Today I am 65. When I was born my mom and dad named me Faye-Marie and recently I have gone back to using my given name. One to honor the people who gave it to me, and two to honor the God who caused me, to have a second birthday March 29th, 1974. He is my Perfect parent, and He gave me life twice. On that date I had a second birth a... 'new birth' (John 3:16) and my name was written down in God's book of Life. Because of that I will live in heaven for all eternity. Not because I am good, but because He is good, He loved me, and called me. I responded to that call.
I have to speak what is on my heart or burst. I will include a letter I wrote earlier this week about someone that I love very much my granddaughter Chrystal-Marie Meyer (named for me) and how now through a serious crisis our lives have intersected with another young and beautiful girl named Chelsee Jean Kaskey.
"God on the Mountain"
Life is easy when you are up on the Mountain
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known…
But things change when you are down in the valley
Don't lose faith for you are never alone…
For the God on the Mountain is still God in the valley…
When things go wrong, He'll make them right
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times…
The God of the day is still God in the night…
We talk of faith way up on the Mountain
Talk comes so easy when life's at its best
Now it's down in the valleys of trials and temptations
That's when your faith is really put to the test…
For the God of the good times is still God in the bad times…
And the God of the day is still God in the night!
This morning my favorite song (above) is ringing in my heart. It is a hard day and a sad one. But as I was reminded this week again ... (as per my story/His-story of my life and God workings in it that I share around the country) I tell women ...
"During my journey with God I have seen good things and what often "appear" as bad things, intersect in our lives. But I am learning through them ALL to '"be still and know that God is in control"' Then I am able to experience God's peace even in the storm. His word that says I will never, no never, no never, leave or forsake you has become my anchor and stay! I don't know about tomorrow, but I do KNOW God holds my hand, and He is in charge of the journey now…
Over and over we frail creations of God are tested as to the reality of our faith. Is He faithful? Can we trust Him? Will we?
Our 20 year old granddaughter Chrystal will be before the judge today at 2:00 pm. The charges are numerous. Our granddaughter will be reaping the consequences for a long time for having hit 18-year-old girl, Chelsee Jean Caskey the severely wounded and damaged Hood to Coast runner that has been in the news this week. Chelsee also will be reaping for a long time having now entered into a season of trial in her life that was unbidden and certainly not deserved or expected. Our praise to God is that she is alive and not paralyzed! But her injuries are numerous and I am sure her questions are many. "How could this have happened? Why me, Lord?" There are no easy answers for this beautiful girl who now is painfully wheel chair bound and starting a long journey that will take a long time to repair. And as with all our trauma's there will be many scars to remind us of where we have come from. Join me please in praying for God's mighty hand of intervention into the lives of both girls that He will do just as He said weave it into the good that He has promised ... that though Chrystal's and Chelsee's journey be long and hard it will be made passable and possible with His Hand holding theirs.
Our hearts are broken for both girls. Many of you have been praying and God of course is in the middle of this trial. We are aware of His working at this intersection of good and and what appears to be evil in our lives. We do trust Father and know He is faithful to take what we have committed to Him and He will in 'His time' bring good to pass. God is good period ... nothing changes that.
But just so you know and can tell your grandchildren and kids ... Chrystal was on drugs when she hit Chelsee and now two lives not to mention the family and friends of both girls have been changed in heart breaking ways ... because "she chose to do what felt good" ... I beg your babes and mine to listen up. Hear God's call on your life. Make the choice now to flee evil along with those who call on God out of a pure heart. We have an enemy and we need to use all our resources in prayer to go to battle for our children. Chrystal has been prayed for every day of her life this my heart knows right well. And God is NOT finished yet.
I love you sisters, friends, and family, and trust you to pray. Your sister in Clatskanie