How Close Is God

When the world seems to close in around us we might have a tendency to wonder if God is nearby.  Do you ever felt that way?  I have. 

I hope these reminders encourage you. 

How close is God?

He is as close as …

-The birth of a baby

   -A breath of air

      -A baby’s soft cries

-A couple in love

   -An act of grace given without fanfare

      -A soldier standing in harm’s way

-A child’s laughter

   -A flower bud bursting open

      -The song of a bird

-The words “I love you”

   -A smile

      -A healing touch

-A word of encouragement

   -A friend when in need

      -A stranger offering a helping hand

-An orange fresh from the tree

   -A sunrise

      -A sunset

-A clap of thunder

   -Rainfall on a tin roof

      -Music that stirs the soul

-A cheery phone call

   -A cup of coffee with a friend

      -A loving touch of assurance

-A musician performing from his/her heart

   -A job offer

      -A loan approval

-A dose of medicine properly applied

   -A wise word properly stated

      -Significant words from His book

Become aware of the nearness of God.  He’s not just found in church on Sunday you know.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time

Strengthening the Family

Carolyn and I joined J Paul and his family last Sunday night for an activity they call Family Sabbath.  This is important and I hope you will endure to the end.

Family Sabbath is a low key family time in which we gather around the fire pit, makes smores, and have a really neat family time.  

Before we do anything else we pass a cup of water around the circle.  As the cup comes around to each of us, we simply dip our fingers into the water and the one holding the cup says these words, “Michael, you are loved and you are forgiven.”  And then it is my turn to pass this cup and say those exact words to the person on the other side of me.

These are powerful words.  To know and accept that we are  loved and forgiven is a profound psychological and spiritually impacting concept.

Following this, we may have a discussion with a lead question such as “What did you do that was difficult this past week?”

The questions vary, and the structure is such that we can veer off topic and not everyone has to answer – all the while we are making smores, laughing and talking. 

It is interesting to note the make-up of our circle.

J Paul         Father

Julie            Mother

TJ                18 and a senior

Josh            16

Maria          13

Jacob          11

Carolyn       Nanny to the kids and mother of J Paul

Me               Papa Michael

Can you believe it?  The kids never miss these family times, and they interact, they participate in the passing of the cup and it is a sacred and meaningful time at its highest intent.

Just had to share this.  Regardless of your family structure, strengthening the family unit is an important part of the fabric of your family’s life.

Give this one some serious thought.  Fashion your own Family Sabbath as you wish.  The most important thing to do is to do it.

Be well.

Build a stronger family unit.

Bless those in your family.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

One Word at a Time