Ann Farabee

By Ann Farabee

My husband and I had been sitting in our living room for an hour and neither of us had said a word. He was watching a game on TV, though, so it was understandable. As I looked across the room at him, I thought about our lives together. We have worked hard in our careers. We are raising our grandsons together. We have tried to live our lives for the Lord. And yes…we are getting older.

So, I looked toward him lovingly, as he sat there on the couch holding the remote, and I said tenderly, “I am proud of you.” He seemed a little shocked, but after a moment, he looked at me and responded, “I am tired of you, too.”

(Okay, this was a joke. Hopefully, my husband will forgive me for it.)

Sometimes, we do not hear what we think we hear.
Sometimes, we do not even attempt to hear.
Sometimes, we do not hear at all.
We need to listen.

The words, “They have ears, but cannot hear,” seem to be applicable and are in the gospels at least seven times. Apparently they needed to be repeated.

The word ‘hear’ is in the Bible 347 times, so it must also be a word that bears repeating.

Once while teaching a children’s Sunday School class, I told them how when I was just a young girl, that I had heard God speaking to my heart that I needed to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. A child blurted out, “How did you hear God?”

Good question from a six year old. Hopefully, I muddled through with a good answer.

How do we hear God? Here are some of my favorite ways:

*Through His Word. Isaiah 30:21 says that our ears will hear a word behind us saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” God’s Word is alive – it is not just a book. It is God-breathed – given by the inspiration of God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16. It still speaks to our hearts today.

*Through prayer. As we pray, God hears us and we hear God. It is not how we pray, but it is that we pray. It is our direct link to God. Psalm 66:19 says that God has heard me. He has attended to the voice of my prayer. To ‘attend to’ means to be present, to listen to, to give attention to. God attends to us!

*Through nature. When we look up at the sky, over at the trees, or around to see what God has made, Psalm 46:10 comes alive, and we can hear God’s Voice speak to our spirit saying, “Be still and know that I am God.”

*Through others. Our children, family, friends, strangers, teachers, pastors – are some of those who warn, encourage, bless, guide, and send us confirmation of what God is speaking to us, as they help us hear God.

*Through our circumstance. The circumstances – that ‘drive us’ crazy – are also the circumstances that ‘drive us’ to hearing the voice of God. A circumstance is an event or fact that causes something to happen. Bad or good – our life changers – our circumstances – are where we hear God. Proverbs 8:34 says that the man who hears God is blessed, so no matter our circumstance, we are blessed because we hear God.

*****Whether in the church – or on the couch – of our everyday lives – God wants communion and communication with us. God hears us – and we hear Him. We just need to listen.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

By Ann Farabee

Fatherhood can be complicated. Families can be complicated.

But the two sure can become beautiful, especially when they go hand in hand.

My father was a worker at Cannon Mills Plant Number 1 in Kannapolis. The dye department was his home away from home. No matter his personal struggles or personal joys, he always went to work.

The only exception to this was what was referred to as “Vacation Week.” For one week a year, the mill — and the town — closed down completely for vacation.

Many of those weeks, my parents would pack up our car and we would go camping in the Smoky Mountains. The most fun part of the trip would take place in the middle of the night, because that was when the bears would come down the mountain and go through the trash cans at the campground. Personally, I was frightened, as I could see the shadows of bears walking by the tent. I always stayed awake waiting on the bears, so I could protect myself when they tore into the tent where I was huddled in a sleeping bag. One thing I knew was that I did not want to be a bear’s dinner. Looking back, I do not think staying awake to wait on the bears really helped. Those vacations always included my father, who enjoyed “bear watching” as well.

As the years have passed, my list of fathers has grown.

Included on the father list is my husband.

He could be considered a stepfather, a father and a grandfather.

Then there is the father who is the father of my two children.

He not only fathered them, but he now has taken over the role of father to our granddaughter.

My son is also on the father list. He is father to two of the most beautiful baby boys ever born. They are now 35 pounds and 25 pounds of pure joy.

He is also the father of a recently turned 12-year-old son who is our grandson.

He is also pure joy, although I do not know how many pounds of joy he is.

Any reader at this point is most likely thoroughly confused as to who is who and who belongs to who. I got confused just trying to explain my family to you, as I am trying desperately to not leave anyone out.

Refer back to the first sentence: Fatherhood can be complicated. Families can be complicated.

So can love.

So, I will just say it this way: To all the fathers and grandfathers: Whether you are raising 4-year-olds or 40-year-olds, you are amazing men of love and sacrifice. You work hard. You love greatly. You do your best. No one ever said it was easy, but it sure is worth it.

This may explain why tears come into my eyes when my 20-month old grandson reaches up to my son with a fully trusting heart, while lovingly saying, “Dada.”

Dada then reaches down, picks him up, and holds him in his strong arms that bring them both great comfort and great love.

Complicated? I don’t know about that. What could be any sweeter?

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

The disciples encountered a storm in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves and a contrary wind. As they watched, they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them.

Peter responded with faith. He asked to walk on the water – and go to Jesus.

Jesus gave no explanation of how to walk on water.

He said just one word: Come.

But… what a powerful word it was! It required one action – a step of faith.

Peter went.

Peter walked – on the water.

But, he soon saw the boisterous wind.

When he saw the boisterous wind, He became afraid.

When he became afraid, he began to sink.

When he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

What did Jesus do?

He immediately stretched forth his hand.

He caught him.

Oh, yes, Peter had faith.

But, Jesus said this: You of little faith. Why did you doubt?

Apparently, Peter had little faith, surrounded with some doubt.

When they came back onto the ship, the wind ceased.

Those who were in the ship worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God.”

If we let this story from Matthew 14:22-33 ‘sink’ in, I am not sure we will ever be the same.

*On the sea of life, there will be storms, but Jesus will be with us.

*When He says, “Come,” we need to go.

*If we begin to sink, we can cry out, “Lord, save me.”

*He will immediately stretch forth His hand… and catch us.

*The wind will cease. We will be drawn to worship.

So, why do we have little faith?

And … why do we doubt?

Truly… He is the Son of God.

Beatitude. Beatitude. Beatitude. Say that three times really fast. Something about that word never got my proper attention until recently.

If I heard the words ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ I envisioned a lovely mountainside, picnic baskets, and Jesus.

There were picnic baskets, right? It WAS the longest sermon on record.

But hearing the word ‘beatitude’ did not sound nearly as special – until I saw the definition. Beatitude means supreme blessedness.

We all want supreme blessedness, right?

Well, the beatitudes are the key.

Blessed are:

The Humble. Humility means to have a modest view of our own importance. Not to think less of ourselves, but to think of ourselves less.

The Mourners. We are in a world that believes in happiness at any cost. But – Ecclesiastes 7:2-3 says that it is better to go into the house of mourning than the house of feasting. Sorrow is better than laughter. By the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

The Meek. Meekness is about our behavior toward others. The word is meekness- not weakness. It is meek – not EEK! Moses was described as meek in Numbers 12:3. Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart,” in Matthew 11:29. They had great power – but it was power under control.

The Hungry for Righteousness. Righteousness is the desire to do what is right. It is desiring God. It is pursuing God. We should be hungry for righteousness – and go after it!

The Merciful. Mercy is what you give to someone who does not deserve it. Compassion. Forgiveness. Surely the word mercy originated at the cross – as the greatest show of mercy possible was extended to us – the sinner.

The Pure in Heart. Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

The Peacemakers. Jesus gave His life to make peace between us and God. We are to carry that message of peace to the world. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15

The Persecuted. Persecution often refers to those who are mistreated because of religious beliefs. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12

The beatitudes say that if we do these things: We are blessed. We will receive the kingdom of heaven. We will be comforted. We will inherit the earth. We will be filled.

We will obtain mercy. We will see God. We will be called the children of God.

That, my friends, is supreme blessedness.

*8 beatitudes from the Lord that teach us how to live.

*Beatitudes – my new favorite word.

*Godly examples for us to follow.

*Teach them to our children and grandchildren.

*Let the beatitudes be a part of our family legacy.

*That sure was some great preaching on the hillside near Capernaum.

*Brought to you by: Jesus in ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew 5:3-12.

By Ann Farabee

Once again, I had fallen into a pattern of not making prayer a priority in my life. Why in the world would I let that happen? I mean, I am not a “spring chicken” anymore and I should know better. God has brought me through obstacle after obstacle in my life, so it seems that I would spend more time with my Heavenly Father.

I may have gotten busy, but I know God knows my need. And God knows me. I know God will take care of me. So, I may have missed a few times of prayer, but that is OK, right? I have really had a lot going on.

I will pray now… Hmm? Where is my prayer book? Yes, the one I had been writing prayer requests in…

I am still looking for that prayer book. Hold on — give me a minute.

Found it.

I love my prayer book. It lists one name at a time, beginning with my family and moving on from there.

I have some time this morning and I am going to use it to pray.

I began the way I always do in my private prayers. I entered into His presence with thanksgiving for all God has done for me. I asked forgiveness for my sins.

I was ready to pray over that list because Jesus had stopped to listen. No matter how many others were praying in the world at the same time, I still had His full attention. Isn’t that amazing?

Lord, I am so sorry that I tried to go through life yesterday without taking time in my day to talk with You. I failed to keep You at the forefront of my mind and thoughts throughout the day. You know how busy I was, Lord.

Oops — I stopped right there.

I was actually making excuses for myself again — and telling them to Jesus.

What is wrong with us?

I am sorry. I meant to say, “What is wrong with me?”

I have access to God in heaven through His Son, Jesus Christ, but yet, I can be so “busy” going about my day, that I do not take time to pray.

Since, I may have potentially relapsed into a period of having a weaker prayer life, here are some reminders about the benefits of prayer:

• God hears us.

• God wants to hear from us.

• God answers when we pray.

• God works. God heals.

• God changes us as we pray.

• We win over sin.

• Things happen that may not have happened without prayer.

• We get to communicate with God.

• We feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

• We do not have to worry about our future.

• The Holy Spirit abides in our hearts right now.

Do we believe it? Why wouldn’t we? So let’s receive it!

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

The situation had escalated to the point that it had taken our entire focus over the day and previous night. Yes, we were sleepy, but this was not going to be a time for sleep.

It was stressful. It was a difficult situation. It was a dead end with no immediate resolution. It did not appear that all things were going to work together for good, as was a promise from God’s Word that we tend to cling to. We were torn between keeping it to ourselves and trying to fix it or asking someone for help. Since we tend to be private people, we kept it to ourselves as long as we could.

Finally, we were totally exhausted mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

We sat down, looked at each other, took deep breaths, and said simultaneously, “We need help.”

Have you ever been there?

You were doing everything you could to fix the problem. It took every single ounce of your strength and ability, but it seemed hopeless? Your ability to keep fighting was gone, but you kept fighting anyway? You cried out in prayer to God, but nothing changed — and it even got worse?

It is hard enough to fight the battle all day, but when the sun goes down and the struggle continues, it is even more difficult. Something about the darkness seems to make the situation feel even more grim.

I believe some of you have been there. Exhaustion sets in and tears and fears join it.

It had gone from dealing with it, to desperation over it.

We prayed one more time, looked at each other and said, “We need help.”

It had been one of those situations that we really did not want to share with anyone — nor did we want to bother anyone.

It was late night, but we contacted our pastor to ask for prayer. He prayed, I am sure, but he did way more than that.

He showed up. And he brought a friend.

The first thing he said was, “You need rest.” The two of them stepped into action. They took our load and put it on their own shoulders. They carried it for us when it was too heavy for us to carry alone.

We needed rest — and they made sure we got it.

Do you need rest? Or maybe even the greater question is, “Do you know someone who needs rest?” If so, reach out to them.

Carry their burden for them the best you can — even if it is momentarily — so they can rest.

There is not a much greater gift that we could give than lightening the load of someone.

I remember being on a mountain hike one time, and my backpack grew more and more heavy as I trudged up that steep mountain. My husband saw how I was struggling under the load I was carrying, so he took it from me. Immediately, relief came. After a few moments of rest, I was able to pick up my load again and carry it myself.

I needed rest and I got it. Then I was able to continue my journey.

Give yourself — or give someone — the gift of rest.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

Even indoors, the boom of thunder was frightening — especially to my little granddaughter. She dropped her toy, looked my direction, then ran to me, while screaming, “Me hold you! Me hold you!”

She melted in my arms as she jumped up on me, leaned in close, put her head on my chest, then calmly whispered, “Me.. hold.. you.”

Along with the storm, I sensed that a “God moment” had just blown in…

As I was holding her, I felt such a sweetness. My mind whispered this question, “God, does it feel this good when I come running to You and jump up in Your arms?” I heard — and felt — His gentle and loving response, “Yes.”

Watching a child’s fear turn to faith as I held her, and seeing her complete trust in me, transcended me past the earthly moment, and showed me a glimpse of God’s Eternal Heavenly Love for us.

Psalm 119:117 says, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” Hold me, Jesus. No words seem to be any more powerful than those — an image of Jesus — holding me in His arms.

In Colossians 1:17 are the words, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” When the thunder crashes and the storms arrive in our lives — and they will — we run to Him, crying, “Me hold You.”

We melt in His arms, lean in close, put our head on His chest, and softly whisper, “Me.. hold.. You.” And we then realize we get something that feels even greater than holding on to Jesus — and that is Jesus holding on to us.

She did not need to be scared that day. I was with her the whole time. She knew that the closer she was to me, the safer she felt. I’m not sure if she was holding me or I was holding her, but it sure felt good.

We do not need to be scared during the storm. Jesus will be with us the whole time. The closer we get to Jesus, the safer we will feel. We hold on to Jesus, and Jesus holds us. It sure feels good.

Many years ago, it was written in Mark 10:16 that Jesus took His children in His arms. Jesus still takes His children in His arms. Hold me, Jesus. It sure feels good.

Lord, thank You for holding us in Your arms!

It sure feels good.

Amen.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

It was one of those nights that my body began to awaken at 3 am, and I finally decided to let my brain join it. In the previous three days, I had begun writing five columns – and put them all away for later. More ideas crept into my head as I lay there. None stuck. But… like always, I knew the Lord would send me the words to write. I just had to be patient.

I got up. Got a cup of cream & coffee. Opened up my Bible. It landed here:

Psalm 40:1 – I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

*I waited patiently for the Lord. That adverb ‘patiently’ sure does make a lot of difference. Patiently is how we are to wait. Patiently means showing tolerance of delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. That sure can be hard to do.

​*He inclined unto me. That verb ‘inclined’ sure does make a lot of difference. The Lord inclines unto us – that means He leans in toward us as we wait. I remember as I was sharing a burden with a friend once, she got up, walked over to me, sat down beside me, and leaned in toward me so that we would be closer. As soon as she did that, I was comforted. It is unfathomable to think that the God of this universe inclines toward us – leans in close – and comforts us while we wait.

*He heard my cry. That verb ‘heard’ sure does make a lot of difference. To hear means to perceive with the ear a sound made by someone or something, and to listen or pay attention to. We cry. God hears. When my children were babies, I would ‘hear their cry’ in the dark of the night many times. I even remember staying awake listening for their cry. Isn’t it good to know that God neither slumbers nor sleeps and hears the cries of His children?

So, what does God do after we have patiently waited, He has inclined toward us, and He has heard our cry?

Psalm 40:2-3 tell us — He brings us up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, sets our feet on a rock, establishes our goings, and puts a new song of praise in our mouths. Many will see it – and will trust in the Lord.

From our mundane daily needs – to the monstrous giants in our lives – and everything in between – the blessings of Psalm 40:2-3 are attainable.

How?

Wait.

Wait how?

Patiently.

Think I will give it a try. Care to join me?

One of my favorite – and least favorite – memories of middle school happened in PE class. Although I love sports, athleticism has never been my talent.

If students chose teams for kickball – or any game – I was always selected last. That hurt.

To participate, finish, and not be noticed was usually my goal.

On this day, while using the ‘not be noticed’ strategy, I donned my one-piece navy blue PE uniform as inconspicuously as possible, while in my corner of the locker room.

Then, as I walked into the gym, I realized it was ROPE CLIMBING day. Oh, what I would have given for a kickball game at that moment.

Weighing in at possibly 90 pounds, and quite the weakling, my expectations for myself in this endeavor were set pretty low.

I got in line, using a strategy that had worked before – slipping toward the back, while hoping the class period would end before my turn came.

I fearfully watched. I painfully waited. My turn came. This was not the first PE task that others had seen me participate in, so I felt that my rope ascension was a highly anticipated event, and everyone was planning to watch me carefully, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

I did not disappoint. I went way up that rope. Well, maybe not way up. But, it felt way up to me. I looked down and was petrified. I froze. I could not move.

My problem? My hands were locked around the rope because of my fear, and I was not willing to even move them slightly to a lower part of the rope in order to begin my descent.

I guess I would forever be known as the dope on the rope with no hope.

Students began yelling advice to me. Trust me – people yelling advice does not help.

Coach kept patiently repeating instructions. Trust me – repeating instructions over and over does not help, either.

As class time ended, I finally had no choice. I held on and slid… all… the… way…down.

*Rope burn? Yes.

*Pain? Yes.

*On solid ground again? Yes.

My hands were burning, as were the tears in my eyes, but I tried to pull myself together. Coach looked at me and said, “You did it.”

Those three little words changed it all. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to comfort and build one another up. Coach must have known that verse.

I proudly walked away, and headed to English class, where I felt like I was a pretty good writer – and could hang with the best of them.

*We will not be the best at everything, but we should still give everything our best.

God takes care of the rest.

By Ann Farabee

As a student in a classroom of 4th graders, recess would finally arrive. Our teacher would choose captains for the kickball teams, often based off who was yelling out their name the loudest. I never raised my hand, and certainly never yelled, “Me! Me! Me!”

The captains would then choose their team.

I was always chosen last.

My kickball skillset included one strategy. Connect my foot to the huge red ball when it was rolled to me. Yes, sometimes I missed it. Sometimes, I kicked the ball mightily, and it would creep toward the pitcher, as I barreled toward first base. The pitcher would pick up the ball and hit me with it. I was an easy out.

In today’s world, my mother would have signed me up for kickball lessons after school, so I could improve, but I just had to deal with my ineptness on my own.

Did I try? Yes.

Did I give it my everything? Yes.

Was that enough? No.

I had zero athleticism.

The torturous daily kickball games continued. Finally, one day, my teacher came to my rescue as she called out my name. As I ran toward her, I saw a brand new red ink pen and a stack of papers. She had chosen me to grade the spelling tests! My teaching career had begun.

That year of lacking kickball skills brought about the opportunity for me to grade papers for the teacher each day. Grading papers each day brought about God putting a desire in my heart to have a teaching career.

No, the kickball skillset made up of knowledge, ability, and experience — kicking, throwing, catching, running the bases, rolling the ball — was not my area of giftedness.

Sitting on the grassy hill at the edge of the playground grading papers for my teacher with her red pen was much better!

Not even once would I have been able to envision my 40-year teaching career that was to come, where my students played kickball often. Guess who got to roll the ball then?

God knew the plans he had for me — to give me hope and a future — by putting that desire for a teaching career in my heart.

God’s handprints are on our lives from the beginning.

As a skinny, short, non-athletic little girl on that playground, God was doing a great work in my heart. He was preparing my steps and setting my path for my future.

He guided my teacher to hand me that red pen. I guess I was not the last one chosen after all.

John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain.”

Hang on to that promise, my friends. He chose us and He appointed us. Our fruit will remain!

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.