Treasures in the Dark

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Rivers (3) was inconsolable. He wanted Mommy and Daddy, and he wanted them now! In the darkness, at 1:30 a.m., I took his tiny hand and crept down the steps to the guest bedroom where we wouldn't disturb his sleeping brother and my husband.

After 30 minutes of failed attempts to soothe his soul, I finally turned to prayer. "Father, help me. Show me how to comfort my little grandson."

Moments later a sentence popped into my head. I scooped Rivers into my arms and said, "I'm thinking of fluffy white clouds shaped like elephants." Immediately, he calmed down, so I forged ahead. "I'm thinking of a fuzzy puppy licking my face. I'm thinking of --"

Rivers jumped in. "An airplane!" He sat up, fully awake now and engaged with the game. "It's dark out there," he said, gaze fixed on the window.

"Yes, but look at the beautiful moon, one of God's gifts at night," I countered.

Satisfied, he continued with the game. "I'm thinking of a frog," he said, crooked grin in place.

I thought surely a couple rounds of this would gently ease us both back to sleep, but not so. The game went on for close to an hour. The last I remember, I was drifting off to the imaginary sun warming my face and the ocean waves lapping the seashore.

When my eyes popped open, Rivers was nestled against my side with his arm draped over me, and light shone through the window. At last, he stirred and rubbed his eyes. Yawning, he sat up. "It was dark last night, Grandma."

"Yes, it was, but God gave us treasures in the dark when we thought of all those fun things . . . fluffy clouds, fuzzy puppies, airplanes, frogs, and so much more!"

What started as a stressful night for both of us turned into a special time as we refocused our thoughts on good and lovely things, just like Philippians 4:8 teaches.

What a reminder to me that in the dark days, God offers His treasures if I will look for them.

As James 1:17 says, Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow (NASB).

God's Good Gifts

God's good gifts on Saturday during the Valley Reading Day in Hagerstown, MD

1. Meeting other ACFW Mid-Atlantic authors. God teamed me up at the same book table with Jeanette Windle, a missionary kid, now grown and still involved in missionary work. Her novels reflect her passion for world outreach. Thus, we shared a similar heartbeat through our family background and writings.

2. A delightful mother/daughter time with Michelle. She and her husband, Jonathan, work with Straight Street, a Roanoke inner city teen ministry which inspired my latest novel, Second Chance.

3. I met Angela, a sister in Christ, still grieving the death of her father and brother. We shared through tears and connected heart-to-heart. A touching sideline to our time together: Each author provided a gift basket as a giveaway. Out of all the tickets turned in for the drawing, Angela's number was called, and the MC handed her a basket, not realizing he had given her mine. She was so excited when she stopped by my table to tell me she'd received my basket.

4. I met Jane and Mark, also believers in Christ, who are reaching out to their teen neighbors and needed prayer and advice. Michelle and I provided some resource tips and prayed with them.

What a joy--touching lives! One of God's good gifts!

God's Good Gifts to Us in 2011

God’s Good Gifts to Us in 2011

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” -James 1:17

Toddler giggles and sloppy kisses
Jumping on the trampoline with our grandchildren
Snuggling on the sofa to read stories
Looking at the trees with our grandchildren and singing,
“The Trees of the Field Clap Their Hands”
Making cookies to deliver to neighbors
Friends who show up on our doorstep
Long distance grandparenting via the internet
Liberty online adjunct professorship—a direct answer to prayer
Creative expression through art, music, and writing
An intimate relationship with God made possible through the blood of Jesus
A growing marital relationship of 35 years
Time away to refresh, reflect, and rehearse God’s faithfulness
Deerwood home to house missionary children coming and going
The Holy Spirit’s conviction, counsel, and comfort
Access to the throne room of God via prayer
A church family
Extended biological family
Counseling and writing ministries
Speaking opportunities
Contract for Eileen’s next novel, Second Chance
Couples who want to make their marriages work
and are experiencing God’s victory one day at a time
Good books
The Father’s lap
God’s grace and faithfulness in the midst of unresolved real estate issues
Closure on Dale Ave. property
Grown children who love and serve the Lord
Laughter and tears and memories
Witnessing opportunities
Marriage outreach through Total Life Counseling
Open doors to be ministers of reconciliation
Opportunities to enjoy God’s creation
Specific Scriptures that target specific needs in our lives
Quiet reflection
Critique partners who keep Eileen on task in her writing
Friends who know us, yet still love us.

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During this Christmas season, may your heart turn to the Giver of all good gifts.

From our house to yours: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Chuck & Eileen