What Did I Say?

I was confronted with several unforeseen compliments and thanks this week. This had me thinking about the things we say and do. The ease with which a word of thanks can roll off your tongue, but the struggle we have in conveying it. With this in mind, I set out to start my day by thanking my husband for all he does, the little as well as the big things. To my surprise he responded with, "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"

Ouch!

That comment (meant to be funny) rang loudly, a bell signaling truth. I'm not good at complimenting or thanking my husband. I don't know why I have so much trouble with it. The self absorption often over-shadow's gratitude. Reflecting on the the kind words I received made me realize that something so simple can touch someone in a huge way.

After my husband got over the initial shock of my gratitude, he said, "Thank you for telling me that, it really means a lot!" Something so small, which required little effort, just a willing heart, changed his day.

The realization that the power of my words, or words I don't speak, breathes life into my relationship or sucks the life out of it. As I continue to work on this, I'd like to encourage each of you to breathe life into your relationships. Find a kind word, a thankful moment, and share your feelings with each other. Christ set an example of loving kindness. We can follow in His footsteps, beginning with one another. Share the love that's in your heart. Don't withhold gratitude from the people in your life.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galations 6:9

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

1 Corinthians 13:4

"Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:7

Who Are You?

I used to forget who I was, letting the things of my past rush in, flooding me with old, self-deprecating feelings. The mistakes I'd made, things I'd done that hurt others and myself, filling my mind with self-hatred. I let those old feeling overwhelm me and bring me to a state of hopelessness.

"I'll never change. This is who I am. This is who I'll always be." These lies playing over and over in my mind. The enemy was trying to use my past to keep me 'locked up'...'ineffective'...and 'unproductive' for Christ and His purpose for me.

As I eventually confronted my painful past, I cried, prayed and read the Scriptures daily. I needed the Lord's healing love, comfort and forgiveness, as well as self-forgiveness. The more I reached out to Him the quicker I was comforted. My heart began to change. I started to feel His love being poured over the open wounds of my heart. Medicine for my infected soul. The more I called Him, the more He answered. His faithfulness restoring me to who I truly am. Not my sins, not my poor choices, actions or words. A kinder, loving, caring person who's been changed through the love of Jesus Christ. My old ways have been washed clean through Christ's sacrifice. I've been redeemed, restored and given a new beginning. I can truly be all that the Lord wants me to be and so can you. Call out to Him daily and be set free! Know who you are in and through Jesus Christ.

"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him." Isaiah 57:18

"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: "Do not close your ears to my cry for relief." You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:55-58


For this is what the high and lofty One says-he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."Isaiah 57:15

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." Lamentations 3:25

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14

IS IT TIME TO BECOME CHILDLIKE?

Blonde hair flying in the wind, kicking off their shoes, the two ran through the wet sand, jumping into the swings, laughing as they joyously pumped their legs, back and forth...higher and higher. The rain had stopped just moments before the two appeared in the deserted park. They didn't seem to mind the cold, or large puddles that surrounded them.

The laughs became louder, one lunged forward as the other went back. Just as one of the swings reached its highest point, she propelled herself, arms flapping, soaring like a bird in flight, carefree, until she landed, the force sinking her deep into the sand. Her friend, not wanting to be outdone repeated the acrobatics, unfortunately landing on her backside. They roared in laughter as her friend helped her up. Picking up their shoes, skipping playfully across the grass, water splashing onto their rolled up pants.

I watched as they disappeared around the corner. Their carefree, unabashed delight in the day leaving a smile on my face. These were not children, or teenagers, they were two women. Grown women, delighting in a childlike way. They had not forgotten the pure joy of swinging, flying through the air, skipping & playing in rain puddles.

When was the last time you swung on a swing at a park, ran through rain puddles, slid down a slide? When was the last time you enjoyed each moment of your day without worrying about what others think, how you look doing it, or what tasks await you? Watching these ladies made me want to run towards the swing & do the things I enjoyed so many years ago. Innocent, simple, childlike fun. When was the last time you let go of your daily cares and had childlike Faith? Children possess the following traits that we seem to lose sight of as adults: believing, trusting, forgiving, loving, caring, and sharing. 

The Lord has said in order to inherit the Kingdom we need to have Faith like a child.  Complete Trust that your Father in Heaven can handle anything. Jesus' sacrifice was to set you free. Don't let life's troubles keep you from all that He's promised you. Pray today for increased, childlike Faith and Trust. Let God handle all your troubles...lay them at His feet in daily Prayer. You will then be able to once again, swing, fly, run, and skip. He wants you to know HIS FREEDOM!

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

"You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." "O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:57-58

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:21-26


"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40

I CHALLENGE YOU!

I sometimes have a problem with drifting. When things get difficult, my mind begins to wander. Thoughts fill my head as I start to search for answers. I begin to look for ways to change my current situation, trying to think outside of the box. In the end, still feeling a heaviness, a burden weighing me down. Suddenly realizing I've spun my wheels but have gone nowhere.

My first mistake is thinking I can handle whatever is going on alone. Don't get me wrong...I know that I can "handle it," but the consequences to doing things my way usually leaves me right back where I started...with overwhelming burdens.

There's a little challenge I started a while ago. Whenever I start 'drifting,' I follow the steps below & I'd like to challenge each of you to do the same in the coming weeks:

1. PROBLEM (figure out what your issue is)
2. PRAYER (before you do ANYTHING-PRAY about the problem)
3. READ BIBLE (Open up your Bible & let God fill you with HIS WORDS of WISDOM)
4. FAITH (Pray asking for Faith to let go and give it to Him)
5. TRUST (Continue Praying and ask for Trust to stop worrying & know God's with you)
6. THANKFULNESS (Thank Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ for their Loving Kindness & Faithfulness)
7. PRAY THROUGH YOUR DAY (Continue to pray quick Prayers throughout your day-establishing Trust)

These steps can be as quick as 5-10 minutes or as long as an hour. In the beginning it will be more difficult, but as you make a daily commitment to follow these steps, you'll cherish this alone time & not want to leave the "quiet place," with God.

REMEMBER, WHATEVER YOU'RE GOING THROUGH IS NOT TOO BIG FOR GOD.
LET GO & LET GOD!

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
Hebrews 2:1

So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert."
Hebrews 3:7-8

"He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness."
Hebrews 5:2

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:12-13

WHY vs. TRUST

It's often easy to say the right words, declaring your Trust in God and Jesus Christ. But when troubles come, (sickness, finances, loss, hurt) we often struggle to continue Trusting. The Trust is somehow replaced with, "WHY?"

We question, "If God loves us, how can He allow these things to happen to us? What lessons haven't we learned or have yet to learn? Why is He allowing these difficulties that seem unbearable, unimaginable in their weight and intensity?"

During these times, even though we're unable to know the reason behind it, one thing remains true, God is with you in the midst of it. He is the one you need to continue to cling to, Trust in and rely on to see you through it.

Wavering Trust leaves room for doubt to creep in; doubt moves to despair; despair leads to eventually taking matters into your own hands...thus telling God that you can handle things in your life better than He can.

God's timing may not be our timing. He may step in at the last possible moment, when you feel like you're being crushed. He may allow you to go through difficulties but show you His unending Love in the midst of it...carrying you Lovingly through each day. Moving you closer to His ultimate will and plan for your life. When the "Why's" begin to surface, spend some quiet time with God, just as Jesus did when He needed strength to finish His journey. His Love will encompass you, strengthening you, body, mind, and spirit...leading you to Trust in Him through the "Why's," knowing that He has you safely in the palm of His Hand. 

"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

Psalm 27:7

"Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge a strong fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth."

Psalm 31:2-5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

EXTRA PARTS

After all the kids are asleep, late one Christmas Eve, a husband and wife frantically work to assemble bikes, toys & electronics. The wife pleads with the husband to look at the instruction manual. It ultimately ends in a big fight as the husband declares he's done...while screws, pads and parts remain on the floor. To which the husband promptly replies, "Those are extra parts, in case something goes wrong." Which only leads to further arguing, the wife scouring the manual looking for where it says, 'EXTRA PARTS.'

Most of us avoid our daily life instruction manual. The words that will piece our life perfectly together, leaving no 'EXTRA PARTS,' just in case. God doesn't need a back up plan from you, or anyone else. His plan is perfect. He's assembled the instruction manual, THE BIBLE, to put you and your day together piece by piece, part by part, hour by hour, minute by minute. Enabling you to move efficiently through each trial, struggle and storm, well put together, sealed with His Strength, Wisdom and Love.

Read the Bible, God's instruction manual for your life each day. Continue in His Word and He'll set you free.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38

It's Time To Remove Your Training Wheels!

Remember when you learned how to ride a bike?

Running outside with you parents, jumping on the bike and pedaling, only to find the bike tilting toward the side, panic rising up as you realize you're about to fall. Suddenly, at just the right moment, the bike's training wheel stops you from toppling over. Feeling relief sweep over you…white knuckles loosening their grip on the handlebars, you begin to pedal faster. Gaining trust as the bike, teeter totter's, between the two back training wheels, while you remain upright.

When the time comes to finally remove the training wheels, fear creeps back in, unsure of whether you really care about becoming a "Big" boy or girl. But your parents gently coax you along, reassuring you that, "It's okay, we've got you." They run behind you, holding onto the back seat yelling, "Pedal faster!" Their secure grip, guiding, encouraging you to go on.  Before you know it, you look back and they're clapping for you, no longer holding on. You begin to wobble in doubt, maybe even falling because of fear. But you're able to get back up and try again, as your parents continue to lovingly persuade you. Eventually, you become secure in the knowledge that, you can do it!

In life, Heavenly Father is your parent. He is holding you up, and when you get too far away and fall, He picks you up, encouraging you to push on. Strengthening you with His Love. Reminding you that He is there, He is with you and you're not alone. Spend time with Him in that secret, quiet place; soaking in His Love through Scriptures and Prayer.

 Take off your training wheels. Let His Words propel you forward. Allow Him to cheer you on, as you race ahead of your circumstances, into His restoring Peace and Grace.

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boys father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24 "He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." Mark 9:29

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:30

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."Mark 10:27   

After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went to them, walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Mark 6:46-50