my robin's nest

blessings

2012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

At ten weeks pregnant, we found out last week during a routine appointment that God had chosen to take our baby home. My heart is grieving and aching for this child I will never hold. This is the fourth child we've lost, yet the pain is the same and maybe even greater this time.

I am thankful that I "sorrow not as those who have no hope", for I know that I will see this child in Heaven. I am trusting in my precious Heavenly Father who has a plan even when I do not understand, and if I allow Him, He will use this to help me know Him more.

A friend sent me this song and it has been a balm to my soul....

Blessings

by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

prayer

2011-12-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

One of the most necessary yet difficult things to teach young believers is in the area of prayer. Most know how to
be thankful,
ask forgiveness,
intercede for others,
yet often miss what it is to truly "commune" with God and share that intimate fellowship that is so critical for the effective Christian walk.

It is a sacred place that once you enter, never want to leave; and when life pulls you away, there is always a desire to return.

It is a secret place, reserved for the Father and His child; the Bridegroom and His bride. A place for utterings that cannot be uttered.

Charles Spurgeon best described the way to enter this intimate place when he said that you must "pray til you can pray". You have to pray until all the distractions of life dim and you are able to fully concentrate all of your mind to true prayer in its purest form.

Confession of sin in order to reconcile your relationship with God is of great importance, and then true worship is one element that seems often neglected in prayer times. It is a time of recognizing how marvelous and great our God is with an attitude of worship and praise. Thanksgiving is important, but there is a difference in thanking God and in praising Him for Who He is:

The Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient One.
Our Divine Creator.
The Giver of Life.
Our Intercessor.
Our Father.
God.

The Lord's Prayer models this for us-- "Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name..."

C. S. Lewis offered this explanation when he wrote, "It is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men."

This intimacy in prayer is like a food that is a delicacy. Until it is tasted, the flavor is unknown, but once it has satiated our palates, we desire it

again

and again

and again.

our dinner table

2011-11-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

One of the things I will miss the most when my children are grown are our times around the dinner table. From silly games to discussions, it is a precious time that we have together. We laugh more around our dinner table than probably any other time. It is a time to stop and enjoy each other. It is a wonderful time of training for the little ones, and a time when we can invest in the minds of our children. As the children get older, I hope that it will be a place that we can hold thought provoking discussions. Ray took the television out of the house a few months ago and it has been one of the greatest blessings to our home. Now we don't rush off to see the next sporting event or to watch Andy Griffith reruns, but we sit and enjoy each others company.

We often see in the Bible times of fellowship around a meal. As Christians, we are all looking forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. I believe it is a worthy example to follow in our lives. Culture and the television have robbed us of this wonderful blessing to our home and family.

I challenge anyone reading this to try to institute this wonderful, memory making time into your family's schedule. Even in a busy pastor's home, we usually are able to enjoy a good meal and fellowship together at least three times a week.

It takes some planning to make this happen, and there are a few things I do to help accomplish this for our family.

1. PLAN. I usually plan for 14-21 meals when I go grocery shopping. I let the kids and Ray help me pick out the meals, and I try to make their favorites on those special nights we will have time to spend together. I decide the night before what meal I will cook so I can put out meat to defrost or any other things that need early preparation. This planning helps us eat AT HOME and save money from grabbing something out at the last minute.

2. PREPARE. We think of things we want to discuss with our children, such as what they are doing in their devotions, home school, or church. We free our nights up, so that when we are finished eating we can sit and talk for 20-30 minutes. We don't have a set time frame, but this is our usual at our children's ages. I look forward to longer times as our children get older and we have deeper discussions.

3. PLAY. (You can tell I'm married to a preacher -- I just alliterated my points) We play silly games, like the "stare game" or "you can't make me laugh". The kids tell silly jokes. We enjoy side splitting laughter.

I wish I could bottle all the memories I already have from our dinner times so that when my children are grown I could pull them out and enjoy them again. I am so thankful for the family God has given me to enjoy. He is so good!!!

reflections

2010-12-31T21:11:00.000-08:00

As I turn the last page of 2010 today, and reflect upon all that has been written this year, I am once again enthralled by God's handiwork in my life. This has been one of the most difficult years for our family, yet through the difficulties God has lovingly drawn us closer to his comforting arms where solace was only to be found through His Word and prayer.

My mom found out in July that she had lymphoma. We've watched her endure chemo therapy this year and a host of side effects from the treatments. She has been such testimony of God's grace and a wonderful example to her children and grandchildren through this trial. It truly made me realize how thankful I was for my mother. One of my first thoughts when I realized that something very serious was going on was a fearful one of life without her prayers. I so desire to be that kind of prayer warrior for my children.

This has been the most difficult year we've had personally in the ministry as well, but God again has used every hardship to cause us to lean on Him when we couldn't depend on our past successes or personality to pull us through. Again we've seen His hand every step of the way, as He has guided and matured us.

2010 was not without unspeakable joys as we welcomed Ruston Taylor into our family in February. He has added a wonderful sparkle to our days with his captivating smile and twinkling blue eyes. How I love the sweetness of a newborn and marvel at how they change during these first precious months.

I've enjoyed watching each of my children grow this year. What a joy to have the opportunity to spend my days with them as I watch them grow and mature.

God has been so good to me!!!

Psalm 144:12

2010-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

As I prepare for the new year, I am reminded of one of my long term goals in rearing my children found in Ps 144:12, "That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth: that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:"

My desire is that my boys be mature in their youth. I pray everyday that God will help me to balance responsibility with childhood play, so that they grow into young men able to care and provide for their own families someday. I also desire that my daughter will be polished and a lady in every
way. Faced with the culture today, these seem to be almost impossible tasks, yet ones that Ray and I take very seriously as we beg God for daily wisdom.

five minutes

2010-12-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband has been encouraging me to keep up this blog for several years now, yet time and my perfectionism has often gotten in the way. Today, I had a friend encourage me to commit to five minutes a day. To be honest, I was tempted to wait until I "knew" I wouldn't fail at this commitment before beginning, but that's just my perfectionism again. I'll commit and trust in God to help me. so here goes...

Today we celebrated Reece's third birthday. What a joy he is to our family! Everyone loves our "Reece cup". He is very loving and tender, and although usually quiet, loves to make us laugh with his funny antics. He's lived most of his life in the South and we get tickled at his slow Southern drawl.

When I was pregnant, I had a talk with Rylan and shared with him that I wanted him to be responsible for helping me with Reece. I never imagined how he would take that to heart. It is a joy to my heart to watch Rylan take such loving care of him. He loves Reece passionately and Reece reciprocates that love.

Reece loves to cuddle and I cherish every moment I have of these tender days. God has been so good to me!!

2010-06-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wait
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

My first thought when I read this poem was that the only way Mr. Kelfer could have written this was through experience. I don't know if anyone who has not been in a position of having to desperately cling to God through a trial could fully appreciate these words - and my mind goes back to years of desperate pleading and waiting on a child to fill our empty arms...

This year has been a difficult year in our lives as we've faced many "new" trials, but of course Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us that, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun."

The past few weeks it seems as if I find myself in this "waiting" time again as we wait to find out if my mother has cancer, and if so, how progressed it is. All of life's other trials and pressures dim in the light of this new one.

I know that God is working for my good (and my mother's), and for that I am thankful. My heart is so heavy, but at the same time my prayer time is sweet as God's grace surrounds me and His strength upholds me. (2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. )

I'd rather not be here facing this trial right now, but I wouldn't want to miss the precious times with my Father as I long to truly know Him. For now I'll just wait.... God is good!

blessed assurance

2010-03-20T19:02:00.001-07:00

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

For years, my favorite hymn has been Blessed Assurance. I was saved at the age of five, but struggled with assurance for years. When I was a freshman in college, I heard Dr. Bill Rice say that those doubting their salvation were ineffective for Christ. It was at that time that I asked God for assurance and realized that I had allowed this doubt to cripple my walk with Him. I haven't doubted since then, and what peace there is in having that settled in my heart. It was at that time that I began to love this beautiful hymn written by Fanny Crosby.

Perfect submission, all is at rest!
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.

A few years later, verse three came alive in my life and further endeared this hymn to my heart. In 2006, I walked through the darkest spiritual battle that I have ever faced. I began having various physical symptoms that alerted me to the fact that something serious was wrong with me. As a nurse, I recognized these symptoms to be pointing toward lymphoma. I visited doctor after doctor to have them tell me that there was no need for testing, and I was just suffering from "post partum anxiety". I did begin to struggle with anxiety as I feared for my life. This anxiety began to overtake me, and I slowly became ineffective as a wife and mother. I remember crying out to God and begging Him for relief. Over and over I prayed and it seemed that God had turned a deaf ear to my cries. I remember telling Him that I would be willing to endure anything, if He would only give me His grace and peace to make it through the trial.

In God's timing, and after several months of emotional turmoil, I finally found a Christian nurse practitioner that ordered some testing to be done. The first test, a MRI revealed a mass in my lungs. When I got the results, I fell apart in the doctor's office. He ordered a stat CT for the following day to further identify the problem. When we arrived home, I asked Ray to take our three children away, so I could be alone and spend time in prayer. It was that night that I fought the strongest spiritual battle in prayer that I have ever fought. God prompted a godly friend to call me and ask me what it was that I was holding on to and afraid to give up to Him. I immediately responded, my children and husband. I had prayed so long for my children and I didn't want anyone else raising them, and I didn't want anyone else marrying my husband. After hanging up with her, I wrestled with God for awhile longer and finally said "OK, God, if this is what you want, and I know you know what is best for me, then it's okay, because You know what my children and husband need more than I do." I finally came to that point of "perfect submission" to Him. At that moment, he gave me the peace that I had been begging and pleading for for such a long time.

The next day, I had the CT scan done and went back to the doctors office to get the results. The nurse practitioner walked into the room with his head down, and quietly told me that I had one of two types of cancer, and it appeared most likely to be lymphoma. The peace that God had given me again overwhelmed me and although it wasn't the news I wanted to hear, all of the previous anxiety was gone as I was able to trust God's plan for my life.

After two biopsies, thankfully, it was determined that I have an auto immune disease called Sarcoid, instead of lymphoma. Although it is not a journey I would have chosen to walk, I am so glad God put me through that fiery trial to show me what it was to be able to say that "all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blessed." God is so good!

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long;

ruston taylor mccormick

2010-02-25T19:39:00.001-08:00

Ruston Taylor McCormick joined our clan on February 6, 2010 at 12:12 am. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 21 inches long. What a joy it is to hold this precious baby in my arms, and what a miracle that God would give me a 5th blessing to rear for Him.

I am enjoying these first few precious weeks of holding a newborn. I guess the older I get and the more children I have, the more I cherish these fleeting moments of his life. Pretty soon he'll be running around with his siblings, but for now I am content to "spoil" him as he depends on me for his every need. I just can't get enough of his sweet baby smell and soft skin. I am totally in love with this newest son that God has entrusted to me.

The other little "r's" are enjoying him too, and are constantly begging to hold him. Even our little Reece loves to cuddle with "baby Russon". It is so precious to see their joyfulness over this newest addition. What a privilege to teach them that children are a heritage of the Lord and something to be desired.

I was so overwhelmed with joy as I held Ruston that first precious time, and as the tears flowed, I recall saying "God has been so good to me"... and He has!

reflections on the birth of Jesus

2009-12-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

This is the third pregnancy that I have been "great with child" during the Christmas season. Every time it causes me to reflect on the precious birth of our Savior, and also on Mary as she experienced the last few weeks of her miraculous pregnancy.

A few thoughts -- a bumpy car ride is so uncomfortable right now, yet she traveled many miles and several days on the back of a donkey.... an uncomfortable bed makes for a restless night, yet there's no telling where they slept during their journey... I'm so particular of the details of my births, yet she was willing to give birth in a stable.

I've also wondered about her thoughts as she felt baby Jesus kicking and rolling in her womb. I'm sure she also pondered as I do, what her baby would look like.

The first couple of hours after my babies are born are the most precious to me as I nurse them for the first time and gaze into their faces. Nothing in the world matters to me as I bond with my new precious miracle. How did Mary feel as she nursed the Creator of the universe? What love must have surged through her heart as she held his tiny hands for the first time.

The song "Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowry is a beautiful depiction of these thoughts:

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am.

changes

2009-09-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged. We've been busy with adjustments in our new life and roles at East Side Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC. We're settled into the parsonage now and enjoying life off of the road. All of the kids are enjoying having friends that they don't have to say goodbye to at the end of a week. Of course, we truly miss our friends that we had gotten used to seeing every year, and especially miss the church family that was dear to our hearts in Arizona.

We have a homeschool room this year and I am immensely enjoying that change. The kids are able to stay more focused and I believe are benefiting academically. Rylan is in 2nd grade, Reagan is in K-5 and Rhen is in K-4.

God allowed me to carry a baby for a few weeks which he carried home to Himself in February. We were saddened, but at the same time at peace because we know our precious one is home with our Savior.

We are expecting again and are looking forward to meeting our new little boy who is due this coming February. What a blessing it is to be given the opportunity to rear children for the Lord! We are daily in prayer for the wisdom and patience we need to be the parents God would have us to be.

God is good!!

our new life

2009-03-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

We have been busy getting settled here into our new life in Asheboro, NC. We arrived on February 19 and our first service was the following Sunday. We were welcomed with open arms, and made to feel at home right away. We have truly been blessed with a wonderful church family.

We are going to move into the parsonage in the next couple of weeks, and are excited about having a REAL house. It's been fun looking at furniture, picking out colors, and getting ready to move. We will eventually purchase our own home, but for now are very thankful to be able to live in the parsonage.

The kids are adjusting slowly. Reagan asked me this morning what church we were going to today, so I don't think they fully understand that we are off the road now. Some friends of ours who are in evangelism stopped to visit this weekend and parked their fifth wheel trailer next to ours. I heard the kids discussing among themselves if that was their new house. They truly don't know any other life.

I am thankful that my wonderful husband is now also my pastor. It has been a blessing to watch him transition into this new role. I am so blessed to be married to him. God has truly been good to me.

change of direction

2009-01-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

God has been so good to bless us with 5 wonderful years in evangelism. We've seen many lives changed, and had the opportunity for God to teach us faith in an amazing way. We've seen much of our beautiful country, and made many friends. We've experienced the various cultures across our diverse land, and enjoyed that remarkable bond that is common only among the family of God.

Although living in a fifth wheel has been challenging in some ways, ours holds many memories in it. Times of pouring our heart out to God in the middle of some of our most difficult trials, and times of ultimate joy as we have welcomed three new babies into our small home. We have laughed and argued as we have elbowed our way through our small space while managing 4 little ones. We've learned how to live simply and adopted the motto that "less is more".

In just a few short weeks, we will wave goodbye to evangelism and begin a new journey that will be filled with different challenges and joys. Pslams 37:4 says to "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Over the past few years, God has put a desire in Ray's heart to be a pastor, and has changed my heart to desire that for my husband as well. We remained faithful to evangelism while waiting on God to open that perfect door for us to go through. This past Sunday, God began to fulfill that desire as Ray accepted the call to become the Pastor of East Side Baptist Church in Asheboro, NC. We are truly confident that this is God's new plan for our lives and have that indescribable peace that only He can give.

Yes, I'm sure that we will miss evangelism, especially all of our dear friends, but we look forward to new memories and God continuing the work He has begun in us as we minister in a new way.

God is so good!!

my rylan

2009-01-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

My Rylan turned 7 years old today. He is my miracle. Ray and I waited and prayed for 5 years for our precious son. I spent many Christmases and Mother's Days heartbroken because I had no child to hold and share my joy with. There is no way to describe the emptiness of infertility. God designed us to desire children and when that desire is unfulfilled it is painful. I had many people tell me to just be content, but as I pondered that thought I remembered the story of Hannah, and how she wept bitterly so that Eli thought she was drunk. I don't think she was content. I do believe that I had to give that desire to God and pray for His grace to comfort my soul, but I don't believe that for a minute that I was content to not have a child.

I remember the day that Ray and I knelt with our Pastor at the altar and God gave us an indescribable peace that we would have a child, and I also remember the joy when a couple of weeks later, I saw two lines on the pregnancy test for the first time. We shouted, danced, and cried in praise to our Father who had answered our prayers. Seven years ago today, I held my precious son for the first time. God is so, so good!!

faint not

2008-12-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, I overheard Ray explaining to Rylan Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." As I listened to his simple explanation, I thought about how well that could apply to mothering my children. Over the months that verse has become my "theme verse" and I often quote it to myself when I am getting tired and weary.

In his commentary, Matthew Henry comments on Gal 6:9:

"...but then that it is upon supposition that we faint not in the way of our duty; if we grow weary of it, and withdraw from it, we shall not only miss of this reward, but lose the comfort and advantage of what we have already done; but, if we hold on and hold out in well-doing, though our reward may be delayed, yet it will surely come, and will be so great as to make us an abundant recompence for all our pains and constancy. Note, Perseverance in well-doing is our wisdom and interest, as well as our duty, for to this only is the reward promised."

As a stay at home mom of four, life can become an endless routine of laundry, dishes, school, meals, etc. Some days I feel like all I do is run in circles and at the ending of that day wonder if I accomplished anything worthwhile. I often fall into bed exhausted and sometimes am up during the night tending to my precious children's needs. It is in those times of desperation that the Holy Spirit will gently remind me of this verse, and I realize that what I am doing is of utmost importance, and that only through perseverance will I reap the reward of godly children.

Washington D.C.

2008-11-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

We are in Leesburg, VA this week which is only a short drive from Washington D.C. We decided to take the children to see some of the sights today. Because it was raining, we stayed in the truck for most of the day, but did decide to get everyone out at Arlington Cemetery. While we were there, we took the time to pray for our country on this election day. I thought it was so appropriate to pray at that location as I listened to Ray thank God for the men who had died for our freedom, and ask His mercy on our country and for the protection of those freedoms to which we hold dear. I have to admit that I was overwhelmed with emotion as I saw all of the graves and thought of the many lives that had been given for our freedoms which may be at stake now. I was comforted by his prayer and am so very thankful that God is in control and that I can trust Him for my future and my children's future despite what leader may be in office.

God is good.

worship

2008-10-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

I cherish my prayer closet. As my days have gotten busier with my children, my time alone with my Father is even more precious to me. Most of my prayers are uttered throughout the day, but I take time in the early morning before all the children get up to spend some intimate time with my Lord. Several months ago, I began seeking the Lord for wisdom in how to make those precious few moments with Him most effective. One Sunday morning as I prayed, I was impressed by the need to worship Him. As most Christians, I am really good at thanksgiving, intercession, asking for forgiveness, making my requests known, but I had never truly exercised worship in my prayers. As I knelt there that morning, I asked God to show me the importance of worship and His desire for me to worship Him.

I first meditated on the Lord's prayer. "Our Father, which art in Heaven": our recognition of Who God is (our Father) and where He is (in Heaven). The next phrase is "Hallowed be Thy Name". THAT IS WORSHIP! The FIRST element in the sample prayer our Savior gave us to follow. I was so excited as I got ready for church that morning. We were visiting a church in Kansas, and as the Pastor began teaching the Sunday school class, he began teaching on worship. God wanted to confirm in my heart His desire for me to worship him. I don't know if I've ever had something made so clear to me as He did that day.

The difference in the intimacy with my Savior in my prayer life has been overwhelming since I have learned this missing element. God created us to worship Him, and has given us an innate desire to worship. In this world we see this through people's worship of athletes, celebrities, politicians etc. He placed it in our nature. He has given us all of creation to show us His greatness, has saved us to give us the ability to have a relationship with Him, and has loved us with an unconditional love.

What a wonderful Savior is mine!!! God is so, so good!!!

I Need Thee Every Hour

2008-10-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

So often in my prayers, I find myself drawn to the words to the beloved hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour". I am frequently overwhelmed as I try to discipline, nurture, home-school, feed, and all the other tasks that are required in a day of caring for 4 young children. I am daily in need of wisdom, strength, consistency, and patience, and I cannot do all that is required of me with out my precious Father's help.

I decided tonight to look up the origin of the song, and was interested to find this quote by the author, Annie Hawks, "One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me."

I need thee every hour,
most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine
can peace afford.

Refrain:
I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to thee.

I need thee every hour,
stay thou nearby;
temptations lose their power
when thou art nigh.

I need thee every hour,
in joy or pain;
come quickly and abide,
or life is in vain.

I need thee every hour;
teach me thy will;
and thy rich promises
in me fulfill.

I need thee every hour,
most Holy One;
O make me thine indeed,
thou blessèd Son.

training for the olympics

2008-08-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

My heart was filled with pride as I watched our American Olympians stand and receive the many gold medals that they were awarded during the 2008 games. I enjoyed hearing the individual stories of dedication as the athletes prepared for the goal that had been set. It is interesting that the athletes didn't begin a few weeks or months before the events, but rather years in advance. The parents were the first to discover a talent that their child possessed and then began t0 train them for the most coveted athletic award available to man.

As I listened to these accounts of discipline and hours of preparation by both the athlete and parents/coaches, I was convicted that my goals should be no less for my own children. Proverbs 22:6 says that we should "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I believe that this training should begin as early as possible.

Training for obedience takes work, work, work, and needs to begin early in life. I have found that the best kind of training takes place in the home. I have also discovered that when I work on training in one area, it easily flows into others. For example, I have my children sit for periods of time either with their hands in their laps or quietly looking at books. This is one of the most effective ways in helping my young children learn to obey, and it also teaches self-control.

A second aspect is training according to their "bent" or how God designed them. My oldest son has a "bent" toward electronics. From a very young age, he was playing with our cell phones and laptops. At 6, he can open programs, games, pictures and more. It amazes me how proficient he is in this area. My second son seems to be more mechanically inclined. He loves to help Daddy with oil and tire changes, and routinely goes around the house looking for things to "fix" with his screwdriver. We have already started trying to encourage and train each of them in the areas where it seems that they have God-given talents.

As I said earlier, I was convicted by the self-discipline that these athletes possessed which I'm sure was instilled in them by parents and coaches. I so desire to possess that same passion for my children, and to have the discipline that I need to be faithful to God in training them to serve Him with their lives.

cherish the moment

2008-06-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Read my book, rub my back,

Mommy, listen to my prayer.

Let me sit in your lap,

Daddy, fly me through the air.

Throw a ball, make a snack,

Can we go to the park?

Tuck me in; hold me close

I'm afraid of the dark.

Sing a song, play a game,
Swing me high in the air.
Ride a bike, fly a kite,
How I love the times we share.
Hold my hand, hug my neck,
Daddy bounce me on your knee.
Come and sit by my bed,
Mommy rock me to sleep.

Think ahead to a time
When your little ones are grown;
Hold them tight, don't lose sight
Of the blessings you have known.
Think ahead to a time
When your little boy's a man
And you'd give anything
Just to hold him again.

(Chorus)
Cherish the moment;
Soon you'll be apart.
Cling to the mem’ry;
Clasp it to your heart.
Soon comes the day
When you'll have no child to hold;
So cherish, cherish the moment.

...those are the lyrics that Ray and I sang with Rylan at his kindergarten graduation. I had to sing them over and over until I could make it through the song without crying.

We were thankful that First Baptist Church of Conestee in Conestee, SC let Rylan participate with their kindergartners in their graduation ceremony. Their high school students graduated the same night, and Ray gave the challenge. We were members of this church before moving to AZ. Pastor and Mrs. Tony Finney are dear to us and have had a lasting influence in our lives and ministry, so having his graduation there was precious to us.

What a joy it was to celebrate the first year of our homeschooling journey. My heart was overwhelmed with emotion as I handed Rylan his diploma. He is such a joy to my heart and I am thankful that he is my firstborn son.

summertime

2008-06-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

We've been busy the past month and I haven't posted anything, so I thought I'd take a minute and give a short update...

We are in Pensacola, FL where Ray is preaching the summer camps for Pensacola Christian College. The college hosts a variety of educational camps such as engineering, nursing, basketball, volleyball, music, etc. Ray speaks twice a day to the campers and stays quite busy participating in different events during the day.

As for the rest of us, we enjoy being here because it is a break from traveling. This year we are staying in a HOUSE on campus. Compared to our fifth wheel, it is a mansion. The kids are having so much fun playing in the yard and enjoying their own rooms. It is also a time of spiritual refreshment for us as we are able to hear powerful messages from the Word of God. We will be here until the end of July, and look forward to enjoying every minute of our stay.

Prior to coming here, we were able to spend some time with our families. While in NC we cleaned out our storage and had a HUGE yard sale. We also reorganized all of the kids clothes to make it easier for us to find what we needed. It was a lot of work, but will be well worth it in the future. After all of the work was completed, we spent a couple of days at Ray's parent's lake house. We had a lot of fun on the wave runners and playing with the kids.

God is good!

apples of gold

2008-05-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

How many times have you had someone remind you of something you had told them a week, month or even year ago? How often do you remember something that someone told you in a time of need or perhaps a sharp word uttered in haste, yet piercing to your soul. Are you the parent of little ones? You may speak swiftly without thought to your words, but your children will hear and remember.

Proverbs 21:11 says that “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” It is so important to weigh every word that comes out of our mouths. The word “fitly” is as a wheel on a chariot turning-- no rough edges, causing the chariot to even bump. How do we measure every single word out of our mouths?

1. Through prayer. Every morning in my devotions I ask for the Holy Spirit’s power in my life. I also ask that He would guide every word that I speak. It is amazing to me how He will prompt me when I think about saying something that I shouldn’t. I wish I could say that I always heeded the prompting, but often I let my sin nature take control and speak anyway. I’ve also found that as I ask for wisdom while talking to someone, the Holy Spirit will put a thought in my mind to say to them.
2. Stop and think. I am an analytical thinker so this may come easier to me than to some. I do believe that someone who is swift to speak can (and should) learn to think before they use their tongue.
3. Realize the importance of your words to others. I previously posed the question about whether you remember harmful words someone spoke to you. You may remember those words, but they probably don’t because they didn’t take time to think before they spoke, therefore their words weren’t important to them and they most likely quickly forgot them.

The second part of Proverbs 21:11 says that our words should be as “apples of gold in pictures of silver”. A word spoken correctly can be pleasing to the ears as something pleasant would be to our eyes. There are key people in my life who have said something to me that I have carried with me for many years. I have often passed along these “words fitly spoken” to others when I thought it was beneficial. How many of our words are being passed on because they were “as apples of gold in pictures of silver”?

God has given us His Word that we might hide it in our hearts. If our minds are filled with Scripture, then we will have the words that we out to speak in the correct way at the correct time. God is good!

Pocatello, ID

2008-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't see much of Pocatello while we were there. All of the kids came down with a virus in succession beginning with Rylan on Saturday night before the revival began on Sunday. This was the first revival that I have missed in it's entirety. I was disappointed but know that my place is first with my children.

Ray came home every night overwhelmed by how God had worked in the services. I am amazed at how God has been working this year in our revivals. All of the churches we have been to have spent time preparing for the services. This always makes a difference. Ray's motto about revival is "nothing good ever comes without sacrifice." Ray has also made personal sacrifices in his own life. I am married to a wonderful man of God.

I did get to go out with Leslie Deatherage (the pastor's wife) for lunch one day. She is also a PCC grad, and we had good fellowship. She has 5 children, so another common bond was there. I only wish we could have spent more time together.

We are in Cedar City, UT this week at Mountain View Baptist Church. I am again home this morning with Rhen who hasn't gotten over the virus yet. Hopefully we will all be together tomorrow night...

my sweet boy

2008-04-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

My sweet Reece is my fourth child and third son. A few years ago I thought that I would never have one child, much less four. God has been so good to me.

When we made the announcement that we were having a fourth, we got some negative remarks. I finally came up with a response that I liked. I would say that the Bible teaches that children are a blessing from God, so why would I not desire another blessing.

To be honest, after Rhen coming 14 months after Reagan, and at my age of 34, I did struggle a little with wanting another child. I began to search the Scriptures to find a biblical reason for not having another child. Everything I found referred to children being a blessing and heritage. People in the OT were being blessed when they were fruitful and were being cursed when God shut their wombs. I realized that the first commandment from God was to "Be fruitful and multiply." Try as I might, I couldn't find anything to support us preventing another pregnancy. Another overwhelming thought was that I had begged God to open my womb, and He so wonderfully did, so how could I take matters into my own hands and try to oppose the miracle He had performed in my life.

Now when I look in my Reece's eyes, I am so thankful that God brought Ray and I to the decision to have another child. He is so precious and I am deeply in love with him. God is good!

my sweet boy

travels

2008-04-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

We're making our first trek this spring to the beautiful Northwest. We've been through Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and are now in Idaho. The snow capped mountains are absolutely gorgeous. We've seen buffalo, bison, elk, longhorn sheep, mule deer and antelope. You can see some pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/revivalsteps/Colorado02 . If this earth that God created is so breathtaking to behold, how much more beautiful will Heaven be! God is good!

trials

2008-04-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Trials are a part of every Christian’s life. These trials are meant to try us and make us like gold (Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”)

James 1 teaches us some important aspects of these trials. Verse 2 says that we are to “count it all joy when we fall into divers (various) temptations (trial or proving)”. Note that he doesn’t say “if” but rather “when” –so get ready, the trials are coming. He also says that we are to count it all joy. I don’t know about you, but I have found it hard to be joyful about a trial coming into my life. I have learned though to be thankful, and it is through that mind of thankfulness that I have had my sweetest prayer times in the midst of a deep trial.
The purpose of these trials can be found in verses 3-4 “Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The trials that come into our lives work patience (steadfastness, constancy, and endurance) that we may be perfect or spiritually mature.

I mentioned that I have been through some very deep trials in my own life -- We went through 5 heartbreaking years of infertility, I miscarried two babies within 8 months, I was told that I had cancer (a misdiagnosis). During those dark days, I found joy and comfort in knowing that God was taking the time to work in my life to bring me closer to Him and to prove me. I still can’t comprehend why the God of this universe would take the time to care that I was complete.

Next, James teaches us how God enables us to properly handle our trials. It is through the venue of prayer. “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. “ We are to pray during our trials that God will give us wisdom. Matthew Henry says that “We should not pray so much for the removal of an affliction as for wisdom to make a right use of it.”

I had always thought that James was making two separate thoughts in this passage, but as I studied it I began to see that the two were connected. God has said that He will give wisdom liberally when we ask for it, and He will give it without reproach—we don’t have to be ashamed to ask for wisdom. (vs. 5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”) God does have one requirement in order for us to obtain wisdom. We must “ask in faith, nothing wavering” or without doubting that He will give it.

Isn’t it wonderful that God cares enough about us to work in our lives through trials, and then to offer wisdom so that we could benefit from the trials so that we might be perfected for His glory. God is good!

our sweet baby reece

2008-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Reece Kenneth McCormick joined our family on December 28, 2007. He has been such a joy to our hearts and lives. Rylan, Reagan and Rhen can't get enough of him and love to hold and kiss him. Rhen is proving to be a little mommy and runs to comfort him as soon as she hears him crying. Rylan is so proud of how he can hold him, and Reagan delights in making him smile. So far he has been the easiest baby I've had. At 12 weeks, he hardly ever cries and is full of smiles and giggles. I am so thankful that God has blessed us again with another arrow. God is good!

contentment

2007-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

One of the questions I am asked the most is "how do you do it?" referring to my life with three (soon to be four) children in a forty foot fifth wheel. Although I usually only laugh and give a one or two sentence answer about how we enjoy our life together, I really could take an hour explaining how God has brought me to the place that I am content in the life He has given me.

Paul says in Phil 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content." Paul expresses that he has "learned... to be content" indicating that it took a process to teach him to be content. It was an encouragement to me the day that I realized that it was not only me that had to be taught to be content.

I have "learned" that contentment is composed of several elements. I could try to put them in a particular order of importance or in the order that I learned them, but I don't really know if one element is of more value in the lesson than another.

1. Prayer. This is obvious. I can do nothing without God's help, it isn't in my fleshly nature to be content.

2. Thankfulness. If I am thankful for what God has given me, no matter how small the surroundings, it is difficult to be discontent. This seems simple, but it takes work to remain thankful. Phil 4:4, 6 says "Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." I am so thankful that God has called us into evangelism, and that He has chosen to allow me to serve Him.

3. I must control my thoughts. I think for me this is the biggest key to remaining content. I heard a preacher once say that ones thoughts dictate their emotions. HOW TRUE! If I think about what it is that I don't have, then I can't expect to be content with what I do have. In a verse prior to Paul stating that he had learned to be content, he tells us what it is that we should think on. For me I have to dwell on the positives of my life... my husband is home with us most of the time, our family is getting to see much of our beautiful country, I have friends in many different states, I get to see the results of our ministry in the salvation and decisions of others. I could (and have been guilty of) dwelling on the limitations of my life. I can't even allow myself to think about how small my bedroom is or what decorations I can't have or how few toys my children can have. I would be miserable and hurt my children and husband in the process.

4. I must realize that God knows and will supply my needs. Phil 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." My precious Father knows me, he knows my thoughts, my desires and my needs. He will supply exactly what I need and if I rest in this knowledge, I will be content with what He gives me. The wonderful thing is that he not only supplies my needs, but often supplies my wants as well. God is good.

introduction to my nest

2007-09-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm the happy wife of Evangelist Ray McCormick. We live in a 40 foot fifth wheel and travel the country ministering to the churches of America through preaching and song. I have three beautiful children, Rylan Matthew, Reagan Elliot, Rhen Michelle, and will soon be blessed with another baby boy.

Rylan is my firstborn and is in his first year of kindergarten. He loves school and anything electronic. He is a thinker and we never know what question he is going to ask us next.

Reagan is such a joy to our family. He is full of life and always keeps us laughing at his dramatic approach to everything he does.

Rhen is "daddy's little girl". It has been a joy to have a girl. She loves pretty dresses and bows in her hair. Her two brothers adore her and glow when she shows them affection.