All Things

I have had so many Scriptures that have taken on such deep meaning during my desert times. Right up on the top of the list is Romans 8:28. I'm sure many of you could quote this verse right now. I first memorized it way back in elementary school, I'm sure! I even learned it to a cute little peppy Sunday School song. It's sounds so great and cozy, but so many times we can use this verse to trick ourselves into thinking our life should be nothing but roses because we have Christ!

"And we know all things work together for good, to them that love the Lord, to those who are called according to his purpose." Please allow me to pick this verse apart word by word.

"And we" This pronoun usage is very important. It includes the reader. It doesn't say "and pastors know" or "and only mature Christians." The usage of the word "we" makes this verse immediately personal.

"And we know" This is an absolute. It doesn't say "we think" or "we hope." It leaves no room for doubt.

"And we know all things" Again, an absolute word. You know that saying, "all means all and that's all all means!!"

"And we know all things work" This word "work" is loaded. When the Dr. that delivered Kristen was preparing me for what labor would be like, he said something that has stuck with me all these years. He said that it is called "labor" for a reason. If it was supposed to be easy, it would be called "a walk in the park!" The very word "work" denotes that the task will not be easy.

"And we know all things work together" Scripture does not say each individual thing is good, but promises that circumstances will weave together.

"And we know all things work together for good" This is where the rubber meets the road. So many times we think this means all things are going to be good. It says "for good." Was my debilitating hand injury good? No, but it worked for my good by making me lean on my Lord more!!

"And we know all things work together for good, to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to his purpose." I am so NOT going to get into the theology of election. Someone else can have that debate on their blog!!!!! What is unmistakable in this last phrase is the comfort it gives to Christians. God gave this verse specifically to comfort His people!!!

The heart of this blog

The desire for this blog is very different from my past blog or even my facebook page. It is the brainchild of many months of thoughts. You will not find funny quotes from my kids here. I will not be writing about any family vacations or things we do here. You will not find any "soapbox" statements here. I have struggled hard through the last five years. I have weathered many storms, but none so tumultuous as my physical struggle of this last year. It rendered me almost useless both pysically and spritually for a time. As I struggled with finding a purpose for why I was allowed to go through such deep pain, I began to SEE people. Everywhere you turn, people are hurting. Deep, gut-wrenching pain. And so many times, people do not want someone to "fix" them as much as they want someone to care. I mean, really care. Someone to come along side them, put an arm around them, and lift them up in a prayer.

It was in this realization, that I found the purpose for why God has allowed me to struggle so hard these last five years. I have always been a sensitive and caring person, but through the struggles of life, my "Barnabas" qualities are being fine tuned. It is my deep desire that this blog will be a source of encouragement for the hurting and weary of heart.

With the title "Oasis of Peace in the desert of life," I would like to paint a picture of the trials of life being a vast destert full of hot, dry, parched land. But in the midst of this desert, you stumble upon a cool stream complete with shade trees and lush green grass where you can rest. This "Oasis of Peace" comes from Christ.