in Revelation 21:4, 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” We love you Annie!