BEAUTY FOR ASHES!


Isaiah 61 has become my go-to scripture.  Each time I read it, I hear the Father's voice and He shows me another small piece of the plan:


The first day we were allowed to go back into the house was shocking!  Twenty years - reduced to a pile of ash in the floor.  The picture in the right margin was taken of an iron cross laying in the ash and broken glass on the kitchen floor.  I determined then that I would have that picture enlarged and framed to hang in our new home and I would title it, "Beauty for Ashes."  That promise anchored me as I remembered the verse that promises, "He gives us a hope that does not disappoint."  He reminded me again that He was working and that we would come out better.  I only told my family about my thought for this picture......


From day one, I had been texted and prayed for by an amazing "soul" sister who contacted me every day with a special prayer for me.  It was her suggestion that I begin this blog.  (That idea seemed ridiculous to me, knowing that she would be the only person who would read it unless I made my kids read it too.)  But the day she texted me to say that she was still praying about this blog, and was still convinced I should do it, and that she kept thinking...."Beauty for Ashes!!!!"  Okay, I'm slow, but I'm not totally stupid.  Only God could have put that in her mind.  And so here we are.


There is soooo much in chapter 61 of Isaiah that correlates with us that I must take it to heart.
  Verse 3 refers to the "oaks of righteousness."  Our house was made almost entirely of oak that came from Keith's homeplace. Keith and his dad made all of the woodwork by hand and it was gorgeous.  It represented two years and a lot of heart as Keith and his dad spent almost every night working together.  A time that we will cherish forever.


Verse 4 mentions "ancient ruins."  We definitely had ruins in several areas.  We had become covered up with "stuff" and at the mercy of our home and our lifestyle.  We had way too many things.  We had misplaced importance, and even negative attitudes toward each other that seem to have been destroyed with the fire.  God has given us a whole new perspective on many areas of our life.


And my favorite part:  The NIV titles this chapter, "The year of the Lord's favor!!"  Come on! The Proverbs 31 woman "laughs at the future" and I am beginning to understand her better.  (Now I am not going to think about the double portion mentioned later in the chapter, but I am hoping the "foreigner" that will "work your fields" comes in the form of a cleaning lady!)


Here's the Thing:  For those tempted to say that the McDannels are different....they both come from good stock (which we do)......they have a charmed life......they've been in the ministry a long time (which we have)......God will give them special treatment......let me say this: YOU ARE SO WRONG!  We know that God is not a respecter of persons, and we know that God is love, and we know that God never changes, and we know that his acceptance policy extends to "whosoever will".  Therefore, I know that He loves YOU, He works for YOUR good, He will take care of YOU if you will choose Him and allow yourself to stay Hemmed In.  Everyone has "ruins" and Jesus told us, "In this world, you WILL have trouble" but don't ever forget the rest of the verse, "Do not be afraid, for I have overcome the world!!"


Dear friend, Jesus did not come for a select few who come from "good Christian families" or who live " good Christian lives".  None of us are good....it's all about HIM!!!