Truths! (Trina Agee Cornell)

 

My blog for eight nights in a row comes from one of my favorite people, Trina Agee Cornell! I met Trina 20+ years ago doing missions in Honduras. We've tried to hire her at WCS but the Lord is using her in St. Louis. She is a terrific wife and mom and disciple of Christ. Keep me in your prayers as I continue my work in Vietnam!

Good morning, everyone!  I hope this finds you doing well and having a wonderful day!  We just finished up with Vacation Bible School at our church this month.  Our church goes all out to make this week a memorable experience for the kids.  Around Easter, Bob and I gave our oldest, Connor, his very first “big boy bible”.  The smile on his face was priceless - he proudly carried his bible into church, showed it to everyone that he met, and used it in his bible class.  He took his Bible with him every single night, dressed in his “handsome clothes” and church shoes. Seeds are being planted in his little heart - and God is truly giving the increase!

 One of my all-time favorite picture books growing up was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.  In the story, Alexander has an awful day - everything that could go wrong does in the best and worst ways.  He gets gum in his hair, he gets the wrong lunch, he steps on a skateboard - all the things.  In the end, he says he wants to move to Australia - but his mom reminds him that everyone has days like his.  Afterwards, he does not feel so bad.  

We need to take this reminder with us today - we are going to have not-so-good days.  We are going to have hard times.  According to author Ruth Graham, in these difficult situations, we can either be victimized and become victims, or we can be victimized and rise above it. Life will be dotted with hard times - we have to have a plan to handle them and to stay the course.  We must take off our masks and ask for help - seek fulfillment in the Lord and our relationships with Him.  It starts with admitting there is a problem - and preparing ourselves to make the necessary changes.  Then, we must get into the habit of sitting quietly with the Lord.  Sometimes, we may have the words - sometimes, we will not.  Either way, it is OK - the Spirit will intercede for you. 

 In her book, I’ll Start Again Monday, author Lysa TerKeurst encourages us to replace the “old lies” we tell ourselves with new truths from God’s word: 

·         I need this right now - Ephesians 3:17-19 (rooted and established in love) 

·         I am a failure - I John 3:1 - see what great love the Father has lavished on us

·         He is far away, and this is right here - Psalm 103:17 (the Lord’s love is with those who fear him)

 Which one of these “new truths” do you need today? 
Blessings, Trina

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1