The Musings from A Child of God

Remembering the Reason for the Season

2006-12-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

Remembering the Reason for the Season: Written By: Amy Edwards

The parking lot of the infamous Galleria Shopping mall was filled to capacity. Busy shoppers rushed inside in efforts to grab that last minute gift. Yes it was that time of year again, Christmas! Bright ribbons of red and green cover the massive pillars along the entrance. Upbeat Christmas music played over the intercom, giving shoppers a sense of ‘Tis the Season to be jolly.’

Beautiful trees swathed in white lights, covered with shiny glass balls of silver, gold and ornaments of glass filled the shop windows every which way the head could turn. A giant sized Santa and reindeer alike sat in the middle of the mall, oh what a terrific sight.

Amy Benning stepped inside the crowded mall with her five year old daughter Abby in tow. There were one or two more gifts she had to buy and then her Christmas shopping would all be done. Finally!

Abby’s bright blue eyes danced with joy as she gazed along each window taking all the Christmas decorations in.

“Momma, Momma!” she exclaimed loudly, while trying to pull her little hand free of her mothers grasp.

Amy groaned inwardly. Looking down at her daughter she replied sharply, “What is wrong with you Abby? I told you we didn’t have time for this, that we needed to get those last two gifts and get out of this mess.”

Tugging her daughter along, Amy went from one store to the next looking for one specific item that her husband insisted he wanted, yet wherever she went, it couldn’t be found.

“But momma, you did say we could see Santa before we left. Please?” Abby begged.

“NO!” Amy hissed back at her daughter.

Amy looked up at her mother, bottom lip quivering; tears shimmered within those innocent baby blue eyes. Bowing her head, she fell quiet, being led by her mother through the mass of people.

Not seeing where she was going, Abby bumped into something or someone. Lifting her tear streaked face up to see what she hit, she gasped as her gaze collided with those of Santa Clause.

“Ho Ho Ho! Little Lady!” Santa said as he knelt down to her level. Bringing his white gloved hand to Abby’s face, he wiped the tears away. “Now what has you crying so close to Christmas?” He asked in his normal jolly self.

Abby broke free of her mothers grasp, she wrapped her little arms about Santa’s neck and held tight. “My mommy has forgotten what Christmas is all about Santa. Can you help me show her please?” She sniffed.

Amy was horrified at the reflection of her actions and what it did to Abby. For the moment, she lost the ability to speak; all she could do was watch, as did everyone around them, stunned by the innocent statement by the little girl.

Santa gave the child a hearty hug before smiling to her. “That is a mighty big request young lady, what is your name?” He asked

“It’s Abby”

“What a very pretty name.” He stated then chuckled. “Have you been a good girl this year?”

“Yes sir I have.” Abby replied softly.

“Let me ask this Abby, what do you think Christmas is all about?” Straightening up, Santa lifted Abby into his arms so he and those around him could hear her.

“It is about Jesus Christ, our Savior’s birth. He brought hope to all of us that believe, love and trust him, and he also brought salvation to us. Not about this present or that present. Christmas is about giving with love and giving your all, your heart.” Abby openly stated.

“My dear little girl, you understand what most of us adults don’t get. And that is the true meaning of Christmas. We get so busy with the worldly things that we take for granted and forget what this holiday really is.”

Santa turned to Abby’s mother and smiled. “You have an amazing little angel here. Perhaps we all should stop a minute or two and give praise to the very reason for the season and that is Jesus Christ.” He said then gave Abby a hug before handing her over to Amy’s awaiting arms.

Amy only nodded. Tears streamed down her own cheeks. She had forgotten why Christmas was celebrated, however her beautiful angel had just brought her back to the reality of it all. Reaching out her arms, she enfolded Abby in her loving embrace whispering words of love and apologized for earlier actions.

“I love you Abby, thank you for helping me remember.” Amy said softly.
“I love you too mommy. I promise not to let you forget ever again.” She said giggling.

The Start of a Lovely Day

2006-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

It is Wed. Time 6:32 a.m. I find myself excited this morning. Abby-Sue, my oldest daughter has always wanted to write like me, so this morning I signed her up for Faithwriters kids. The beautiful smile on her face was so heartwarming and the shine within those wide baby blue eyes was worth it all. God has been so good to us and I just praise his name.

Sometimes I wonder why me God. I know he has a special purpose for each of his children. I just pray that I follow his example and exhibit a strong faith towards my Heavenly Father so that others can see his loving light shine.

Well its back to work again.

More to come.......

A Beautiful Sunday!

2006-11-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Today turned out to be a beautiful day dispite the uphevel and chaos of this morning. I realized during this mornings message how lacking I have been with my prayer and quiet time with God.

God has blessed me and my family so very much. He brought my Abby through her surgery, and has watched over us each and every day. He has provided during this ugly divorce and has given me such peace through it all.

Sometimes I do feel so overwhelmed, yet I stop myself and remember that I am never alone. God is always with me. He is my rock and my Strong Tower.

From now on I will spend more time with my Heavenly Father, seeking that closeness.

Stained with Crimson

2006-11-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Stained With Crimson
By: Amy Edwards

The sun shone bright through the tall, stained glass windows displaying an array of colors upon this beautiful Sunday morning, the sanctuary took on a new light as a large cross stood near the pulpit, Silence filled the little church for a long moment before the pastor stood up to preach. “I want everyone to close their eyes, listen carefully to my instructions.” He began while looking out over his congregation.

“Picture being in a large crowd where people are spitting at you, yelling in your face while blood from a crown of thorns embedded in the flesh trickles down your cheek, a body bruised and battered from beatings.” The raw emotion from the Pastors voice was undeniable as he paused but for a moment then continued speaking softly. “Now we are walking through the streets, despite what you have endured, it is now demanded that a cross you must carry through the city, towards a hill far away called Golgotha. The weight of this cross is so heavy that you stumble beneath it.”

“We find ourselves lying down atop the lonely cross with arms outstretched wide. Guards place a single long width nail in palm of your hand then with a hammer drives it deep into the flesh piercing through the bone until lodging into the wood, precious blood flows from the wounds inflicted.” “Can you feel the agony yet? Is the pain etched vividly across your face?” The pastor asked softly. “There is a nail for the other hand, following the same excruciating process. Down at the bottom, a larger nail is buried within both feet, anchoring them firmly into the thick wood.”

Now in place, the cross is raised so that all may see the suffering endured by you. The family and friends you love so dearly stand by watching this ghastly torture knowing nothing could be done to save or help you. In that final moment, you take that last breath before death knowing this was all part of a grander plan from your Heavenly Father.”Soft sounds of weeping echoed within the quiet church as the Holy Spirits presence was felt within the hearts that opened up to receive him.

“Open your eyes." The pastor said as his own tears fell freely from his face. “Look at this cross before you today. It represents the one that was stained with my Saviors blood so that we are forgiven of the sin in our lives, if we have accepted him as Our Lord.” “He called your name from that cross. Will you answer him today?”

The pastor spoke as he stepped down from the pulpit to kneel at the foot of the cross. “I am here Lord.”While the invitation was given, most everyone walked the isle to be renewed at the Old Rugged Cross by the blood that stained the dark wood.

Shielding of the Flames

2006-11-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Shielding of the Flames
By: Amy Edwards

Friday Morning 3:00 a.m.Sitting at the kitchen table, fire chief Alex Sutton began his shift like every day with scripture and prayer, along with jotting down his thoughts on events past that week. It had been remotely quiet for the last few days, which was fine with him. Alex felt it was very important to journal not only for his peace of mind, but for his family as well.

Tomorrow marked the 25th Wedding Anniversary to his beautiful wife Anita, who loved and supported him along his years with the District 3 fire fighters. Alex had so much to be thankful for, God had sent her to him filling the void in his life, it was Anita after all that led him to Christ 4 years ago. Staring at the blank page for a long moment, he thought back to the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

Picking up the pen he began to write: Sometimes when I am in a burning building and time is of the essence, I silently pray to God for strength and courage like three men thrown into the fiery furnace for defying the law to worship other Gods created by Nebuchadnezzar. . When thrown into the scorching hot flames, the three walked about as if it were a day in the park. To have so much faith in God, knowing without a shadow of doubt he would protect them is something I strive for every day of my life.

There was so much more to write, however the shrill scream of the alarm stilled his thoughts, prompting him into action. “LETS GO!” he yelled to his crew as the sound of rubber boots thumping upon the floor echoed around him. Special fabricated pants covered his dark stone washed blue jeans, suspenders tightly fitted over his shoulders holding them for protection. Bright yellow coats shielded broad shoulders, arms from danger, and easy to see. Helmets now rested upon the men’s heads as they rolled out of the station in the shiny red fire truck. Sirens screamed and horns blared as the fire fighters flew across town to the residential home that was now engulfed in flames.

Arriving on scene, a very distraught mother grabbed Alex by the arm, tears streaming down her soot covered face. “My daughter is still in there!” “Where was she last?” he asked already heading for the entry point. Now was the time where each moment counted for not only him and the crew, but the trapped girl. After being told the room she was last in, Alex and his crew worked towards the front of the house.

Thick black smoke boiled out from the door as it left the hinges, Alex was the first to go inside. Sweat already beaded upon his brow as they blindly searched the house for the girl. Scorching flames lapped at the suites, the heat was almost too much to bear, yet Alex gave this situation to God and knew he was in control. Entering the girl’s room, Alex was forced to his hands and knees by the heat of the flames and smoke, making it hard to see ahead of him. Hands extended, Alex felt all around the room until he wrapped his hand around the girl’s wrist.

Gently, he lifted the limp body into his arms before moving to the only window accessible. Lifting his foot up, Alex used his weight to knock out the glass. Red flames moved closer and closer as if it were reaching out to snag the girls foot. Within a moment or two an awaiting fire fighter held out his arms ready to take the girl out of danger. When Alex’s arms were clear, he too exited out of the burning inferno. Swift strides carried him to the awaiting ambulance where he inquired about his crew that was inside with him. “All are out safe sir.” was the reply of the newest rookie on the team. Nodding to him, he walked to the stretcher where a beautiful little blonde haired girl with bright blue eyes lay against the stark white sheet.

Stephanie Morris, age 7, studied the fireman closely. Struggling to sit up she beckoned him to her awaiting arms. Alex hugged her back then smiled.

“Thank you for saving her life” the girl’s mother said while moving to the other side to take her daughters hand. “It was not me; it was the power of God that led me to her. Thank him.” He said softly.

My Testimony

2006-10-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is my testimony of what God has done for me in my life. God has been working in my life since the day I was born. At six months old, I was placed up for adoption by the State of Alabama. On June 16th, God placed me with the most awesome, Christian, loving family any child could imagine. Over the years they took me to church and at the age between 6 and 7, I accepted Jesus into my heart as My Savior.

My dad (poppy – nickname) read scriptures to me every night before going to bed. He always made sure I understood what each verse meant. My mother also played a major part in my life by teaching our Sunday school class where we could understand it and know all the wonderful miracles God did. I learned so much from them both. I made it through Jr. High school and High school with only one or two heartbreaks, God was indeed watching out for me. In the fall of 1993, I started Central Alabama Community College for a certificate in Computerized Office Operations. I married in May of 1995 and over a course of 10 years, God blessed us with two beautiful little girls. Right after the birth of my youngest, I stopped going to church.

I allowed satan to whisper in my ear, from then on my life fell apart. My parents lived in Alex City and soon found a wonderful country church, Mt .Zion Baptist Church. The first time I walked through those doors everyone was so kind and lovingly welcoming to me and my girls. It was such an awesome feeling, they didn’t know us from Adams house cat, yet they welcomed us with wide open arms. From then on we started going every single Sunday. Abby, my oldest was very adamant about going to “Sunday Church” as she called it. A few months later after praying and praying, I felt Mt. Zion is where I was meant to be and joined the church by letter. Soon after, Abby accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized.

HOW AWESOME OUR GOD IS! My faith grew more and continued to develop even deeper, especially when the big test came on February 19, 2006. My Abby had to be rushed to Children’s Hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery due to an AVM (like an aneurysm) rupturing. Standing by her bedside early that Sunday morning, the day of her surgery, I looked at my mother and told her that I didn’t want to loose my daughter, but if God took her home then I know without a doubt I would see her again. That gave me such peace. I, my church family, friends and family prayed constantly.

I could feel God’s presence all around us. The surgery started around 11:20 and when they finished, Dr. Wellons came out of the OR smiling. God saved her for a special reason. He has something planned for Abby. To this day, Abby will go up to a stranger and tell them that she had surgery and Jesus saved her life and that he loves them. I am humbled by her spirit. What a witness! My life changed on Feb 19, this valley brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and stronger in my faith. God has blessed us so very much. I hope that my testimony has touched your heart as God touched mine. If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, he is calling your name. He died on the cross for you and me, through his death, if we accept him; we are forgiven of all our sins and have eternal life through him. Do you hear him calling? Let him in today._________________2Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight

About Me

2006-10-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

My name is Amy. I live in the United States. I am a single mom with two beautiful girls. I am a christian and belong to a warm loving church. I belong to the Christian Writers Guild and Faithwriters.

My passion is to write. To write for my Heavenly Father.

God has walked with me each day that passes by. I have seen his amazing miracles, not only in my life, but lives of so many others.

I don't give alot of personal information, however I would love to share all my spiritural life with whoever so wishes to listen.