An Elevator Was Sacred Ground

A year ago, I recognized my prayers were getting a bit lame. I wasn’t really talking with God about anything specific. 
I reached out daily to connect with Him—
I expressed gratitude.
But beyond that, There wasn’t much I was talking over with Him. 

I decided to be more purposeful in my prayers to God regarding my children. 

As a mom at my stage of parenting, there’s less to physically do for my children. 
I’m not complaining. I’m happy that they have each flexed their independence. They are at an age where I no longer have to set curfews, outline chores, and deal with daily comings and goings. The way I see it- is they are now accountable to only God for whatever they do next. 

Nevertheless, as a mom, I still want to love on them and help them in the right ways.
So I took it to God. 
It felt strangely difficult that I didn’t know what to pray for. 

When they were younger, I uttered hundreds of prayers as they stood at bat, on a playing field, and at the free throw line…
I prayed for them during tryouts and tests. I prayed that they would make good friends and have someone who was kind to sit by on the bus. 

And then I watched the craziest things happen-
They struck out. 
They missed the goal. 
They bricked the shot. 
They got cut from the team. 
They did poorly on the test. 
They were lonely. 
They were bullied. 

My prayers didn’t seem to change the outcome. They truly didn’t…

So, in this season of life—
As I manage my expectations,
And work to stay in my own lane in my children’s lives—
How, and what, do I pray for my kids?

I’m learning to spend more time listening to God as I pray,
And I’m working to have deeper conversations with my kids about the things they’re praying for, so I can unite with them in prayer.
As I linger in prayer,
I begin to better understand the purpose of prayer.
Is it that I’ve learned something new?
Or perhaps simply deepened my understanding?

As I discuss my children with God, asking to be mindful of my role as their mother,
My understanding of how God sees them—and how He wants to direct them—grows.
I better understand that the purpose of praying for my children is not to ask for things I think would be good for their lives. Instead, it’s an opportunity to discuss them with God—who loves them perfectly. It’s a chance to listen and to seek understanding of where God is showing up in their lives, and thus, what in their lives holds the greatest eternal importance.

Last fall, my daughter-in-law came for a visit. One day, as we were chatting, she told me that they had felt strongly that they should pray for a miracle.
They believed God was telling them to ask.
A miracle with her health at the time would seemingly be anything in a better trajectory.
She had been in a hard place with symptoms and seizures.
I found great purpose in praying with them—and for them—that they would recognize the miracles God would bring into their lives.

On the morning of her brain surgery, we journeyed to the hospital before daylight. Jodi and Bry cheerfully approached the attendant at the desk to check in. We were directed to the surgical floor.
It was a short elevator ride up a few floors.
The three of us entered what seemed to be an empty elevator. Bry and Jodi stood together across from me.
Yet without a doubt, I came to understand that we were not alone. For a moment, I could see and feel that angels stood with them. Miracles had been unfolding to bring us to this point, on this day.

God was letting me know that these two were His children and that He had them encircled. He had His perfect love wrapped around them and had sent angels to linger with them. I was blessed with God’s lens to see it and, through faith, an unshakable understanding.
It was real.
It was eternal.
I felt privileged to stand with them—near them.

An elevator became sacred ground that day.
God’s Spirit and angels filled it.

No matter what would happen next—
That day, that month, or the next year—
God was in control.

This life—
Our life—
Is His work.

-JC

Strawberry Crunch Krispy Treats

Make a batch of: Strawberry Crunch
½ oz. crushed freeze dried strawberries
12 crushed Golden Oreos
2 ½ tablespoons melted butter
Dash of salt
Combine all ingredients.

Sprinkle Strawberry Crunch mixture in a greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake for 4 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven and pan. Let cool slightly. Line clean 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper. Sprinkle Strawberry Crunch on the parchment to evenly cover the pan with the mixture.
Gently spoon onto it the layer of Strawberry Krispy Treats, being careful not to mix up Strawberry Crunch layer on the bottom. Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray. Use your hands to gently flatten and even out treats. Let set.
Before serving, invert treats onto a large parchment, cutting board, or tray. Peel off parchment paper. Strawberry Crunch will now be on top.
Cut into squares. Share!

Strawberry Krispy Treats:
6 tablespoons butter
16 oz. mini marshmallows
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ oz crushed freeze dried strawberries 
7 oz. marshmallow fluff
10 cups crisped rice cereal (Rice Krispies)

Melt butter, mini marshmallows, salt and crushed freeze dried strawberries in a large bowl in the microwave. (Approximately 1 minute.) Stir in the marshmallow fluff until smooth. Gently fold in rice cereal.