Dear LTCC Family,

We just celebrated Mother’s Day.  It was personally a day filled with mixed emotions.  I had the joyous opportunity to spend the day with my two daughters and their husbands, but there was an awareness of the miles between me and my son who was not able to come home.  The girls and I also spent time at the cemetery, remembering the earthly life of our mom and grandma who has now spent the last 12 Mother’s Days in Heaven.  All of these moments caused me to reflect upon the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, His faithfulness and wisdom raising my own children, His grace in new seasons, and His blessing of a godly mother who consistently pointed me toward my Savior.  

My mother was all about discipleship and she would be completely on board with our new LTCC Mission Statement, “Loving God, by helping people follow Jesus.”  Upon the realization of God’s love for her, she poured His love into others, continually acting as a signpost toward Jesus, through His Word. Whether it be one of the neighborhood children, a young mom, or peer, her mother’s heart sought to minister to others.  She created a “culture of love and care” around each and every person the Lord brought her way. We too have this opportunity and I personally pray that I am very intentional in this area. 

God often ministers to me as He illustrates things in pictures.  Earlier this Spring, I became aware that a mallard duck was making a nest in my backyard.  Although the yard is just feet from a large pond, that fenced yard is shared with two very large Old English Sheepdogs.  I wondered how it might turn out.  I questioned her wisdom in choosing such a location to nest but day after day she returned to lay new eggs (seventeen in all!) and then she began to sit upon them. Sadly, I noticed that she did not return to the nest one day.  This was followed by another and another and I finally determined she had abandoned the nest.  The eggs were no longer protected, or in an environment where they could develop and grow. God, however, never fails or forsakes us.  

Hebrews 13:5 in the Amplified Bible says, 

“He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” 

I am so thankful that God is like this!  Although mothers and fathers, spouses and friends may forsake us, God will not!   Although this duck had abandoned her nest, there were several ducks in the pond who had obviously not abandoned theirs.  Young ducklings have been enthusiastically exploring their new world, while their mother swims with a watchful eye nearby.    This reminds me of God! In Psalm 32:8 He says,

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”   

These little ducklings are truly oblivious to the danger they are in when the bald eagle soars above, looking for his next meal.  The mother duck stays alert when her enemy is nearby, protecting them under her wings.  Psalm 91:4 says,

“He will cover you with his feathers,  He will shelter you with his wings.   His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”  

I am thankful for these illustrations of God’s presence, His watchful eye, counsel and protection seen in creation.

My children apparently have decided I need a few more ducks in my life.  They blessed me with 200 mini resin ducks, hidden in very creative places throughout my home. They are scattered everywhere.  I’ve been discovering new little ducks in places and at times least expected.  I smiled as I just found one hidden in a teacup!  These little hidden treasures remind me of the surprises God has for us in Himself, through His Word. He delights us with Himself.  As we stay in His Word and fix our eyes upon Him, we are filled with hope.  Romans 15:13 says,

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in Him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This has been our theme verse for women’s ministry this year, pointing others toward Jesus, our true hope. Through our women’s breakfasts and our retreat, we’ve focused on our God of Hope, Mission, Joy, Love, Life, Grace and Faithfulness. This coming Saturday, we’ll meet for our last breakfast of this ministry year.  Lori Smith will point us to God and the hope we have in Him through her testimony,  Ladies, there’s still room and we’d love to have you join us for a delicious breakfast, fellowship with sisters in Christ and encouragement in the Word.

What a joy it is to point others to Him! Psalm 78:5-7 says,

“For He issued His laws to Jacob; He gave His instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands."

LTCC, May we love God, by helping others follow Him.  

For the Deacons and Elders,

Leeanne