God hears my voice, in God's word I hope

Yesterday was a down day for me. At home Chad, being a good husband, reached out and asked me to share my feelings. He never actually said he regretted asking, but the outpour had to of been more than he wanted, heck it was more than I wanted.

All of my sadness, frustration, and dark feelings amid uncertainty needed a place to go. Feelings need a place to go so they can quiet down. Feelings are so big inside they need an environment where we can trust the feelings will pass. 

I think that is why the Psalms is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Preserved for thousands of years, every human emotion and reaction are bound in our most sacred text. It is like God teaching us that our emotions are not good or bad they are simply part of life that God has given us. With God we learn to treat our feelings compassion.

​E-learning begins again this week and with it comes aggravation, frustration and impatience. In our homes the emotional field with kids goes up and down throughout the day. As parents we have emotions too. If you at times feel like the roof is about to blow off your house, it is normal. Persevere!

Over and over the Psalms remind us to be patient, to wait, and to trust in God. With God we find the compassion we need for our big feelings to relax, trust that new creative energy will surge, and help to face what is going on with grace.

Sheltering in place especially on rainy, cloudy, cold days has become an invitation for families to grow. A lot is being asked of us. In addition to friends and spouses, ask God to help you. Prayer is really taking our plain true feelings to God. Into a quiet time, bring all that is going on and then sit and wait with God. Even if it is only 10-20 minutes a day. Even if you have to go out and get in your car to do it, God is with you.

In this email there is an at home lesson plan for kids of all ages. Print it off. The lesson includes a really cool coloring page with the phrase from Psalm 130 “God hear my voice, in God’s word I hope” with some additional activities to assist your family in reflecting on feelings that come up as we wait and wait and wait.

With you on the journey,
Lisa+

Psalm 130 Activity