JESUS ON THE ROLLER COASTER

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, Genesis 28:15 (NAS)

 Our family always enjoyed amusement park rides. One year we vacationed near a boardwalk that boasted of having an old-fashioned, wooden roller coaster. With trembling anticipation, our children approached the ticket booth. 

As the roller coaster roared up, screeching to a stop, the children barely waited for the shaky, pale tourists to unload before jumping into their seats.

My husband and son hopped in. My daughter and I climbed into the seat behind them. As the ticket-taker came by, I realized that my hubby's long legs prevented the bar from catching the safety lock. My son had nothing to hold him in! My husband was more confident than I in his ability to overcome the power of centrifugal force and hold the bar. I turned in a panic to alert the ride operator.  That very instant, he threw the lever forward and we took off. Terror for my son's life seized my heart as we careened down the first drop, swerving precariously.

I knew any second my son could go flying into mid-air. I began praying aloud for God to protect him.  With the next sudden dip and twist something cracked in my lower back. 

I prayed even louder, "Jesus! Help us! Please, Jesus, get us off this ride safely!” 

It seemed like the ride would never end.

When the coaster finally screamed to a stop on the platform, my husband, son and daughter bolted from their seats and flew to the exit, leaving me in their dust. It was evident my loud prayers had humiliated them.

No matter, I knew Jesus had been with us, as He promised He would be—always and forever.

Father, I’m so thankful You are always as close as a prayer.

© 2017 Bonnie Mae Evans

THE THIN BLUE LINE

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)

Once again officers responding to a call in the line of duty have laid down their lives protecting others. Our hearts are broken. A community is mourning and families are hurting . . . aching, trying to comprehend the unbelievable void. Many questions are left unanswered.

We look to God and beg to make sense of it all. Human understanding only takes us so far. In these times we must stand on what we know to be true. God is good—all of the time and He absolutely, unreservedly, deeply loves us. He is weeping with us, but it does not end there.

Long ago, he knew this day would come, so He prepared a way for us to be one with Him and experience His comfort and peace. He wanted us to know complete assurance of His unfathomable love.

Thus, He did the unimaginable. He allowed His precious son, Jesus to be nailed to the cross for our redemption. He knows crushing grief. He was there as the thin blue line of Jesus' vein was pierced by nails driven through His flesh to the wood of the cross. The blue line poured forth red as His blood ran down to cover us and wash away all our sins.

Police officers stand as the thin blue line that protects society from evil and chaos while on this earth.

Jesus erased the line that separated us from God eternally. Forever we can rejoice in His presence—no more fear, pain or death.

Thank you Father, for all of the brave ones who stand to protect us while on this earth. Thank you, that Jesus crossed that line and opened Heaven. Amen.

©2016 Bonnie Mae Evans

Change of Address

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:20 (NAS)

This year has been especially difficult for me to get started on the usual preparation for the holiday season. Normally, by the end of October, I have already ordered and received our family photo Christmas cards. By November, they are addressed, stamped with Madonna and Child and ready be sent out, spreading cheer to friends and family all across the continent, a few will even go to other countries.

This winter is different. Way behind schedule, I gloomily got out my address book with the alphabetical Christmas card list in the back. Each year as I begin to send out cards I am saddened by the realization that more and more of our dear friends and loved ones are no longer with us. Many have gone on to be with the Lord.

This year was more painful than usual. My dad became one of those who will be missed, as he went to be with Jesus a week before Thanksgiving. Staring at his name through tears, it occurred to me that while the beloved names of people on my list are decreasing, the names in the roll book of Heaven are increasing! My precious friends and family have simply relocated. They have a glorious new home with a new address. And someday, with great expectation and hope I can look forward to moving there also.

 So, this year I won't erase them from my address book. Instead, I will joyfully write the new address next to their name—Heaven.

 Dear Father, I thankfully praise You for the promise of Heaven for those who love You. Amen. 
© 2012 Bonnie Mae Evans