About a month ago I came home from work and found myself in an empty house. It was strange without having any commotion or conversation happening right when I walk in the door. My family was busy doing other tasks so I found myself sitting on my couch taking in the beauty of the silence. I began praying during this moment and lifting my heart and thoughts to God. 

​
At one point I prayed, "God this parenting thing can sometimes be really draining.” 

Almost immediately I got a response.  Whether it was my own thoughts or not I felt like it was God replying to me. 

God said, “You have no idea.”


This immediately made me laugh understanding our heavenly parent is out there loving and caring for everyone on this planet and here I am having only three to look over. 

However this response really got me thinking about God's role as a heavenly parent.  This person that is constantly watches over us and guides us down the pathways of life.  ​

Now there are many people that have had unfortunate situations in life which have caused there idea of a parent to bring on some strong emotions. If that is you I encourage you to see God in a different way that fits your understanding and emotional health.

​
Let's be clear God is not physically shooting hoops with your kid, or helping them with their math homework. So its important to understand the differences between being an actual parent and God. What differences do you think there are?
​

Despite God not physically helping you with things its about the understanding that there is this mystery caring deeply for you despite all the things of the world. This creator that loves you for who you are. Bad things happen which is not the result of God but God is often hurting and suffering with you during the process.  This concept can sometimes be hard to grasp as we tend to blame instead of embrace.  We say why did God do this to me?  Losing my dad earlier in my life made me think about this thought process a lot. I don't believe God is doing something bad to us, only loving us everyday for who we are and through all the emotions, both joy and pain we feel.  


God holds your emotional pain and sits beside you. God isn't going to make decisions for you but is trying to guide you down the best paths in your life. You have been created with an intelligence to make decisions for yourself. God is a parent that continues to provide love and direction if we seek it. Seeking direction from God is usually where we fall short. I know I often miss opportunities throughout the day to just focus my mind and pray when needed. Lifting our hearts and voices to God is often the way in which the divine can work.  We have to listen with our hearts, eyes, and ears as God is speaking to us through the daily interactions of life.  

May God bless each of you who come to this site and follow along our blog.  I pray God's love embraces you and holds you tight.  

This week hold those you love close and tell them how you feel about them.  

As the wind whistles through the trees 
So does the breath of God
As the shining sun wraps its warmth among the earth
So does the welcoming spirit of God
As rain pours from the clouds above
So does the compassion of God 
As the Spring flowers blossom showing their vibrant colors 
So does the creativeness of God 
As the stars sparkle in the night sky showcasing the universe
So does the infiniteness of God 
As a smile tenderly lightens another's face
So does the goodness of God
As our hearts reach out to those who are neglected, unheard, and outcast
So does the love of God 
As the world continues to work toward peace
So does the harmonious nature of God 
Let us breathe deeply and know God is with us 
For God is in all things 

May you find God wherever you are today!

This week please sit and thank God for the beautiful creation around you! 

The Advent of Love this Christmas season focuses on the everlasting love brought to us through the Christ child. As we continue to journey toward the stable let us reflect upon our own journey's and how they have helped shape us into who we are today. Be joyful and appreciative for the memories formed and the love you have been given. It is in our memories where love is stored and reminds us of the beauty of life and living in community with others. This season we each get to reflect while we move forward following the Christmas star. The anticipation of hope in what will be is met with the astounding love that God is among us, fully present in our lives, not some far off distant place but here now.  

Take this time to renew your commitment to love as you ponder what this Christmas means to you by watching the video below. 

May you be filled with love this Christmas!

This week do acts of love to those around you!