Healing Scriptures

Sleep is so very individual. Some of us have the gift of slumber and can go out just about anywhere. Some of us, on the other hand, stew and brew until finally the switch turns off. Kurt is one of those blessed by an almost supernatural ability to doze off quickly. He claims it’s the result of a clear conscience. (Not sure what he’s trying to imply there!) It didn’t take long as a young bride to realize that if I wanted to say something to Kurt once we’d gotten into bed, I literally had from the time he crawled under the covers until his head hit the pillow. He goes out fast!

This is the reason we stopped volunteering in the nursery. During one shift I looked over at the rocking chair; Kurt was sleeping but the squirming baby in his arms was wide awake. Yikes!

You may have deduced that I am of the stew and brew variety, when it comes to falling asleep. Unfinished to-do lists roll around with instant replays of the day’s happenings alongside vain imaginations of what tomorrow might hold. Typically, twenty minutes constitutes a short runway to the Land of Nod for me.

Recently I found a wonderful new way to be lullabied into rest: healing Scripture CDs. I slip a disc in and listen for a while before drifting into slumber. The Truth and the power of God’s Word continues to wash over me long after I’m no longer aware. The CD plays out and shuts off on its own while I continue to rest until morning.

Psalm 127:2 has long been a favorite. “It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” By allowing Scripture to wash over me at bedtime, I prepare for this blessed rest that is God’s gift to His children remembering that while I’m snoozing, He is on the job! “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3). The worrisome thoughts that try to sneak in are overwhelmed by His promises and I am at peace.

What an incredible way to renew the mind! Several of you have sent me compilations of Healing Scriptures and I thank you. If you’re interested in giving this method a try for yourself or maybe for a restless child, here are a few CDs I’ve been enjoying:

Healing Scriptures: Shelley & Jenny Dedrick of Spirit Ministries

Healing On High: Dr. Mahesh Chavda

Healing Scriptures: John Hagee

Getting used to opposing sleep patterns is not the only challenge of newly married couples. No, there are many learning-curve experiences all throughout the years, and especially at the beginning. Kurt has always declared that marriage is God’s best disciple making tool. (Not sure exactly what he’s trying to imply there either!) In spite of the hurdles, Kurt and I highly recommend marriage. And so it is with extreme delight that we announce to you the recent engagement of our oldest daughter, Olivia, to her Godly and handsome young man, Mr. Matthew Mitchell! We are pleased to inform you that our investment in Moody Bridal Institute has paid off!

Seriously, this past weekend Kurt and I were able to celebrate the answer to a 20+ year prayer. While Liv was still in my tummy we began to pray that God would bring her together with the man of His choosing. We have interceded for Matthew for a long time although we only just met him and learned his name a year ago. This past Sunday was a day of rejoicing with an outdoor proposal on a beautifully sunny and colorful fall day, followed by the Mitchell and Sauder families gathering for a shared meal and finally ending with a very meaningful time of prayer over Matt and Liv. Lord, we thank You. You are good, all the time!