The Backyard is Back
As a kid many of my favorite memories took place with my family and friends in our backyard. Dad teaching me to ride a bike, playing basketball, nerf football, and whiffle ball, and so many more fond memories. It was a place of joy and freedom from all fears.
Now in less than ten days, like it or not, the backyard is back! Once again the backyard has become the hang out place for our families. Let’s make our homes and the backyard a place of full of love, joy, and no fear zones!
One principle I live by is to focus on finding and seeing the good in everyone and everything. “Pure Joy Baby” are three words many associate with me and my James 1:2 philosophy on life. Jesus endured the cross by Joy says Hebrews 12:2 and Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that we are to find Strength in that same Joy!
This past week, we chose Joy by holding my daughter Kylie’s senior prom in our backyard with just our family and one close friend. Take a quick glance as we hope it brings you a little joy.
One day later, my oldest son refused to let COVID-19 steal their happiness. Him and his lovely bride Summer moved their wedding to their backyard with just families present. It was one of the most beautiful and joyous weddings ever! Everyone was still able to be there through a video live stream.
We are created in our Creator’s Image. Not in the image of fear! Be creative and make sure Joy dominates fear as we fight and win this battle through the strength of our Savior Jesus Christ! We have the power of the Spirit of God and the Love that never fails, that is all we need!
One of the keys often accredited to the Jewish successes in the world of wealth, science, and many Nobel Peace Prizes is the importance the Jewish people have placed on family time around the dinner table and on time spent with their children passing on values, traditions, and faith. Let the rest of the world share in this tradition during this time.
The last few days, I have seen more families taking walks together, playing with their kids, and enjoying the spring weather. Yes, it may be because of the forced isolation of Corona 2020, but the outcome is our choice. As kids and adults are learning to work from home, enjoyed the extra time you have with your family. Karaoke and adding a lovely new Daughter-in-Law to the family is my idea of a great time. Get creative and allow God to turn this plan of the enemy for good in your home and backyard!
I know many, including myself, have loved ones in the hospital battling this evil enemy, but sickness will not win this battle. We know the end of the story! Corona is a big problem, but God is a bigger Answer!
Three Hebrew boys, I like to refer to as SMA – Yo Shak, my Shak, and a Bungalow or better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, faced a huge image of fear as well. Everyone was forced to come together and bow to a giant golden image. They were told everyone had to either bow or die in a furnace of fire. Talk about a crash course of Fear 101. SMA refused to give in to this fear and as a result, God honored their boldness and courage!
King Nebuchadnezzar heats up the furnace 7x hotter, but SMA place all their trust, hope, confidence, and faith in God! When your view of eternity is greater than your focus on mortality, then you will become like SMA!
They were thrown into the fire for refusing to bow to fear, but the only thing that burned was what was the ropes binding them!!!! Not only did everyone see that boldness and faith rewarded as they freely walked around in the fire, King Nebuchadnezzar says, “There is fourth in the fire and he look like The Lord!”
I have an important reminder for you. God’s Fire is Greater! Gods snake ate the other snakes when Moses staff and Pharaoh’s boys had a snake off. Elijah’s Fire was far greater than all the 350 prophets of Baal as God honored Elijah’s courage and faith by sending a consuming fire for his sacrifice at Mount Carmel. God always shows up bigger, so keep your faith!
Many are looking at a problem, but we need to be looking at The Answer. The problem will get bigger, but our Answer will always be greater and destroy the problem!
We are to obey the laws of our government and be wise to avoid spreading this plague, but we are not to bow in fear. If the backyard is where we must be, then bring JOY to the backyard! Just like Jesus showed up in the fiery furnace with SMA, He will show up in the Backyard! Where Jesus is, there is freedom! Fear, anxiety, panic, and depression are knocking at your door wanting in your home and in your backyard. Tell it to go back to hell! Joy is here! Love Already won this battle!