Tag Archives: Family

The Effects of Our Consequences

30 Jan

Dominoes

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (KJV)

Behavior – Consequence – Effect

We make choices every day; good choices, bad choices, inconsequential choices – just choices, or so we think.  “I’ll do what I want, it’s my life.”  I’ll do what I want, it’s my body.” It is your life, it is your body, but it is not a separate and disconnected entity.

Drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, thrill seeking, the momentary pleasures that grasp a life and start a domino chain of destruction that spider webs into the lives of countless people you never even consider.  Then there’s suicide, the final decision a person makes that they feel will end the pain in their life, and in that moment of final silence, it devastates tens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of people.

Choices.  Addictions.  What happens to the person caught in the addiction trap?  At first it may be fun, pleasurable, then consuming, overwhelming, controlling, and then . . . . . our choices lead to consequences.

People begin to avoid you, your work product begins to fail, if you ever get up and go into work.  Your family, as much as they love you, begins to avoid you.  Spouses leave, keeping you from being with your children.  Your friends, who have always been there for you, refuse to talk to you.  Those who completely trusted you are no longer there.  The respect you had earned disappeared.  Still you spiral down and down and it’s everyone else’s fault, so you say.

If you are fortunate enough to be stopped by law enforcement and given the chance to get clean of those addiction, given another chance at life, given another chance of proving you can be that original amazing person, it will take years.  Years incarcerated, years working twice as hard as others to earn back the trust, the respect, the joy of reuniting with friends and family.

As you fight to regain back what you once had, do you see the effects of your consequences on others?  Do you recognize the emotional battle your family and friends fought as they watched you fail, struggle, grow, fail, struggle, grow?  Do you see their tears and the guilt they feel, wondering if there was something that they could have done to have kept it all from happening?  Do you see the money and time and emotion spent every month to be sure that you have a way to stay in touch and have a few treats.  Do you recognize the nights they spend in prayer and tears, hoping and believing that when this part of your journey has completed that you will find your restoration and not be tempted to give up the struggle to fight back to wholeness and fall back into the temptation of an old lifestyle.

I suspect that you may recognize the consequences of your behaviors, but have you taken the time to understand the wide spread effects of your consequences on so very many others?  Family.  Friends. The kid next door.  Co-workers.  Police Officers.  EMTS.  Nurses.  Prison Guards.  The person who found you near death, or worse, dead.  The person you hurt in a violent rage.  The person you killed in a car accident you don’t even remember having.  The person you stole a precious family heirloom from, to sell for that next “fix.”  The person you pulled into you addiction whose life is following your same path now.

Please hear my heart, in love.  Lord please let my words change the path of someone, many someones, who do not recognize what the consequences of their actions could be, and what the effects of those circumstances will be.  Turn them back.

Behavior  –  Consequence  –  Effect

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The Blessing of Being A Mom

11 May

Christmas 2013

First Delivered Mother’s Day 5-13-07

I was born to a 16 year old girl. I was raised by 2 alcoholics – my father died at age 29 from cirrhosis of the liver. I was 9.

I don’t remember every being hugged, kissed or told that I was loved. I promised myself that when I had kids – they would never doubt – at any time in their lives – that they were loved.

This is my story in a nutshell.

I never expected to adopt 2 little boys, crack babies, fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, 2 and 3 years developmentally delayed. One that spoke his own developed language that only his brother could understand

I never thought I would have to fight to have their medications removed and treat their physical and behavioral problems with diet.

I DID expect my boys to attain developmental advancement within 2 years – and they did – because they were put into an environment of love in their Christian child care, their Christian school, their church family, and in our home – and they were constantly lifted up by dozens of prayer warriors. God is so Faithful.

I never expected to be told on 3 separate occasions that my 7 year old had a terminal disease. That they wouldn’t allow the adoption to continue because they weren’t exactly sure what the medical problem was – even though we told them that we didn’t care what he had, we loved him and wanted the adoption to be finalized.

I DID expect a miracle. After the warriors of prayer went to battle – the doctors came back with “Well, we don’t know what happened, but his blood levels are now in the normal range.” We adopted both boys 4/28/1998.

I never thought I would have to stand before my boy’s principal and fight for them to be able to bring their Bible to school.

I never thought I would have to fight with that principal over a suspension because my boys removed themselves from their classrooms and refused to watch a movie filled with magic and witchcraft.

I never thought I’d walk into a bedroom calf-high with toys and clothes.

I never thought I’d say to my boys – after looking into their closet and seeing the clean clothes I had given them, on hangers, laying on the floor – recently baptized by the cat – “well, I retire – they’re your problem from now on!”

I never thought we’d have times where we had to pray over an empty refrigerator and pantry – standing in faith that God answers prayer – and within an hour, each time, He did.

I never thought I’d have to create chore boards and get kids up an hour early each morning to be sure they were done.

I never thought we’d be able to afford to buy the boys laptops – and never thought we’d be taking them back away now and again as behavioral leverage.

I never thought all of my boys would receive the Presidential Award for Physical Fitness – see guys, size isn’t everything.

I never thought I’d be sitting up until 10pm every night doing homework – helping my son work through his learning disability – teaching from short term memory into long term memory.

I never thought one of my sons would receive the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Isn’t that awesome!

I never thought my home would be filled with smelly escaping rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, and a 6’ iguana named Iggy – and “NO” Jon, you may not have an ostrich, I don’t care how tame they say it is.

I never thought my son would tell his High School class that I was his “super-hero” through an essay that he read to the other students.

I never thought my son would write a book of poems, just for me; a precious gift given on Mother’s Day.

I never thought my son would join the ARMY and get sent to Korea – but I couldn’t be more proud.

I never expected my 16 year old to run away to live with a drug dealer so he could feed his drug addiction. To stay away without any direct communication for over 4 months.

I never expected to have to battle with the “enemy of our souls” for that son. Walking and praying in our home and yard for hours upon hours every night – standing on the promises of God. Quoting back the scripture to God –

“God you told me that if I raise him up in the way he should go – he will not depart from it.

“God, you said when we ask anything believing, it will come to pass.

“God you said if I have the faith of a Mustard Seed I can move a mountain – and all I want is to move a boy from an evil place back to his home. God you said   !

I never expected to have to play Christian radio 24/7 to bring peace and an anointing, so we could all sleep.

I never expected that our family would need to go into his room regularly and do spiritual warfare in a prayer circle while he was away.

I never expected that I would have to leave letters, clothes and food on my son’s bed – because we knew he would come home and go into his room several times a week. We always told him how much we loved him – even at his most unlovable times. – When my son finally came home, he had every one of those letters with him. It was a testimony to the love he felt, even in his most rebellious time, even though he still spewed words of anger and hate.

I never expected to call the police many times to help me search the streets of Phoenix for my son and bring him home. I refused to lose him into the streets again.

I never expected to have to sit with my son in the emergency room for 15 hours as he was coming out of an alcohol/Methamphetamine overdose.

I never expected to have to visit (2) my sons in Jail – sit in courtroom after courtroom with all (3) – and then visit one of my sons in prison every other week. He was only 18 years old. Those visits became treasured jewels to our family – if you could only see what God did through them. They brought us closer than you can imagine.

My oldest son found Jesus again in a cell in Camp Verde Detention Center. Before long he was moved to Florence and I started getting letters from people in the cells near him – they all started the same – “Hi my name is _____ and I’m in a cell next to your son. I hear him talking about Jesus all the time, and I was wondering if you would teach me about this Jesus.”

Sometimes I’d get a letter from my son saying “Mom, there’s a man here that’s really hurting, and I tried to get him to write to you – but he’s shy. Could you please write to him and encourage him. You know what to do.”

That list of men and women had grown to 70 in 2007, and over 300 as of now. Many have been released and still stayed in touch. Some have become adopted-in children; treasured family members. We have brought over 12 of these hurting people into our home and helped them prepare to for a life in the community. Some came from prison, some came from the streets.

The thing I’ve recognized in writing to these inmates is that most of them have no relationship with their family, especially their mom. The mom’s are dead, drug addicts, in prison, or have abandoned them because of their behaviors. Year after year I received Mother’s Day cards and letters from people I’ve never met – because I took the time to tell them how precious they are to Jesus, and how much I care about how them.

All of my children have made poor decisions and each one has grown tremendously from those poor decisions and the consequences they had to face because of them. Everyone makes poor decisions. That doesn’t make them bad kids; that makes them human.

Don’t tell me a child is not reachable. Don’t tell me a child is hopelessly lost. Inside every angry, tattooed, pierced, cut, cigarette burned young adult is a hurting child that wants to know someone loves them.

They want to know about Jesus, even if they don’t show it. They want to know about unconditional love, even if they don’t say it. They see Jesus through you – and learn about Him through your walk, your fruit – and the words you speak into their lives.

Don’t tell me that it’s impossible to raise respectful, compassionate, God fearing boys. I have 3. My oldest son is in Welding School in College. My middle son is in Fire Science in College. My youngest son is a Pastor, following in my footsteps, preparing to go to Seminary. I couldn’t be more proud of my children – they bless me daily. My boys are not afraid to publicly show affection toward me and tell me that they love me, several times a day. They tell each other the same and are there for each other when difficulties arise.

MY GOD was there with me every step of the last 28 years of being a Mom, giving me grace to see through the hard and difficult steps – making every step of this challenge a gift of LOVE. God used the difficult times to bring healing and peace to the family.

Being a Mom isn’t easy – but it’s the greatest gift God has ever given a woman. It’s the greatest gift God has given me. I am SO PROUD to be a MOM.

2014 Update:

This last year I was blessed with a wonderful and beautiful daughter-in-law and a 4 year old grandson.  They are true treasures.  My oldest son has graduated from Welding School, just a few days ago.  My middle son is back in the military, keeping our country safe.  My youngest son is not where he should be – but I hold him constantly in prayer.  Thank you God for blessing me with this incredible family.

2022 Update:

Life continues to evolve and each of my children – birth child, adopted children, adopted in children, those who call me mama – have taken paths that I don’t understand, but God does. Some have done amazingly well. Some have made terribly poor choices. Some go through the trials and the successes and back and forth, just like every other person on this earth – and I know that, without a shadow of a doubt – God is holding them in the palm of His hand. This praying mama will never give up, either will my Jesus. No matter what came and what battles we have faced, or will yet to face – I would never regret being a mom.

By Mama Linda J. Humes

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30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

30 Nov
Thankfulness
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:15
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11/1/13 – So, 30 days of Thanksgiving starts today. I am thankful that I have a personal relationship with my God and savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him I am nothing.
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11/2/13 – Day 2 of Thankfulness. I am thankful that Martin Luther fought for every man and woman to have a copy of the Bible. We can all see the struggles and triumphs of those throughout time – giving us courage to run on.
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11/3/13 – Day 3 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that when I, or someone I love, or even a complete stranger, has a need – large or small – I can go into prayer and the very Savior I worship intercedes with me to ABBA Father. In that moment miracles happen, some visible, some spiritual, some emotional – all touched by the hand of God. Thank you Jesus.
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11/4/13 – I am thankful that when I am overwhelmed or in a crisis, I have the saints and the prayer warriors to intercede, encourage and support my need. They are there to lift my hands when I no longer have the strength, and they can do it from a thousand miles away with a short and simple prayer.
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11/5/13 – Day 5 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Lee Pace who saw something in me and gave me the job of studying scripture, front to back and researching subjects to create sermon materials and Christian college curriculum. It imprinted the Word and works of God deep within me.
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11/6/13 – Day 6 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Joseph Kern for working with Bethany Bible University to help create an distance learning program so that I could complete my BA in Theological Studies. Without his care, encouragement and diligence I would not have been able to take these 2 years of studies. Those studies have opened my eyes to the complications over the last 2000 Plus years in the Christian struggles and the struggles between the religions. Priceless.
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11/7/13 –Day 7 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to Pastor Bryan Pace who allowed me to be a part of the incredible River Of Life Choir for many, many years. Who taught me how to enter into free worship and singing in the spirit and touch the face of God.
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11/8/13 – Day 8 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Bruce Montroy who encourages my writing and interpretive thoughts. For inviting me into his ministry and allowing me to work alongside his group to minister to the homeless in Prescott, AZ. There is a special feeling when you give to someone who cannot give back – except through the eyes of thankfulness.
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11/9/13 – Day 9 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Ronda Ehlert who allowed me to be a part of the Word of Life Assembly (WOLA) worship team and honor God through my voice and guitar. An old lady in such a young worship team. Delightful.
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11/10/13 – Day 10 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Pastor Todd League who always encouraged me and trusted me to be a part of the intense Feed The Community Thanksgiving Dinner team. For continuing to supply meals to the Women’s Shelter that our ministry had started after we had to move away from Chino Valley. And for being a strong foundation for the youth and congregation of Chino Valley. You touched my life.
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11/11/13 – Day 11 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Minister Eddie James who writes music so pure and anointed that it breaks your heart for God. For the life he chose in touching the lives of young people all over the world, including my own children. And for living an open life of faith and humility, something so very rare.
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11/12/13 – Day 12 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that when I’m having a “down” day God brings me little reminders of His love. Today I found a small pansy growing in a wagon out front. It survived the hard freeze 2 days ago and bloomed yesterday. Then God reconnected me in a phone call with someone I haven’t seen or spoken to in about 15 years. Little things that mean so much.
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11/13/13 – Day 13 of Thanksgiving – I am thankful for Pastor (Reverend?) Billy Graham, Pastor Chuck Swindoll and Pastor Marilyn Hickey. After I gave my heart to serving Jesus I was so hungry to learn everything I could about the Bible and the history of the church and those who made the church what it was – but I was way past broke. Billy’ s ministry sent me books every month and I absorbed them all. Chuck’s ministry sent me Bible Study guides that went along with the series he was preaching on every day on the radio. Marilyn’s ministry sent out Bible Study guides that went along with what she was preaching every day on TV. I moved my work schedule around so I could attend all of the studies, plus any studies available around town. I was putting magazines together for an arson investigators association and it made my hours flexible. I wonder if they ever thought tat those materials were going out to someone who would become an ordained pastor with a BA in Theology.
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11/14/13 – Day 14 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my job. I am thankful that they gave me a chance, even in my golden years. I’m thankful that God placed me in a division with wonderful people who care about each other and enjoy working together. AND I’m thankful that I don’t have to dress up every day and compete for style – I’m in an area where sweatshirts, jeans and boots are the norm, along with a ballcap topper. Only disadvantage is that computers and servers have to stay cold, I prefer warm – but they blessed me with a space heater to keep me toasty.
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11/15/13 – Day 15 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that even though I haven’t found a church to attend locally, that there are services on the Internet and in PodCasts that I can watch and listen to and still be taught and built up in God’s Word. I get to watch 2-3 services on Sunday morning from my computer (in my jammies!!) and listen to 3 different ministries on my kindle through PodCasts. It isn’t the same as being with a body of saints where there is immediate interface of prayer and encouragement and fellowship – but I can still hear the Word of God through the interpretation of several different pastors. Makes you think and study more. Wonderful.
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11/16/13 – Day 16 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to have a roof over my head and walls all around – there are so many who do not. Even though this old rental is drafty, cold and damp in the winter and hot and humid in the summer, it keeps me safe and provides a place for our family to gather and enjoy a wonderful meal together. Soon I will have to leave here – but until I do, I will thank the Lord that he provided me shelter when I had to leave my previous home quickly to move across the state for work. He ALWAYS provides for me. Thank You Jesus!
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11/17/13 – Day 17 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Facebook, eMail, Texting and Messaging that allows me to stay connected to family and friends many miles away. It allows me to share the joys and the sorrows of daily life. It allows me to watch children grow, adults age, share Holiday pictures and watch / participate in milestones. No longer do I have to wait weeks for a letter to arrive. No longer do I have to wait years to see a loving face. I can open a photo and be right there, the moment it is posted. It isn’t the same as being there, for sure – but it is awfully close.
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11/18/13 – Day 18 of Thankfulness – I am thankful that, even though I have some pretty serious health issues, through diet and herbs I have been able to keep it under control and I have a pretty healthy life. God has blessed me with people who have the knowledge to help me with herbs to heal, when they know I’m unable to take most all prescriptions. God gave us everything we need to take care of the body He gave us. So thankful.
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11/19/13 – Day 19 of Thankfulness – I am so thankful for the little critters that God has blessed me with. 27 chickens, 2 ducks. 4 dogs and 4 cats. They bring a smile in the morning. They greet me multiple times during the day. 3 dogs and one cat climb into bed with me at night and keep me warm when it’s cold out – and, unfortunately, when it’s way too warm. They warn me when strangers approach, and when things are out of sorts. And Quackers the duck has become quite an effective alarm clock. Blessed.
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11/20/13 – Day 20 of Thankfulness – I wanted to wait until this time of the month to talk about my family; closer to Thanksgiving day. I have a very big family. God has put so many people into my life that have become brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. People who encourage me, pray for me, teach me, treat me and spoil me rotten. I have been so blessed with these relationships. I would not be the same person without their love and influence – all of them. I think I may be the richest person in the world because of them, for the love they share with me is priceless.
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11/21/13 – Day 21 of Thankfulness – I can’t even explain how thankful I am for my children; the one I gave birth to, the two I adopted and the dozens that entered our lives and stayed. To feel so loved is indescribable. No matter where we are, I get hugs. Every day I hear “I love you” multiple times. How much more blessed could a person be? What an honor to be called “Mama” – Priceless.
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11/22/13 – Day 22 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Paul, who came into this world 29 years ago after a very difficult birth. He has brought me such joy and purpose. He was born with a very tender heart and displays a heart of compassion. He walked with me through many difficult years and his encouragement helped keep my spirits up. He knows the power of laying hands on a refrigerator …and praying for food, because we lived it. He knows that he is unconditionally loved – and so do I. He is always there for me, every day. He is now a strong and wonderful young man preparing to be a husband and father – something he has dreamed of all his life. I am so proud of him – and thankful that God trusted me to be his mom.
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11/23/13 – Day 23 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Eli. I didn’t give birth to Eli, but was granted the honor of being his mom. Eli is our dare-devil and athlete, with a heart filled with compassion for people. His desire is to make a difference in the lives of others, that’s really awesome. He went into the Army to defend our country, and came back and worked hard to earn his Firefighter I and II certifications, his Wildland Fire certification, his EMS certification and is going back into the service. I am so proud of Eli and the tenderness God has put inside of him. I’m thankful for the gift of being his Mom.
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11/24/13 – Day 24 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my son Jon.  I didn’t give birth to Jon, but was granted the honor of being his mom.  Jon is the one who brings silliness to our lives.  Dancing crazy dances, singing silly songs, dancing on a roof in a leprechaun costume or running around a track in a fat lady suit to promote donations for cancer; he always keeps us laughing.  Jon has wanted to be President of the United States since he was about 4, but his career dreams change every 24 hours, or less; it’s hard to keep up!  Jon has a heart for youth and the struggles young people go through.  He has been involved in leadership in youth ministry for at least 6 years; probably more. He has followed my lead in studying Theatre Arts and Theology.  I’m very proud of Jon.  If he ever stops dreaming and begins to implement all of the ideas he has formulated, he will do truly amazing things. I am thankful that God gave me the honor of being his mom.
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11/25/13 – Day 25 of Thankfulness – Although this may sound like an odd thing to be thankful for, I will explain.  I am thankful for broken relationships.  I am sad to say that I have been married twice and I’m single now.  But I am thankful for 2 major events – one in each relationship.  I am thankful for my first relationship because my son Paul was born in that relationship.  And in the 2nd relationship, I was able to adopt my other 2 sons, Eli and Jon.  For every difficult path we walk, there is some fragment of goodness.  In both of those difficult time, and most of you walked through much of it with me – there was a great goodness – my children.  Thankful.
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11-26-13 – Day 26 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis with only ½ a paint job and an incredible run history.  I bought it about 7 years ago with just over 50,000 miles on it and have shared the road with it over 100,000 miles since.  The A/C and Heater don’t really work, but the defroster does and that’s all that really matters.  It starts every time I turn the key and that is what’s most important to me.  I figure I have at least another 100,000 miles left on her – and I’m looking forward to the places we will go.  Blessed.
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11/27/13 – Day 27 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for Paul’s beautiful lady, Heather Beeson.  Heather has brought so much joy to our home, by just being her.  She is caring and compassionate and makes my son incredibly happy.  A mom couldn’t ask for more.  And, bonus prize, she brings along with her little 4 year old Joey to capture everyone’s hearts.  Thank you Heather, for coming into our lives.
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11/28/13 – Day 28 of Thankfulness – Thanksgiving Day!  I am thankful for my life – for ALL it brought, for ALL it will bring.  I’m thankful for the difficult trials, for it taught me compassion.  I’m thankful for the poverty, for it taught me ingenuity.  I’m thankful for my children, for they bring me love.  I’m thankful for my animals, for they bring me joy.  I’m thankful for my Savior, for He brought / brings me Hope. I’m thankful for my church(es), for they taught me praise and worship.  I’m thankful for my friends, for they share their wisdom. I’m thankful for my jobs, for they bring me provision. I’m thankful for the pains of life, for it taught me prayer. I’m thankful for all of you, for I will never feel alone.  God Bless You this Thanksgiving Day. 
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11/29/13 -Day 29 of Thankfulness – I am thankful for days of rest. Days when the chore board is overflowing and you determine that tomorrow would be a better bet. When you spend time reconnecting with old friends and lend a listening ear. When you  go grab a big fluffy blanket and snuggle up for a nap. A day of reflection and prayer. A day of leftovers and holiday movies next to a warm fire. I don’t get them often, but when I do, I’m so thankful.
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11/30/13 – Day 30 of Thankfulness – I am thankful to be able to be thankful. I’m thankful to live in a country where I have the freedom to go to church without persecution. I’m thankful that I live where there is running water and bathrooms – something I didn’t always have when I was growing up. I’m thankful that I can go to a grocery store and buy food, or a farmer’s market, or my own back yard. I’m thankful that I don’t live in fear of soldiers breaking down my door and killing my family. I’m thankful that I don’t have to be afraid to drive downtown, for fear of riots or car bombs. We live in a very blessed country and I fear that we take it for granted. Pray for the freedom we have, the security we have, the rights we have, so that God will protect it when the foolishness of man tries to steal it away. Be thankful that we are in a position to be thankful – so much of the world has lost hope.
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A Pocket Full of Miracles

17 Sep

Cross coin

1 Thessalonians 5:17  “Pray without ceasing.”

 James 5:16  “. . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.“

All of my life I’ve had a terrible habit that I haven’t been able to break.  My mother always lets me know how unladylike it is – and I agree – I just can’t stop!  No matter how hard I try I just can’t keep my hands out of my pockets.

Over the years I’ve lost my ability to remember things (even my name once or twice).  To compensate for my memory “challenge”, I have been known to write myself notes and stuff them in my pockets.  Sometimes the notes prove useful, but most of the time they get wadded and creased and become illegible by the time I truly need them.

One day, while browsing through a Christian Bookstore (my very favorite pastime), I came upon “A Cross In My Pocket” coins and medals.  They come in several shapes and sizes.  I began to search for five separate medals, each with its own special purpose.  Before long I had found just what I wanted – the miracles had begun.

The largest coin has a cross on the front with “Dad” engraved over the top.  On the back is a prayer of thanksgiving for who he is.  This coin would represent my husband.  With a silent prayer I slipped him into my pocket.

The next largest coin says “Jesus” across the front and it cites a scripture on the back.  It is the heaviest coin and represents my heaviest burden at this time, my teenage son.  So easily he could turn the wrong way, yet through prayer and intercession I have faith that he will remain on the right path.  With a silent prayer I slipped him into my pocket.

Next comes a nickel with a cross stamped out of the center.  It was new and shiny, and the perfect coin to represent my 9-year-old son who has not yet shown an interest in drawing close to the cross.  With a prayer I slipped him into my pocket, along with the other two.

Next is a coppery penny with a heart stamped out of the center.  This is the coin, which represents my 7-year-old son.  This is a child abundantly filled with a love of God.  This is a child that will, one day, help the broken-hearted heal from their wounds.  With a prayer he was slipped into my pocket.

The last coin is a light aluminum coin with a cross on one side and the “Cross In My Pocket” story on the other.  This coin represents the special needs of the people of the church.  One day it represented my two youngest sons’ birth mother, the next day an ill friend, and the next an evangelist with a special prayer request.  This coin changes daily, yet it rests in the closeness of my pocket, in covenant with the prayers for my family.

This is my pocket full of miracles.  Every time I thrust my hand down into my pocket I feel the coins and I begin to pray.  I caress each coin, identify the shape and design with my fingers, and say a special prayer as I hold them.

Like the bit of sand that irritates and festers in the shell of the oyster, the small metal coins that fill my pocket, and jingle as I walk, will bring forth a precious gift, more beautiful than a pearl, in miraculous answered prayer.

What a small price to pay to always be reminded of those people I love, dozens of times a day, and offer up specific prayers to guide their precious lives.

Lord, remind me daily that I can never pray too often for the wonderful people you’ve placed in my life.  And, even though I may never see the answer to all of those prayers, may I always remember that You have the answers in the palm of Your hand, and that you will release them when the moment is right.

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