In my devotional this morning I read the following verse:
Isaiah 40:28-31
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I have a note in my Bible saying that "hope" in that verse is translated to mean "bind together/twist". So it would read like this: those who bind together/twist in the Lord will renew their strength.
I meditated on that for awhile and truly imagined me and the Lord so connected that we were like a Twizzler. A true image of a piece of licorice came to mind. The only way I can get through each day is to be so interconnected and bound together with God. He is my hope. I will get the strength I need each day when I am intertwined with Him.
Ironically, after dinner while Valera was watching a movie, my dad told me that he had given Valera a Twizzler this afternoon (I didn't even know that we had twizzlers in this apartment....) At any rate, Valera held it in his hand and looked at it like "what am I supposed to do with this thing?" is it a pen? A flag? Pa said Valera just waved it back and forth.
So my dad took a bite of his Twizzler to show Valera it was food. Then Valera took a bite of his. My dad finished his Twizzler in a few seconds while Valera ate it ever so slowly, as if he was wondering if each bite had a new adventure to it.
My dad wanted me to see how Valera would respond when given another Twizzler tonight. I had the honor of presenting him with another one and his face lit up! He's hooked.
Whether it's because of my devotional this morning, or because of the way my dad described Valera's first exposure to the long twisted stick, I will never look at a Twizzler the same again. It's a symbol of the hope and strength I have in Christ when I choose to bind together with Him, and the hope of all the many things Valera has yet to experience.
(on a logistical note..we had a simple day- UNO, movies on DVD, soccer, a walk to the grocery store. Valera tried to teach us some Russian tonight and was absolutely belly laughing at the sound of my pronunciations. I think we 'll stick to him learning English!)
Lisa, it is such a delight to read your posts. I ran into Mary Kate and Ted last night at PAE's meet and greet and I felt like I was running into famous people. You all, through your blog are on my heart every day and I so look forward to hearing your stories. I am literally following along day by day and so enjoy hearing how each of your family members is playing such a beautiful part of this great love story. Seeing Ted and Mary Kate after having been reading for a couple weeks was just pure JOY!!! I absolutely can not wait to meet Valera in person and have you guys over for dinner when you return. Also, your post about your tribute to your Dad was absolute perfection and bliss. I've never met your dad but what a wonderful father and man of God he is. You are so blessed. Take care my friend and keep up the writing. You will treasure these words for years and years to come. XOXO, Cindy
ReplyDeleteLisa, I can not tell you how touching this whole blog is. What a great illustration of a twizzler!! I too will never look at them the same. You are just precious and an incredible writer. I am praying for you dear friend and can not wait to welcome you ALL home. We love you soooooo much!!
ReplyDeleteLisa , your faith and faithfulness is such inspiration to others.
ReplyDeleteWe had multi colored twizzlers for dessert last night with the Hosack's and the McKee's!! Wonder what Valera will think when he sees that they can come in many colors too?? :) This also reminds me of the verse that a cord of three strands cannot be broken. Your faith and hope in God will always bind your family together. Love you!!
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