Originally posted 2017-08-12 12:15:54.
Hi!
Well! It is Day-16 of the countdown. Have you ever woke up smiling? I guess you’re saying, “Duh! Good dreams make you smile! Waking up next to the one you love makes you smile! Everything is going honky dory makes you smile!”
But what about when you wake up, and can’t remember your dream from the night before? What about when you wake up next to a bed full of books and papers? What about when you wake up to the same life situation as the night before? But still, you smile! Why?
It could be a lot of reasons. But today I smile. Why? I hear, “Restoration,” in the air.
Last night after church, my cousin and I rode with one of the sisters to a couple’s house. They live 32 miles from my home. The three of us laughed and talked as we rode to the home.
We took food and paper products from one of the church mothers to the family. We also took cake. The sister whose home it was; sister’s husband passed away. She and her husband were hosting family and friends who came to share condolences. The drive was long; but worth it. They have a huge beautiful home. I love walking into lovely homes. They keep my dreams fresh.
I guess you are saying, “Okay, this was a sad occasion. What does “Restoration” have to do with this?” Well, the sister whose husband just passed away, the sister whose house we were at; their younger sister; and their mother were all there. I was there to extend my condolences; but, surprisingly; it was like a reunion for me.
The sisters’ late father was a coach at my high school. When I was 13 or 14 years-old, I used to go over to their home with my sister and her boyfriend. The young people loved their late father. Especially me and Angie. He affectionately called me and my sister; black folks and white folks. That’s because, my dear sister Angie was very light-skinned; and of course; I’m lovely brown complexioned.
My sister graduated when she was 16 years-old. I was younger than the children in my grade. I started school the year I turned 4 years-old. My mother made us go to summer school every summer in high school. I graduated from high school 3 months after I turned 16. Most of my classmates were 2 or 3 years older than me; and I was very shy. So Coach T felt like I was a baby. He was very protective of his babies. He would curse out the boys who constantly messed with me. Those were some wonderful days. I loved Coach T and his family.
It’s ok to laugh!
Laughing and talking with the sisters; their mother; one of the sisters’ husband; and a hilarious elder from our church and his wife; was fun. We ate, laughed, and got to know each other again. I especially enjoyed talking to the younger sister about she and her husband’s faith move of their family to Tennessee. Their bold faith, and work with youth inspire me.
Their mom, took my hand and said, “I want you to meet Woody’s family.” She introduced me to her late husband’s family; and told them; I was one of the sweet students from the high school where he worked. Smiling, she said, “And now she’s an evangelist at our church.” They were so nice. We hugged, and I told them to call me, “Rochelle.”
As we prepared to leave, Mother T took my hand again and said, “Every time I see you walk into the church, I smile and say, ‘There goes my sweet baby.'” She has always been so kind. Their entire family has a wonderful, welcoming spirit.
No professional mourners in this group.
It’s sad that R lost her husband. I have prayed for her since she texted me on Monday. My heart goes out to her, their son, and the entire family. We went to just be present; listen as they talked; be patient if they cried; but, not to make them cry. The happiness in this writing doesn’t extinguish the grief; and the sorrow felt for my dear sister in the Lord. Yet, God has a way of taking a sad occasion, and sprinkling joy in the midst.
I didn’t realize how much I missed them. I didn’t realize how much I missed being around a loving, pure hearted; group of people. Today, it feels like God has restored a part of what I lost as a girl. I hear, “It’s only the beginning Rochelle. More restoration is coming.” Yes Lord!!
How do you remember God’s personal promises?
My friends, when you are attentive to the voice of the Lord; you hear nuggets of encouragement. These drops come unexpectedly at any time, day, or place. Think about what God has promised you. Think about what you have prayed about. Did you ask God for joy? Did you ask God for peace? Didn’t he say, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3 KJV). Your joy is in the midst of your draw. Are you drawing water from the wells of salvation?
Another wonderful, inspiring scripture..
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV) Yes Lord!
Restoration is happening!
Can you clap your hands and PRAISE HIM? Praise Him in the sanctuary! Praise Him in your home! Praise Him on your job! Praise Him in your car! Praise Him at the cleaners! Praise Him at the grocery store! Praise Him as you read this post! Praise Him as you wait on Him to show you how to fix your finances! Praise Him as He saves your unsaved loved ones. Can you Praise Him as He manifests His promises to you?
What was peeled back?
There is relief from the frustration of being around so much envy, and ungodly competition. Seeing that pure joy still exists; in the midst of sorrow; opened a passageway to gladness. Joy prevails! Praise God! I’m exited about what countdown Day-15 will bring.
Thank you for joining me today. I’ll leave you with these questions: “How do you remember God’s personal promises? Do you see yours being fulfilled?” Love you!! We’ll talk soon!
Blessings!
Rochelle
