aprilmccotter: March 2012

Airplane Conversations...

Back from India! Returned last week and have been in bed with the flu ever since. Although I haven't seen much more than my pillow it is good to be home. I spent 6 weeks in India and ate all kinds of bizarre foods, including slightly raw chicken , and drank water from unknown places and never got sick! Your prayers worked because I sit here typing in hot and cold sweats, wondering why I didn't post, "I'm flying home, pray for my health in America!":)

This baby was a sweetheart and hilarious!

Displaying his usual expression:)

I had plenty to ponder during my 20 hour flight time and got into a lengthy conversation with the Indian doctor sitting next to me. Our conversation covered everything under the sun but predominated on the differences between America and India: food, culture, beliefs, traditions, language, holidays, government, entertainment, education... the list could go on we had 10 hours to kill. As we discussed I realized so many of these differences were rooted in our beliefs/religion. Majority of Indians consider themselves Hindu. Majority of Americans consider themselves Christian. Hindus believe anything can be a god: people, animals, food, trees, a golden statue; they worship many different gods. Christians believe there is one true God, he created the world and everything in it, we didn't create him, he knows all things, he loves us unconditionally, died for us, and one day will come back and take all to heaven who have believed in Him.

I learned much while India. Each night I would walk home filthy, smelling of smoke and think about the lives of these precious people. They aren't so different from us, busy with children and work, complicated relationships and cluttered with stuff. Searching for answers but lost and have given up hope. Some are certain of there beliefs but when asked about it they can't explain why. Our lives are also filled with busyness and stress and it keeps us from asking the big questions. Many have settled for what makes the most sense, even though we don't know for certain. American motto: "enjoy life and be happy" but the end of that will come. Then what?

The Bible is a proclamation of Christ love for you from the beginning of time to the end of time. From the first book, Genesis, to the last, Revelation, is story after story unfolding the depths of wisdom, understanding, mercy, grace, forgiveness and above all else a perfect love from a Heavenly Father.

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father.Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad, Almighty God

Trash along the riverbank glistening at sunset.

Thursday 15 March 2012