Cry Baby (Johnny Depp, 1984)

You can learn so many spiritual lessons from children. The Lord dropped a pretty big one in my lap as I witnessed my son's third tantrum of the day. This particular tantrum was brought on by my child's urgent desire for juice. Totally put off by my refusal to allow him to drink out of the 46 oz. juice bottle, he proceeded to lay on his stomach, cover his head, and scream into the floor.

Undeterred by his ritual, I poured juice into his cup and then offered it to him. I called his name...no response--he's still screaming into the floor. So, I called him again...and again...and again. I tapped his leg, his back, and then tried to turn him over and stand him up. I tried everything but he was too focused on expressing his discontent to even notice the juice I offered him.

It struck me that I've probably done the same thing to God. I know there have been times I've ignored His call; there were times I failed to see the blessing He'd placed right in front of me. You see, I was too busy complaining and being angry with Him for not giving me what I wanted/when I wanted it/how I wanted it. All the while, the blessing was right there for me--but in a vessel that I could use more effectively rather than the one I originally requested.

Instead of becoming angry, I hugged my son and whispered into His ear: "Calm down. I'm here. You're juice is right there." I extended grace and let my son know that everything was alright. Then, he finally saw the juice. It was right there all that time. But, sometimes it takes a "still small voice" to help us open our eyes to see.

Purple Rain (Prince, Morris Day, 1984)

So, I have NOTHING deep or introspective to post. I just have to say, I really like this cheesy movie. It came on VH1 last week. I had to DVR it. Prince is singing, The Beautiful Ones, right now. Love that song! Yeah, I know, Prince is a bit "different." But, he's a brilliant artist with an uncanny knack for turning the oddest phrases into art. Just think about it: Purple Rain, Raspberry Beret, When Doves Cry....I mean honestly, who else could turn those odd concepts into art?

PS. Did you know he wrote, I Would Die 4 U, about Jesus? Ah ha...even Prince recognizes Jesus' sacrifice. That makes Prince all the more cool in my book!

The Wonder of it All (Point of Grace, 1998)

It's amazing to me how God often reigns down blessings when I least expect them. I can find myself in prayer for months (sometimes years), but not see an answer. Often, the Lord will turn my heart to focus more on Him rather than the object of my prayer. He leads me to a deeper level of trust and dependence upon Him. I find contentment and suddenly, that thing for which I prayed just doesn't appear as important.

Frequently, the Lord will chose that exact time to send an answer or work a miracle in regards to my long forgotten prayer. I find myself in awe of His perfect timing. For certainly, He's proven that the answers or results I often seek are not for the time during which I seek them. However, He hears my heart and never forgets my prayers; He takes time to prepare my heart and spirit for His blessings. Then, He blesses. Oh, and when He does, it's so sweet. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psa. 34:8)

So, remember to hold fast to the confession of your hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful! (Heb. 10:23) Sometimes, the answer is no. But there are other times that He will just blow your mind with what He's doing on your behalf (rather you see the manifestation now or later)!