Revelation 16
 
“Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, ‘You are just in these judgements, oh Holy One, You who are and whom were; for they have shed the blood of Your holy people and Your prophets, and You have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’ And I heard the altar respond: Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgements.” Revelation 16:5-7, (NIV)
 
A Prayer Over Our Children
Oh conquering King, when Your wrath pours out, shelter and hide my child in Your holy tabernacle. When judgements come, find her blameless through her sufferings. Yet bring her to repentance with all praise and glory to You. Prepare my child for battle, I plead, keeping her alert and ready for Your glorious return.
 
Truth
     Today was one of those mornings. Crazy and hectic. Rushed and harried. Amidst it all, a complete attitude makeover was badly needed…for me.
     It started when I awoke late and behind the proverbial eight-ball. With a flurry, I charged into my daughter’s bedroom intent on making up for lost time. Flicking on her bedroom lights, I didn’t even bother with my typical morning greeting.
     “Let’s go!” I barked over my shoulder. “Time to get up!” I yanked open her closet in the hunt for clothing. Instead of pleasantries or cheerful chatter, a grumbling noise met my ears. A whining wail issued forth from under the bedcovers. I confess to all of you right now, I did not respond with gracious concern or empathy. Rather, I bristled with irritation and impatience.
     Sweet Pea who already possesses the flair for dramatics, has been struggling with seasonal allergies. Whenever her nose becomes blocked, it is as if the world ends and the sky is falling. Tears rain, sobs ensue, and wails abound. Needless to say, the end result to all of this is typically an even more stuffed nose.
     “Don’t cry,” I mechanically responded. “Sit up, blow yoru nose, drink your water, and go to the bathroom.” Understandably, my lack of compassion did not elicit a favorable outcome. Let us just say a minor morning skirmish commenced between mother and daughter. Yet even after the dust settled and tentative peace restored, I still marched, ordered, and barked my way through until my mission was accomplished…an empty house devoid of noise or complaint. 

​“Great and amazing are your deeds! Just and true are Your ways, oh King of the nations! Who will not fear, oh Lord, and glorify Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:3-4
 
Prayer Over Our Children
May my child see Your wonders and marvelous works, oh Lord. Make her victorious over all those who seek to prevail against her. I pray You will set a golden harp in her hand and fill her mouth with song. Let her proclaim Your great and marvelous deeds while she declares Your justice and truth, lauding You King over all the ages. Reveal your righteous acts, I plead, so she may give glory and bow down with all nations to worship You, who alone is holy. Oh God, when Your wrath is unfurled and Your glory and power fills the earth, shelter her in Your holy temple and dress her in clean, shining linens.
 
Not of Me
 
     After a week of absolute gluttony, laziness, and self-indulgence, I found myself pounding the treadmill. Arms pumping and muscles straining, my thoughts wandered over the past week. Spring Break came as a welcome diversion from the usual hustle and bustle. Yet with all its fun and leisure, I came away feeling empty and unfulfilled. This is not to say we hadn’t enjoy our time together. We had fun! Biking, swimming, movies, trips to parks, and eating out characterized our week of play. We slept-in, went to bed when we liked, and were the masters of our own time. Why then, did I feel so distant and empty? Why then did it feel like I was dangling from a precarious perch?

​What was it like?
 An Easter poem
 
What was it like
to reach out Your hand
and touch Your creation with the fingertips of man?
What was it like,
You, the Great I Am,
To be clothed in our flesh
and breathe with our breath?
You spoke a word and it came to be,
Yet came to this earth to set mankind free.