The Cozy Corner
The Cozy Corner: Nursery
Ardent Aesthetics loves babies and babies' rooms, one of their emphasis categories. This room brings the imagination of a child to life. It's a guiding force for your infant to become an active, attentive, and altruistic toddler. Calming earth tones are key in this design as they mirror the creativity of the industrial and wood tones in a trinity of simplicity. Curiosity is heightened, even for me, as eyes settle on the model tree house. Get to work Dad, they will be ready for the real one soon! Comfort is found, for the mother, in the upholstered rocking chair. That comfort is extended from her hand through the stuffed koala bear to the baby.
The Cozy Corner: Greater Faith Church
Good news is not shared often enough in today's world. From bad news to "fake" news, we often find ourselves in conversations about how no news is better news. For this reason, Ardent Aesthetics brings you good news--this month's topic-Greater Faith. There are many great churches in Tuscaloosa and Hale County. Greater Faith, in Moundville, AL seems to honor your choice in attending their service. Pastor David Evans Sr. preaches every Sunday, and it is good news. You will learn the value of your choice in a church family, the power in your words, and the strength found in Jesus. Greater Faith is truly a community center--housing boy scout troop 151 when they found themselves in need of a new home. Aerobics classes, adult education, children's academy, and homebuying classes are amongst the many activities that are housed at this community church. Ardent Aesthetics will strive to bring you the good news in this monthly newsletter. For now, know that good news is shared at Greater Faith throughout every week. To learn more about Greater Faith go to thegreaterfaithchurch.org.
The Cozy Corner: Devotion
Have you ever prayed desperately for something you cared deeply about and received a resounding “no” as your answer? If so, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul prayed for a “thorn in my flesh” to be removed (2 Cor. 12:8–11). Even Jesus prayed, “Take this cup from me” (Mark 14:36). I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.PSALM 6:6 David understood there would be consequences for his sin. The prophet Nathan had told him that his son would die (2 Sam. 12:14). But David “pleaded with God for the child” (v. 16). He fasted and prayed for seven nights. David’s concern for his child contrasts sharply with his indifference at the death of Uriah (2 Sam. 11:25). Even though David had changed, his request was not granted. David overheard his attendants whispering and discovered the truth that his son had died. Children in ancient Israel were named on the eighth day, which is likely why the child is not named in this passage (Lev. 12:3). David joined the ranks of the many parents who have suffered the indescribable pain of losing a child. David’s response surprised everyone. He “went into the house of the Lord and worshiped” and then ended his fast (v. 29). His reason for this was that he now had the answer to his request. He knew he would not be reunited with his child until his own death (v. 23). It can be hard at times to understand why our requests are not granted. David accepted God’s authority over life and death. This passage ends with the birth of another son, Solomon. One child cannot replace another, but the birth of Solomon served as a reminder of God’s love and grace (vv. 24–25). It demonstrated there was still hope for the future. >> God is worthy of our worship even when His answer to our prayers is no. While we may not understand why, we can be certain that God understands our pain. In Christ, God has entered into our pain and can empathize with us (Heb. 4:15). Pray with Us Father, You denied the fervent prayer of Your own Son when He asked to be spared from the cross. We believers enjoy the indescribable good procured by that resounding no. We trust You, even when You deny our own requests. This is an excerpt from todayintheword.org