Umbrellas

     There are so many different names for trials.  Some people call them, "bumps in the road" or "hard times", while others may call them "bad days"well we call call them "storms"   And what is the best thing to have when a storm is coming?  An umbrella!  When we face a storm there is something that helps you get through that storm, we call that something an "umbrella". 
     This umbrella could be anything.  Whatever helps you get through your storm is your umbrella.  To some people it could be their friends, then there are some who have their boyfriend/girlfriends as an umbrella, and others it may be drugs or alcohol.  But I am here to tell you that there is someone who is the greatest umbrella.  He never leaves you and He will never forget you.  (Hebrews 13:5)  This someone is God.  God is the greatest umbrella there ever was and ever will be.  Why is this?
     Hebrews 13:5 says, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."  God will be with us always, there is never a moment that He is not with us and never is there a moment that He forgets us.  We are always on His mind.  He is always thinking of us, wanting to be with us.  Unlike friends or people who we date (or court) who are with us for a time, but soon have to leave, or forget about us for a while.  Isn't it amazing to think that He is always with every single one of us?  Our minds can't comprehend it, but it is truly true!  And He WANTS too, He loves you so much and He wants you to be happy.
     Now here is where I am probably going to burst someones bubble.  But, we choose to be happy.  It doesn't just happen.  So, if you are in a difficult time right now consider this.  Are you really upset, or are you just moping around?  When we first face a hard time we are upset.  But, there has to be a time when we pull ourselves together and move one.  Accept what has happened and be happy again.  There will probably be times when you will feel bummed out, but don't stay there!  Shed a few tears, then dust your shoulders off and look to God.  Don't think of all the tough stuff, because I assure you if you do, you will start feeling sad again.
      But, think on happy things.  Think of the blessings God has given you.  Think on how you won't always feel this way.  There will be a day when all of the pain has passed away!  And you will be with God in Heaven.  Think of how He bled and died on the cross and forgave you of your sins.  Think on how He blessed you with this day, with the breath you just took.  If you think on such things, and have God as your umbrella I know for a fact that you will get through this storm. 
     Written by, Jam'n'Jelly
   

Military Father

     I was at a luncheon the other day and we were talking about our dads.  How they should be more active in our lives and how we should get closer to them.  I thought this was a wonderful idea, and still think it is.  Except I have one little problem.  My father is in the military and is leaving for Kuwait in 2 months.  So just getting closer to him would be more painful and harder to let him go.     I am already close to my dad, and it is already hard to think of losing him.  So the thought that I can't get closer to my dad seemed very painful.  I do not want my father to go to Kuwait but I know that he has to.  It is comforting to know that he will be doing what he loves.  But it is still hard.  I know that I need to accept and move on.  And I am, because I have the greatest umbrella in the world. 
     And that umbrella is God.  When  I feel upset or depressed I start thinking of the blessings He has given me.  I know that this year is going to be a tough one.  But I also know that I won't be alone through this year.  I will always have my friends by my side.  I will have my mother and my siblings.  But the one who I am trusting the most to be with me through this time is God.  Because I know He will never leave me or forsake me.  (Hebrews 13:5)  And when I start getting upset I know He is right next to me.  Never letting me go.  So when the time comes, and my father leaves my life for a time, I will have my umbrella to help me over come this storm.
     Written by, Jamm'n'Jelly