Tag Archive for: sleep

Joys of Grand-parenting

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What’s it like when the grandchildren are around?

  • Every breath is like inhaling fresh air into my lungs
  • Gives me reason to rise early in the morning
  • Bursts of energy from on high
  • Courage and determination to live and live holy and perfectly (little eyes watch and minds absorb every word and deed!)
  • Able to swing higher, walk and shop longer, swim/float, build sand castles, bake cakes and cookies, create towers, color with rainbow jumbo crayons, read stories (favorites over & over again)
  • Feel the need to nap when they nap. Rise when they rise
  • Always carry gum and mints and water bottles
  • Just can’t get enough lovin’ and kisses!

There’s nothing quite as special as being in the presence of innocent, say-it-like-it-is little people. Life seems less complicated, pure. I feel younger, more full of energy and vitality. Exhaustion does sink in, but I sleep soundly. I am at peace and all is well with my soul.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name…who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  (Psalm 103:1, 4–5)

Teresa Kay Lasher©2011

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He never sleeps

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“On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:6–8). 

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? I often do. For some reason, my brain rehearses what took place during the day. And if that’s not enough, I continue to think about what needs to be done tomorrow. I ponder about the words I should have said; some I should not have said. Even if my body lies in a horizontal position, my mind doesn’t always assume an “at rest” mode.

Some may count sheep. I try to concentrate on counting my blessings and name them one by one. Remembering God, his influence and help throughout the day, helps me fall into pleasant slumber.

Blessings may be minor like finding an empty parking space at the doctor’s office. Protection may come in major ways such as saving a life after a motorcycle crash or during a storm on the lake.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for keeping me in the shadow of your wings. I clearly have reason to rejoice and sing your praises day and night!

Ask:  Can you think of a recent experience where you were saved from harm or humiliation? Are you willing to acknowledge the Source of this protection?

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Secure in my Abba-Father

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“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

Oh, to have the few cares of a kitty-cat! But I know my source of peace and safety. It is in my Abba-Father-God.

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Unconditionally loved!

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The moment I stepped over my Aunt and Uncle’s threshold, I knew we made the right decision. My sister, brother, and I were welcomed with open hearts and arms. No pretense, prior expectations even after many years apart…just pure joy, love, and a feeling of being instantly comfortable.  Sleep comes easily even after staying up late into the evenings reminiscing and catching up on current events in each of our personal lives. I feel loved unconditionally and safe. I knew I would not be judged or criticized for the words that freely flowed within the safe walls of their home.

And that’s the way it is when I step into the presence of God as I read his Word or pray. He’s always there, available, with a listening ear. God calls me his friend. I am special because he made me this way.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else…God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring” (Acts 17:24–25, 27–28).

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