COMFORTER

And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever.

John 14:16 KJV

From the Father’s Heart

My child, I know when your heart is breaking, when you’ve said good-bye to the last dream of your heart. I’m here for you, and I will hold you as long as you need to rest in My arms. My Spirit is ever present as the Comforter to speak peace to your heart and soul. In every sorrow, and for every tomorrow, I will be there. No one else can make that promise to you.

A Grateful Response

Lord, I never need to look farther than the comfort of Your arms. There You wait for me with expectant heart, longing for my fellowship. How many times I’ve felt Your strong arms and quiet whispers to my aching heart! Where else could I turn? Lord, You are my Comforter.

Simple Truth

Just when we think all hope is gone, Jesus fills our hearts with song.

(c) 2002, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Daily in Your Presence, All Rights Reserved.

When and how has God been that Comforter for you? Please use the comment section below and share your thoughts with us.

Related Blogs

When Your Heart Is Breaking by Tom Norvell

The Perfect Storm by Mary Southerland

God Is Present in Dark Times by Dr.Charles Stanley

What’s in a Name?

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14

Choosing the Name

When my husband and I learned we would soon be grandparents, we casually discussed with our children what the grandkids might call us. I ruled out some common names like “Grandma,” “Grandmama,” “Granny,” and “Grandmommy,” since they reminded me of my own or my husband’s grandparents and great-grandparents.

My girls agreed. So I suggested “Mimi,” and my husband selected “Papa.” They just sounded good together.

No-no Names

Somewhere in the discussion my husband announced some no-no names: Forget about “Pe-po,” “Po-Po,” or “Paw-Paw.” Or “Me-ma,” I added for myself. By this time, we were on a roll. Then Larry remembered one more name from an old Jimmy Stewart rerun where Jimmy’s grandkids called him “Boom-paw.”

“Whatever you do, don’t call me Boom-paw.”

Big mistake.

Boom-paw?

As the birth date grew closer, one of our sons-in-laws decided to have some fun. Every e-mail and card began with “Dear Boom-paw.” Mercifully, however, the name began to fade, and my son-in-law used it only occasionally. The four grandkids have stuck to “Mimi.” But Papa didn’t win out completely. Our “boom-paw” son-in-law’s second child, Lauren, pronounced her own version of Papa’s name. He promptly became “Pop-pops” to her.

Your Choice or Theirs?

I’ve talked to other grandmoms about the origin of their names. Many, like me, chose them. Some children stated their preference without giving the grandparents a choice. But a large number of women live with the nicknames their grandchildren called them early on. I imagine that’s where all those, um, “unique” names originated. Eager to pronounce the name for the one they loved, little tongues started calling them an affectionate title long before they understood the meaning. Their motive was, no doubt, love. And in reality, we as grandmoms don’t mind at all.

I thought about that recently. What’s in a name? Why had I chosen “Mimi”? Larry really couldn’t have cared less what the kids called him, even if it was “Boom-paw.” But I wondered about my real motive in choosing my name. “Mimi” sounded younger, more modern, and somehow not as “old” sounding as some old-fashioned names. Perhaps it was my way of rebelling at the realization I was growing older.

Making It Personal

But whatever the initial motive, that name has become strangely personal. When my grandchildren approach me, they are still young enough to run to me in childlike innocence and adoration: “Miiiiiimiiiiiii!” as they throw eager arms around my neck. At the pronouncement of my special name, my heart melts. There are other women named “Mimi.” But my grandchildren’s name for me is different, because they know me personally. At that moment, I think I would do anything for my grandchildren.

The Meaning Behind a Name

What’s in a name, really? Apparently a lot, according to God’s Word. Throughout Scripture, God’s name was to be spoken reverently, with a holy hush. When God sent his Son, Jesus, that name would open up the way to a personal relationship with God. We could then “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

Knowing about Jesus and really knowing him personally are two different things. When Jesus said, “Ask in my name,” he didn’t mean you could wrap your finger around God’s heart hoping to receive any selfish desire. He was referring to the power of that personal name.

When we run to Jesus with open arms of adoration and faith, when we cry out his name because we know him personally, God will do anything on our behalf that will ultimately bring glory to him. The name of Jesus literally moves heaven to earth.

It’s all in the Name.

DAY-BREAK

How do you approach God? Do you know Jesus personally? Write down what his name really means to you.

DAY-BRIEF

At the name of Jesus, all of heaven stops to listen.

DAY-VOTEDLY YOURS

Jesus, your name means so much to me. How many times have I cried to you, and you have answered me?  May I never take your name for granted, Lord Jesus. I really want to know you even more.

(c) 2010, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Day-votions™ for Grandmothers, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Used by Permission, All Rights Reserved. (Subheadings in story added here for emphasis, not in original manuscript).

What about you?

Please use the comment section below and tell me the origin of your grandparent name. Who named you? Why that choice? How has that name become personal to you? How has the name of Jesus (and knowing Him personally) affected you? What are your thoughts?

1. Fill the space with others. Youth groups need counselors and sponsors. Children need adoptive or foster homes. Scores of people around you need others to befriend them and show them Jesus’ love and care. You may lead the pack in social media, but how many neighbors do you know?

2.  Fill your empty nest with time for your mate. Plan getaway times and dates often with your spouse. Couples often neglect that time together when years of kids’ busy schedules seem to take priority. Renew that first love and schedule weekly dates and retreats whenever possible. For years, my husband and I have operated on a simple plan: Divert Daily; Withdraw Weekly; and Abandon Annually. Those dates can easily fit your budget. And in this economy, “free” is in, or even bartering. Be creative.

3. Fill it with room for dates with your children still at home. The other kids will feel the loss (sometimes relief) when a sibling leaves, and often need your attention even more. Use these remaining years to cultivate relationships that may have been thwarted in the shadows of an older brother or sister.

4. Fill your moments with meaningful ministry. All Christians have spiritual gifts. Invest those gifts to make a difference in the lives of others.

5. Fill the time with new adventures. Learn a new skill, or pursue a different hobby. For some with more flexibility, that might mean a new college class, a part-time job, or volunteer work. For others, trying different areas of ministry like going on a mission trip might surprise you with a new challenge that fits you perfectly.

6. Fill your hours carefully, and renew your priorities with God. Give yourself time to reevaluate. Be careful not to substitute busy activity for quietness and time alone with the Lord. God wants to fill you with Himself.

7. Fill your mind with happy memories, and let go of the painful ones. Examine any depression in your life. Normal feelings of loss are expected, but long-term despondency may signal the need for professional help. Ask God to show you any regrets or failures you may be struggling with. No mother can ever supply her children with 100% of their needs, and no parent is perfect. Learn the difference between real and false guilt. As you let go of the past and accept God’s forgiveness for true guilt feelings–those actions for which you are responsible–letting go of your child will be easier.

8. Fill your empty nest with prayer. Pray often, specifically, for your children. I thought I had prayed regularly for our daughters during their early years. We had begun praying for their future husbands soon after they were born, and adolescence brought its share of “help!” cries to God. But in their teen years, I petitioned the Lord even more earnestly, and discovered that prayer could travel and touch where I could not go. When God answered those prayers, the empty nest filled with a greater faith in God.

9. Fill the pages of your life with written evidence. Try journaling and/or scrap-booking. As you reflect upon God’s goodness and the changes in your life, write down your thoughts. Your children need your experience, and others need your wisdom. Record daily what God teaches you. You may never publish a best-seller, but someday your grandchildren will receive a heritage far greater than money could every buy. Organize your photos, and let them tell the story of your lives, and the lives of your children in their earlier years. If you work steadily, it will make a great college graduation or wedding gift (digital works great).

10. Fill your nest with the disciplines of rest and exercise. Rest? What’s that? In reality, your life may or may not change drastically. Some moms have more flexibility and opportunity, while others keep pushing their limits daily. If you think you don’t have a choice about your work, schedule, or finances, check out Jill and Mark Savage’s new book, Living with Less So Your Family Has More. Your nest may fill up with kids or grand kids returning home to nest–permanently. Regardless of the circumstances, an empty or partially empty nest will affect your emotions. Prepare wisely with more rest and regular exercise.

Letting go of our children is not an easy task. We may hesitate to relinquish the control into another’s keeping. But when we can surrender them into the hands of a loving Heavenly Father, He begins to refill our empty nests with a new joy and excitement.

“That you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 TNIV

What about you? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Related blogs:

Ten Simple Stress Busters for Women

Ten Ways to Encourage Children, Grandchildren, and Graduates

A Challenge to You, Mother, for Your Children

Mother or Grandmother: Is There a Difference?

Extravagant Love

For Moms: A Bird’s Eye View of Motherhood

Ten Affirmations for Raising Children

Motherhood-Pleasure or Pain?

Most of us celebrate our country’s birthday watching fireworks. But there’s something more we can do that will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of others. As you read this short inspirational piece, I hope it will encourage you to celebrate–and share–the Gift of true freedom and peace.

The Gift of Peace

by Rebecca Barlow Jordan

If I had the power, I’d give the gift of peace,

So all could live in harmony, forcing wars to cease.

I’d turn all hearts to love again in brotherhood and truth,

so death could never steal away a life within its youth.

With seeds of tender mercy, I’d sow a crop of care

to bloom within each gentle soul and water it with prayer.

I’d soak each life with kindness and plant contentment there

and cultivate its goodness, so every heart could share

the reaping of a harvest, on firm but gentle soil–

where weeds could never choke the life, and pest could never spoil.

I may not have the power to give this peace away,

for we will always hear of wars engaging in some way.

But I can give a treasure, worth more than anything:

I”ll give the world my Jesus, and let true freedom ring.

How will you share Jesus, the true gift of freedom and peace, this summer?

1. Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.

2. Plan your day the night before.

3. Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.

4. Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.

5. Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.

6. Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

7. Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.

8. Perfect the art of laughter.

9. Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.

10. Pray without ceasing (throughout the day).

“You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.” Psalm 23:5, The Message.

What about you? What Scripture verse is your favorite stress buster?

I wrote this tribute several years ago with my dad in mind. I thought you might enjoy it at this special time. Happy Father’s Day!

A Tribute to Dad

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

He’s a giant of a man, with big, strong hands

that hold your heart in his own.

The words he speaks are apples of gold–

that can melt a heart of stone.

His laugh is contagious–His smile sincere;

His life is a book read far and near.

His love gives generous helpings to all;

For a father, you see, is always on call.

His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes;

But godliness clothes him–from his head to his toes.

He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of,

but his family is blind and covers in love.

Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays

filling the hearts of his family with praise.

Memories of a Father

My father died 15 years ago. I still miss him. But his words and his lessons still live on in my heart. Each of the few personal letters he wrote ended with a P.S. – a powerful statement. Sometimes he penned an encouraging truth from Scripture, sometimes a homespun bit of wisdom he learned, sandwiched in between the mortar he used building missions, and the lives he salvaged for Christ along the way. I treasure those bits and pieces of a father’s love and keep them close where I can pull them out in times of discouragement or frustration.  God blessed me with a great dad.

God Is the Perfect Father

Some of you can’t recall positive father figures, because of abuse or loss of your dad early in your life. Regardless of your circumstances, God assures us He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). He not only heals our memories; He is the perfect father who never breaks His promise, who loves us unconditionally, and who delights in spending time with His children.

Share a Memory

What about you? Share a memory about your dad. What made him special? How has God been a father to you?

NOTE: The winner of the drawing for the three-book series: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers is Patti McGoey. Congratulations, Patti! 

The next time you find yourself in God’s waiting room through a personal loss, an unexpected difficulty, a severe test, or a “wilderness” time when you desperately need answers but can’t seem to find them, get alone in a quiet place and ask God these questions:

1. Lord, is there something you want to show me about Your character through this?
2. How can I love you more deeply and become more like You in this process?
3. How can I bring You glory in this situation?
4. Is there anything that needs changing in my life or anything you want to teach me?
5. How can you use this experience to help someone else?  

Five Questions Not To Ask God

1. How long will I be in the waiting room? (God has His own timetable).
2. Will you please be with me through this process? The answer is always yes. God has promised His children–those who know and love Him–that He will be with us always. That’s why He sent His Holy Spirit to live in us. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NIV). As someone so wisely told me, “If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.”
3. Why me? (The question is, Why not me?) As long as we live in an imperfect world, we will experience both good and bad.
4. What did I do to deserve this? (What did we do not to deserve it? We are not deserving of anything good and can never “earn” God’s favor. It’s only by God’s grace through faith–Jesus’ death and resurrection–that we are made acceptable to Him. And God always acts in our best interest, always. He is never “out to get us.” (See Ephesians 2:8-9).
5. Do you really care? (Yes, He does. No need to ask). “Cast all your anxiey on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7, NIV).

Since the beginning of time, long before we were born, God designed a blueprint for our lives. And “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV, author’s emphasis in bold). God will not abandon you or His good work in you!

God Knows Our Humanity

God blesses–and He disciplines–the ones He loves. He allows testing to come our way to ultmately shape us and make us more like Him. But in the midst of grief and anxiety, our emotions are susceptible to inaccurate reasoning. God knows our humanity and is not surprised by our emotions. And He gives us ample time to “heal”.

Don’t be discouraged when you see no hope in sight. Be gentle with yourself, and be open to God’s voice. In time, asking the right questions helps put us in a position to see, to learn, and to depend more deeply on the One who loves us so.

Will You Trust the Father’s Heart?

Jesus displayed emotions. He grieved. He hurt. He wept. But He knew and trusted His Father’s heart, even when God said, “No” to his request. (See Luke 22:42). Will you?

“Weeping may remain for a night; but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NIV).

An Affirming Prayer: “Jesus, no matter how long it takes, I want you to be honored and glorified in this–and in every–situation of my life. I know you plan to bring good out of bad. Help me to cooperate with you. I am willing to wait on You and with You.”

What about you? What has God taught you while you’ve been in His waiting room?

This was a two-part blog beginning with Is Bad Ever Good?

NOTE: The winner of the three Day-votions book series has been drawn and is pending notification. I will announce the name as soon as I hear from them.

Job loss, financial crisis, rebellious children, disappointments, rejection, unexpected illness–the list goes on. The list that is, we call bad. Is bad ever good? Can anything good come from a bad situation? That depends.

Some negative circumstances we readily recognize as good. You’re  involved in a car accident–minor injuries–but x-rays reveal a small tumor. Surgery can remove it and literally save your life. It’s in the early stages. You wouldn’t have known about the problem apart from the accident. Was the accident good? No. But good came from it. 

Many life-changing events don’t spell good, however. Some may want to throw stones if we even suggest it. But consider these possibilities. What good can result from these bad situations?

Job Loss

• Freedom to choose a new vocation.
• Chance to pursue a long-time dream. Some successful a have risen from such bad circumstances. Fired from another home improvement chain, Arthur Blank and Bernard Marcus founded the successful Home Depot.
• Dependence on God and His provision as Jehovah Jireh, the God Who Provides. (Philippians 4:19). May allow others a blessing by using their gifts to minister on your behalf.

Major Accident

• Re-evaluation of your life: “Why am I still here?”
• Complete change of direction. A car accident that almost totaled my  husband’s car (when we were still dating as youth) turned his heart toward full-time Christian ministry. He never wavered from that decision at the age of 18.
• Even serious injuries can purify our hearts if we let God do His work.

Marriage Difficulties

• Reveals dormant (or prominent) marital issues that still need work. My husband I often tell couples that conflict can be positive, not always negative. It can simply mean there’s more growth potential in your marriage–lots of God’s grace still to experience. One of grace’s definitions to me is room to grow. God gives us much room to grow.
• Empathy for others. You can add this to almost any situation you experience. Successfullly working through (and even sometimes failing at) can open up areas of tenderness and ministry to others in similar situations. Because of a difficult marriage season in our own lives, my husband and I pursued training as marriage enrichment leaders years ago. God has so blessed as we’ve tried to help other couples and led marriage weekend retreats.
• Greater dependence on God and prayer.
• Deeper marital intimacy after you “hit the wall” and move past it. Runners often experience this halfway point where they must push past in order to succeed and even finish the race. With bodies screaming, and mind racing along with legs pumping, they may feel resistance with every move. But pushing past that “invisible wall” they move past the point of no return to success. It’s a principle you can apply to almost any bad situation if you want to move forward and realize the good.

Rebellious Kids

• New dependence on God and prayer support from others. God often forges friendships and support networks through mutual experiences.
• Opportunity to believe and see God work in seemingly impossible situations. Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham–who later called himself “Rebel With a Cause” in his autobiography–brought grief to his parents as a prodigal son. But God brought Franklin back, and he is now President of Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that has literally reached around the world for Christ.
• Revealing of deeper issues in realationships that can ultimately bring you closer to God and your children.

Loss of Loved One

• Deepened heart hunger for God and a new dependence on Him. Often results in a new longing for yur real home in heaven.
• Reevaluation of what is truly important in life (simplifying of priorities).
• Influence in making new laws/groups to help prevent tragedies that could have been avoided. (ex. MADD- Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
• Testimony to the unsaved. At one young man’s funeral, a relative challenged the friends of the deceased to choose Jesus. Eleven did.
• Opportunity to bring comfort and healing to others who have experienced grief as well. God used the testimony of my friend Susan who lost her teenage son and opened up a world of writing, speaking, and grief ministry.

Other Apparent Tragedies or Disappointments

• New, total dependency on God (as with all the situations above).
• Enlarged opportunities to show God’s amazing grace and power through our difficulties. The video on this site about Nick Vjuicic is a great example, or you can see more of his life here. Josh Hamilton, a Texas Rangers baseball player and recovering drug addict, shares his Christian testimony many places. One of those is called I Am Second.
• Empathetic heart that can help bring others through their difficulties.

Before you object with “That hasn’t happened to me. Nothing good has come from my situation!” remember God’s plans for you: ”to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). And the good He desires may differ from your definition. But it will ultimately be good and bring good. In some cases, we won’t see–or understand–the good this side of heaven. But our omniscient God does.

Don’t misunderstand me. Few of us immediately pop up smiling from a tragedy or disabling situation with, “Praise the Lord!” Healing takes time, but bad can be good if we will ultimately trust God to “work all things together.” It’s not time, but God, that will bring the good He has planned all along.

A Matter of Choice…Or More?

It’s a matter of choice, right–how we respond to the negative circumstances of our lives? That’s the key. Yes and No. It is a response, and it is a matter of choice. But it’s more. It’s a desire. A deep down desire that longs, that craves, that chooses to trust God while we’re in the waiting room with Him–no matter what the outcome.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

What about you? How has God brought good out of a bad situation or experience in your life?

NEXT: FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE WE’RE IN GOD’S WAITING ROOM

I wrote this a few years ago, but after attending the memorial service of a sweet, young friend today, (and the daughter of a very good friend) its words took on new meaning–because this described Katrina’s (Katie’s) life, especially the last few years:

Love is not something you do; love is something you are. It is often premeditated, sometimes spontaneous, and always unselfish.

Love does not cry “unfair” when wrongs are flung in its path; it does not gloat with “I told you so’s” when anothe reaps the consequences of reckless living.

Love hangs on, even in the toughest hour; and when everyone else moans “impossible!” love believes that all things are possible.

Love requires nothing for its gift, but enjoys basking in the satisfaction of a free spirit and a grateful heart. It derives no pleasure in seeking credit for its day.

Love chooses to see the best in everything, and in everyone, but is unafraid to speak the truth in order to promote healing.

The product of love is love, born in the heart, nurtured with grace and goodness; by the author of love Himself.

 -Rebecca Barlow Jordan

“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV

Freedom–what a precious gift is ours to know! To those veterans who made it possible for us–and others– to live with protection and security, we owe a thankful attitude. To those veterans who gave their lives in unselfish pursuit of justice and freedom, we owe a debt of gratitude.

WE ALL SHARE IN THE BLESSING AND RESPONSIBILITY OF FREEDOM

We all share in this blessing of freedom, and we all pray it will remain. But we must all bear the responsibility to keep it, whether we serve in the military of our country or other ways through the ”army” of our God. For America to stay great, we must stay good. That means a call to prayer, a return to the Lord, a denial of selfish ambitions that create idolatry in the heart.

God has blessed America. How long He will continue to do so, however, may depend upon the faithfulness of you and me and other Christians throughout our nation. Freedom demands personal responsibility. Freedom breeds love. Freedom exercises discretion.

We owe our freedom to a patient and gracious God, and to those veterans who have sacrificed unselfishly and fanned the patriotic fires before us with diligence and determination.

THANKS TO OUR VETERANS WHO SERVE

Thanks to all the veterans who have given so unselfishly through the years–some with their very lives, some who live with the physical and emotional reminders daily. And thanks to all those who are serving now in the name of freedom.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Thanks to those who serve silently–sending their greatest offerings, their own loved ones as they wait anxiously for their return. And thanks to the ones who eagerly wait to join their husbands, their wives, their sons, their daughters, their friends and loved ones who have already gone “home” before them to heaven.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO PRAY, GIVE, AND LOVE

Thanks to those who send up prayers, and to those who send out gifts, both practical and handmade with love to the ones who serve. And thanks to all who work in background ways, giving and supporting however they can.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Thanks to those who penned their memories so we could remember–and never forget the price of freedom. Lest you forget, others have documented history for Memorial Day remembrances.

May God grant His favor and blessing to all who have a part–and to all the families who have shared in their lives. You are our heroes, and this Memorial Day we offer you our deepest gratitude and our grateful prayers.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FAITHFUL GOD AND HIS FREEDOM

Thanks to our faithful God, for without Him, we would all be imprisoned in the battles of our own choosing.

May those who walk behind us find us faithful also.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

What about you? Are you a veteran? Do you have loved ones currently serving? Do you have a brief story, experience, or comment to share?