GOD IS BETTER THAN ICE CREAM

Psalm 34:8King James Version (KJV)
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Dearest Ladies,

As survivors of divorce, it's important for us to submit to the healing process. We must submit to the process until we are whole and well. Our transformation takes time but it's a worthwhile investment.

Healing from our wounds is beneficial to us and our kiddos. We cannot afford to allow negativity and trauma to warp our minds and poison our souls. We cannot afford to allow our kiddos to be harmed by the past. Continue to openly and honestly discuss and digest all of your family's experiences through an age-appropriate, solid, biblical, Christian worldview. Create a safe haven wherein it's okay for your kiddos to be expressive, to share hurts and hang-ups, and even their hopes.

I encourage us all to invite our children on the healing journey. They have unique cares and concerns that only God can resolve. Surrender your children to Jesus. Pray for them and also, lead them to the Lord. It's so critically important for our children to establish and cultivate a close relationship with the Lord. We have to intentionally disciple them and shepherd their precious souls. Throughout all of the changes that are inherent with divorce, God remains a faithful, loving constant. The Lord God is with them while at mommy's house and at daddy's house. God is always with our kiddos. It behooves us to help them grow their relationships with God and to grow their faith. Seek God for wisdom; He will show you how to commit to the task.

Please be encouraged by my reflection on a past interaction with my much younger kiddo:

I was chatting with my daughter before bedtime. We were playing a comical, creative game about our favorite foods. We both agreed that ice cream is one of those all-star, all-amazing food items that, time after time, makes the top 3 cut on our favorite foods list.

My daughter and I shared the sentiment that ice cream is great as a snack or meal. Ice cream is great in the morning or evening; it is good in Winter and Summer. Regardless of our mood, condition or location, ice cream is funtastic. If we are hungry or almost full, ice cream is equally delightful. If we are tired or alert, happy or sad, celebrating an event or not, ice cream is just wonderful. With or without cake, ice cream is delicious. If we're in North Carolina or North Dakota, ice cream would still makes us giddy with excitement.

We reasoned that nothing changes the awesomeness of ice cream; it's just incredible all by itself. We described all of the incredible parlor made and store-brought flavors that we've experienced. Then we listed some of the flavors that we have created and sampled over the years. We have many memories, over the years, that have been enhanced by the wonders of ice cream.

As our conversation winded down, the Lord spoke to my heart. He quickly planted an idea in my mind. Unexpectedly, there was a wonderful opportunity for a teaching moment. I had to obediently seize the moment. I sprang into action. "Honey, we both agree that ice cream is fabulous. But, I can think of only one thing that is better. Do you know what's better than ice cream?" With the zest and zeal of a prize pupil, my daughter quickly responded. She laughingly squealed, "JESUS!" I heartily responded, "yesssssssss." She knows me so well that she can correctly answer my questions AND finish my sentences otherwise. She's a smart gal! Smile!

We spent the concluding moments of the night reflecting on JESUS and our extraordinary relationship with Him. Similar to ice cream but far better, we acknowledged that JESUS is wonderful, awesome, amazing and incredible all by Himself. His love, grace and mercy is consistent and great. Jesus is loving, faithful, loyal and holy INDEPENDENT of how we are feeling.

The psalmist David wrote in Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." This scripture came to mind as my daughter and I talked about JESUS and ice cream. We read the verse aloud and discussed it. Isn't it so wonderful that King David provided such a fitting metaphor for the Lord. Like ice cream, we can "taste" or experience the Lord AND discover that He is good.

We can rejoice that we have a Heavenly Father that is constant and consistent in EVERYTHING pertaining to His nature. We can trust Him because He is good and He never changes. JESUS NEVER FAILS!!! In spite of all of our struggles and setbacks, JESUS NEVER FAILS. Regardless of our experience with failed marriages, LOVE NEVER FAILS because GOD IS LOVE. And, He NEVER fails.

I encourage us all to study and rehearse the promises of God. God's promises are 100% accurate and guaranteed regardless of how we feel. Often the devil will try to suffocate us with lies about who God is or isn't and who we are or are not in relation to God. We can not fall for the devil's lies. We are loved and cared for by God 24/7. He is good!!! We must only dare to trust Him and experience His goodness. I promise He is better than ice cream.

Love and blessings!!!!

HUGS!!!!!