A friend of mine and I were talking the other day about our ex husbands. She's dealing with a 'deadbeat dad' situation so we often swap stories of the latest things happening to us and our children. She was recounting to me the events of the last week or so, where she has been unable to reach her ex husband and hasn't received any child support from him. She mentioned that after six months of this behavior, she could have his parental rights revoked.

"Sounds like heaven", those were my words. "Sounds like heaven", was the way I chose to express myself. What was I thinking? First, I just belittled my eternal home. Second, how could heaven be kin to a place where a dad doesn't take care of his child, love her enough to be around and add stress to the ex wife in the process? Knowing that this child loves her dad, is hurt when he cancels plans and wants to be part of his life.........seriously folks, someone should staple my mouth shut.

In my defense, I was just looking at this from my family's perspective. We have prayed to be left alone in this way. But my prayer and that of another family are two completely different things. My head knows this, I just wish it was conveyed to my mouth.

Father, help me say and do only things that would give You glory. Put your hand over my mouth when it is needed (which is often) and help me pray for Your will in all situations. Thank you for placing my friends in my life and help me to lift up their needs daily.

My Testimony

I was driving alone a couple of weeks ago and using the time to pray. I was arguing with God. Well I guess it's never really arguing because God doesn't have to argue, but I was acting like it. I was pleading with God again to deliver us from a particular situation. I'm begging. I'm telling God all the reasons why I need this miracle. Then I tell God how unhappy I am over this thing. I ask God about my witness and testimony. How can I be an effective witness for God's kingdom if I am not happy? How can I speak of how good God is when this terrible event plagues us? How can I show God' s love and kindness when we are in daily trials?

You know God had an answer. He always does. He reminded me how much MORE effective my testimony will be if I can be joyful in the face of this thing. He showed me how much MORE people will want to turn to Him if I proclaim His goodness even in the midst of the storm. He sent a song my way to encourage me that this earth is not my home...Heaven is. The things that happen now are nothing compared to eternity with Him.

How I am humbled.

My God took the time to hear me, remind me gently and help me put my feelings into perspective. He redirected my heart to Heaven...and isn't that the goal all along?