Is it all in His Design right? Right or wrong it is designed by His hand. Sometimes that plan hurts and causes us to ask “when will His Design Let Up? I am not one to question the design of my heavenly Father. After spending too many of my younger years angry and doubtful. The pain, hurt, and death I experienced, I blamed God for it all. It was not until I was much older that I learned to keep my questions silent. We look to our Father to lead us in times of pain and hurt. He provides comfort in knowing that he has us in the palm of his hand. Does that stop the pain? No. Do we no longer feel the pain? No. However, having the faith and knowledge that those we have lost in this world await us celebrating in the next makes the hurt bearable. Being able to press in and know when it is our time we too might hear him say “well done.” Our emotions over the space our loved ones left may get the best of us at times. We find ourselves crying uncontrollably for what appears to be no reason. Our hurt pours out across our cheeks. He reaches down gently from heaven. Places a hand on our shoulder wipes our tears away. “Rest easy my child; they are now with me.” He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order […]

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Hurt comes naturally from our emotions as we expose ourselves to anger, sadness or despair. Recently I have found myself searching for answers to my pain. Suffering that has developed from watching the country implode from racial tensions. Exacerbated by the death of my grandmother at the grand age of ninety-eight. Compounded by the daily strain and anxiety, hurt seems to overwhelm my emotions. I, therefore, sought my healing, and here is what I found. 1.) I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” ~ John 16:33 He has overcome the world, all the pain all the suffering vanquished in him. I find great comfort knowing that when you put all your trust in him, you may find peace in all things. 2.) Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 He wants us to pray and ask for healing through him. Knowing that he welcomes our prayers and hears each one, I found I could pray openly to him, for others, even over others for his healing. 3.) Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. ~ Isaiah 58:8 In the early morning light, when the house is still dark, as I pour into his word. I cannot help but […]

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I am currently in Port-au-Prince, Haiti after spending our first day back in Canaan. This marks our third trip in the last seven months. Each time we come things are a little different. On our first day it was traffic that slowed us down a bit. Although a bit stressful the slow-moving gave me an opportunity to take the country in. When we arrived at the school the kids were hard at work. They stopped what they were doing and stood to sing a welcoming song as we entered. There is nothing more beautiful than the voices of children singing on a mountainside. We were there to do some work and gather more information on the kids for their sponsorship packages. We were also there just to love on them. Some of the children remembered us and openly shared. Others were a bit shy, yet opened up when they saw we cared. It was a hot and busy day, we got to see the orphanage that will soon be done. It still needs a roof before it can provide shelter for the abandoned. Growing up as an orphan, this has a special place for me. I cannot wait to sit in traffic again. All the people, cars, dogs and donkeys will not keep us from the mountain. Seeing the smiles of the children wipes away all the inconveniences of this world. It is for the children of Haiti that we continue to return. To learn more about how you can help please visit theVine.co