January 3, 2018

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you."  Isaiah 26:3

I love this verse. It doesn’t say that we will be in perfect peace because everything is perfect. It doesn’t promise that we will never go through anything. 

What it does say is that if our minds are “stayed on him”, we will have peace. In the middle of whatever we are dealing with - and we are all dealing with something!!

It may be worry. It may be grief. It may be fear. Not knowing how something is going to turn out. But the promise is the same. Perfect peace as we focus on him. There is nothing more powerful!!

December 31, 2017

I can’t even comprehend that we are on the threshold of 2018!! There have been lots of surprises in 2017 - great and awesome things that I never expected, and health issues that have frustrated me. But I know this - no matter what we face, it is STILL not a surprise to God, and He can work all things for good! I am so thankful for each friendship - the old, the new and the renewed. I am learning more and more that worry and a controlling nature are overrated, and the very best thing we can do is to put our trust in God, and to choose joy. It makes every situation better.

“What we perceive as unanswered prayers are often the greatest answers. Our heavenly Father is far too wise and loves us far too much to give us everything we ask for. Someday we’ll thank God for the prayers He didn’t answer as much or more than the ones He did.” - Mark Batterson

December 19, 2017

“When I think about the wise men, I’m amazed at how willing they were to interrupt their lives and go on a quest to seek baby Jesus. Surely, they were important leaders in their tribes and nations with seemingly more important things to do than traipse all over the world following a star and looking for a baby. However, that’s exactly what they did. And some scholars think the wise men may have been traveling for months, maybe even years, to find the newborn King.

I wonder how often we miss out on God’s invitations to experience Jesus because we’re not willing to interrupt our daily lives and normal schedules. So often we’re too busy, especially during the holiday season, to realize the opportunities that cross our paths each day. Instead we think, “Nah, I don’t have time to invite the neighbors to our church’s Christmas services. They might want to go and then I’d have to go with them and be late for the office party. Which reminds me, I need to pick up a gift for my boss.”

But do you really want to miss out on being part of what God is doing in others’ lives?

God’s interruptions are often invitations to something more significant. Today don’t miss out on the blessing of participating in God’s plan because you’re too busy. Allow God’s Spirit to interrupt your plans and reveal the joy of giving.” - Craig Groeschel

December 18, 2017 - Looking Back

Some days are milestones - before and after days that mark a huge life change. Three years ago today I found out that I needed to have chemo. At the time, I thought it meant a delay in my schedule (a big deal when you like to control things!) and losing my hair. I didn’t realize how much it would change me long-term. There have been negatives - mostly ongoing physical issues (eyes, memory, fatigue). 

But there have been so many more blessings that I would never have experienced any other way. Today, I think about the people who paved the way for me with their amazing attitudes in dealing with hardship. Jerrel and Jackie, Mindy and Michael, Amanda and Timothy - your example of faith through fire impacted me so deeply! And our support team was and is absolutely amazing! More than I could ever name - but Cristina and Daniel, (sharing your chemo experience), Brook, Larry and Susan,  Ashley and Tim, Stephanie, Cherri, Pam,  Mary-Dare, Ashley, Laura, Treasa, Patrick, Stacy, Aimee, Rachel, Beth, Amanda, Nelda, Jim, Sarah, Darlah, Sarah and Nick, Kelli and Scott, and other family and friends - you were and are such a blessing to us. 

So thankful that Kelli and John were home in this time, that Graham was born to bring us Christmas joy (and he is such a happy boy), and for all the things that God showed us and continues to show us. For all the new friends, for every life group, lunch, fun adventure that has happened since then - I am grateful!!

Of all the earthy blessings - Tony is the biggest blessing in my life! I already knew how amazing he was, but ever since cancer, his wisdom, leadership and love have been overwhelming. I love you. 🙂

Three years later. Thankful to be able to celebrate and reflect!!

December 17, 2017 - No Crib For a Bed

“She wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place. ”—Luke 2:7 

“Just imagine what kind of majestic, glorious, beautiful, and infinitely comfortable crib the King of the universe should get! However, when the King of kings was born, He didn’t have a nice... crib with a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Instead, the Savior was placed in a feeding trough where livestock would eat. It was basically a big rectangular stone farm sink sitting on a pair of cinder blocks!

So, from the humblest of towns, in the humblest of places (basically a barn), to the humblest of women (read Luke 1:26–55), the Lord was born and placed in the humblest of “cribs.” As surprising and unexpected as this should sound, when you get to know Jesus, it’s not surprising at all. Why? Because our Savior embodies and exemplifies humility!

In Philippians 2:6–8, we read that Jesus, “existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”

[As you prepare for Christmas], remember what Christmas is all about. It’s not about the bells and whistles, the decorations, the lights, or the fancy presents in golden wrapping paper . . . it’s about rejoicing over the coming of our humble King, who came to save us from our hopelessness.” - Danny Saavedra

December 16, 2017 - How Not To Make Your Grown Kids Hate Christmas

Great Post by Suzanne Eller!!

52 texts.

The first text looked something like this:

Hey kiddos, when do you want to get together for Christmas? 

And then it began. One of our children proposed a date, and another said it wouldn’t work. Someone else thought a date might be open, only to realize that it was already filled. We kept working at it, until we realized that maybe this was the first year that we wouldn’t be able to do Christmas together.

Did that make me sad?

It didn’t.

Because a long time ago, I made myself a promise — that Christmas wouldn’t be limited to a specific day, or a specific way of doing things. That I would be flexible. That we’d have fun, no matter what day we got together.

I made this promise as a young mom — when I was hauling little kids out of bed and into the car. When I longed for Christmas morning to be with my children, all of us in our pajamas after a big breakfast of French toast.

Though some were more flexible than others, it seemed like there was always at least one person disappointed (or outright mad) because we weren’t where they wanted us to be.

It’s not that there weren’t good memories. There were. Yet, in those early years, we were often a source of disappointment. Richard and I were the first to be married on either side. We were the first to have children. And in those early Christmas years, we were often the ones “messing up” the way things had always been.

One day I realized that I no longer loved Christmas.

As a believer, this weighed heavy. How could I share the joy of Christ with my young family when I wrestled with resentment, uncertainty, angst?

One year cancer gave us an incredible gift.

I got sick at the ripe age of 31. That Christmas I was going through chemotherapy. Radiation was next. My children were young, and all I wanted was to watch them grow up. That Christmas no one said a word about expectations.

I’d see a flash when I laid down for a nap, my body tired from the toxins in my veins. I knew what they were doing. This might be our last Christmas together. They were taking pictures of us all together. They were treasuring the gift of now.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 (ESV)

It’s been years since that hard Christmas (and yet such a good one). My children are grown, and now that they are, I want to remember the promise I made.

I want Christmas to be about Christ — not me. Not my wishes. Not my traditions, or how I think things should be.

While I have no control over anyone’s schedule but my own, I do have the option of bringing peace into this season. I desire that my children know that mom is flexible. That if it takes 52 texts for us to figure this out (and we eventually did), that I’m okay with that.

You see, my children weren’t created to fill the need of Christmas in my heart. They aren’t supposed to juggle and finagle and worry about who is mad at who. Most of all, I long that when they see me, they’ll see that while I love them with all my heart, Christmas isn’t about a day. It’s about Jesus.

Lord, let my children see you in me. In every day, but especially in this season of celebrating you. 

There’s a hidden treasure in this, one I didn’t realize. Because it’s pressure-free, they work really hard to be with us.

Maybe it’s not on Christmas day, or maybe it is.

Maybe it’s unconventional and Richard and I hike on Christmas morning, while they have sweet family time, or they are with the other side of the family. Yet when we gather (and it’s wild and wooly with 6 littles), my prayer is that they will fall in love with Christmas and all that it means.

If you are on the other side of someone’s anger or disappointment this Christmas, I’m reaching with a huge embrace. I pray his peace wraps around your tender heart, and you see how beautiful you are to him.

If you are the one struggling to hold on to what “once was,” would you consider releasing that to discover the new in this season? You might be surprised at what you gain when you do.

December 14, 2017

Early Morning Musings

Four hours until eye injection #14. I really want to be that cheerful “no big deal” kind of person when it comes to this - and I know that I have a wonderful life and I am so blessed!! But eye injections are very low on the list of ways I’d like to spend my morning. And I wish I knew how the story ends - how many more injections? Will my eye stabilize soon? Will cancer come back? Will the cognitive problems improve? One thought leads to the next. 

I’m getting better at eye injections. And at not knowing the unknown. I know that I can’t control my eyes - or cancer cells or memory issues, for that matter. Even so, I still do NOT like surprises and want to know how it all turns out. 😁

But here’s a benefit of eye injection days. I usually wake up early that day and read - starting with my devotion time. 

I have been reading a lot of Christmas devos this year and thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. That girl was so tough!! The idea of traveling a long distance when you are about to give birth - and then to not have a place to stay??? I would have been extremely unpleasant!! 

But she let God be God, even though she didn’t understand all the details or reasons for her situation. I can learn a lot from Mary!! Here is a part of my devo this morning:

“Why did God allow me to be placed in a role that was beyond my capability? This was the first of many ‘bigger than me’ assignments. I quickly learned that God wasn’t really concerned with my capabilities. All He required was a willing vessel. His glory was best displayed in impossible situations...: This Christmas, rather than worry about circumstances that are out of our control, we can choose to trust that God is working in unexpected ways.” - Lili Dunbar

We can trust God. Even when we don’t understand. Even (and especially) when we don’t know how it all turns out. Just need to keep repeating that. 😁

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

December 13, 2017

“One of the most spiritual things you can do is encourage someone. We are told to encourage one another every day so that sin’s deceitfulness doesn’t harden our hearts....

Imagine how God might use you to encourage someone to press on when they feel like giving up. Or how God might help someone’s marriage as you tell them how you’ve overcome the same problem in yours. Think about how much of a difference you could make to someone who is down by telling them who they are in Christ.

Sometimes you can literally be a voice of hope. You can be the difference between someone quitting or staying in the game. Between someone giving in or continuing the fight. From someone continuing to hate or choosing to forgive. Between someone losing it or finding real peace, contentment, and joy.

Be watchful. Be prayerful. Be ready. You may walk by someone at work who seems fine, but is in real pain. You may talk to someone by text that puts up a good front, but really needs someone to listen. You might encounter a total stranger, and one word of encouragement might make a big difference.

You have no idea what God might do in someone else’s life through one simple act of encouragement. Be available to him today.” - Craig Groeschel

December 12, 2017

“But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”—Philippians 2:7–8 (NKJV) 

Reputation . . . It’s everything, right? Webster’s defines it as, “The common opinion that people have about someone or something.” This is what most people care about: what others think of them. It has everything to do with what we’re known for, negatively or positively. And we try so hard to uphold a certain reputation because everyone cares about the opinions of others . . . except one person.

Jesus Christ disregarded reputation altogether! How is this possible? Only someone who is divine could actually do it. When Jesus came to Earth, He gave up his deity—basically His true essence since the beginning of time. While on Earth, He cared only about one thing: the way His Father viewed Him, not people.

The crazy thing is that most of us only care about what others think of us and disregard what God says about us! But Jesus had a perfect understanding of how His Father viewed Him, and this set Him apart from anyone in all of humanity. In the gospels, it’s evident that when Jesus called God His Father it angered many. People considered this to be blasphemous, but He was just proclaiming the truth.

Because of this rock solid foundation in His reputation before His Father, what others thought of Him—or even accused Him of—didn’t faze Him because He only cared about one opinion. Because of this, He was free to do anything and everything that was asked of Him by God. Most of us avoid doing things God asks us to do because we’re afraid of what others might think of us. But Jesus didn’t have this problem. He was obedient in every way, and as we see in this verse, He even chose to die out of obedience to God’s will!

I’m not sure about you, but if you’re anything like me then God’s will must seem crazy sometimes. Believe me, sometimes it is—but only if we try to understand it with our finite minds. We must learn to give up our reputation and disregard what others will think of us in order to obtain the greater mysteries of God through faithful obedience. And you know what? People may think you’re crazy! But are you going to live in fear of your reputation, or will you submit when God is asking you to be obedient? Whose opinion will you value?”

“Only One Opinion Matters” by Joel De Sousa

December 11, 2017

We are all so busy getting ready for Christmas. Shopping, cooking, shipping, cleaning - so much to do!

I was at a store in Memphis on Friday that was in the middle of a 14-hour sale. When I walked in, every register was open but the lines were still backed up - at least 12 people per line. I thought about walking back out the door, but decided to stay. 

I made my way to the front with my items and the lines were no shorter. The woman in front of me kept turning around, rolling her eyes and nodding at the clerk. I just smiled at the lady - I did not do the “I agree” eye-rolling that I may have done in the past. 

When I got to the register, you could feel the weariness and frustration in the employee. She immediately apologized for the long wait and then almost flinched as if waiting for a scolding about their inefficiency. I felt so sorry for her. I can’t imagine what this season is like for her. And when you work in retail or hospitality - when do you have time to shop, cook, ship and clean?

If we want to be the body of Christ, let’s start by showing kindness to the people we come into contact with each day! By saying a kind word, offering a silent prayer, giving a smile instead of a sneer. You can give that gift to your community without spending a penny - and it will change the season for you!!

December 9, 2017

“Suffering isn’t an obstacle to being used by God. It is an opportunity to be used like never before. You’re actually better fit for ministry in the crucible of pain. You have a stronger voice to project and to declare, and it’s easier to belt from the diaphragm of your soul when you’re hurting. It’s counterintuitive, but in the middle of my hardest mess, I’ve found ministry to be a great strength waiting to be tapped into. It was welling up within me—a greater desire than ever before to tell the whole world that Jesus Christ can turn off the dark—because I experienced it myself." - Levi Lusko

“If your heart is broken, you’ll find GOD right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” Psalm‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭MSG‬‬

December 8, 2017

“We don’t have to interact with anyone, so we don’t. Now people interact online and through social media and really never have to interact. You can even shop online.

But Jesus always had time for other people. He talked to them, fed them, healed them, and forgave them. He often met physical needs in order to address spiritual needs. If we’re too busy even to interact with the people around us, let alone engage with their struggles, then we’re not following Christ’s example. And we’re also missing out on the blessing of loving and serving one another.

Today take the time to stop, listen, and talk with someone you see every day but rarely slow down to get to know.”

- Craig Groeschel

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”. Hebrews‬ ‭10:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

December 6, 2017

This has been an amazing week. Some day I may be able to share the whole story - but the short version is that recently, I have needed answers. And when reading a devo (which I posted earlier this week), I got the BIGGEST answer - that I needed to lean into God’s strength, not my own. Today as I was going to a doctor appointment to hopefully sort through things, the song “Strong Enough” by Matthew West was playing. I’ve heard it lots of times but not paid close attention. Here is what I heard as I went into the appointment:

“I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us”

For anyone who really knows me - those are not words that I say very often. I’m plenty strong!! I don’t need much help!! And to have such a clear understanding and realization that no matter what, God IS strong enough has been such a huge blessing!!

It doesn’t matter what we are going through. It’s okay to not be strong. God IS strong enough when we aren’t!! What a relief!!!

December 5, 2017 - Free of Me

I am facing a situation that can cause me concern - wondering how it will turn out, how I will handle it, etc. In the middle of my wondering, God put the perfect words in my path in the form of a devo on You Version called “Free of Me.” I never cease to be amazed and thankful for the goodness of our Heavenly Father!! 🙂 Wow!! This is definitely worth reading!!!

“Consider the story of Moses, when God called him to speak to Pharaoh. Moses felt inhibited by his weaknesses. He didn’t feel capable of speaking to Pharaoh or of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, because he only saw his disqualifications. And how did God respond to Moses’s doubt? He didn’t give a self-help pep talk. He didn’t affirm Moses’s leadership or his talents or gifts. He didn’t hug him and cheer for him and speak encouraging words over him.

God didn’t do any of those things. Instead, he changed the subject. God affirmed his own strength, his own leadership, his own self, because the outcome never hinged upon Moses. This story was not about Moses’s strengths. Moses was never meant to be the hero. Only God could deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, so he directed Moses’s focus back to him. 

God responded similarly when he appointed Jeremiah, a prophet who was concerned about his youth. “I do not know how to speak; I am too young,” he worried (Jer. 1:6), but God didn’t coddle or dote on him. Rather than assure Jeremiah he was talented for his age, that he had great leadership skills and a terrific personality, God simply affirmed his own self: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (1:8). Once again, God directed his servant o of his own limitations and onto the limitless God. 

God cares about our insecurities, but the difference between a self-help god and the true, living God is focus. The one true God responds to our insecurities with reassurances about himself. In doing so, he releases us from the source of our paralysis, shifting our gaze from the “can’ts” to the One who can.”

December 5, 2017

“When a good father hears his child calling out to him in the night, what does he do? Does he stay in bed and decide the child can fend for himself? No. Fathers rush to their children’s side even, and especially, in the dead of night.

It is the same for us. God is not distant during our difficult times. He is close. Scripture says that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). God doesn’t wait to show up once the struggle is over and we’re out of the valley. God is with us the entire time. He didn’t go anywhere when the day turned to night.

And during the night, right in the middle of the pain and wrestling, He reveals himself to us in a new and real way so that when the struggle subsides, we come out of it with a deeper understanding of our Father and His love for us.”

- Good Good Father Devo, You Version

December 4, 2017

Deep thoughts on a Sunday night...

A woman who never drank or smoked and “followed all the rules”, is diagnosed with early onset cancer in her 40’s. Someone comes to visit her in the hospital and says that she may possibly have some unconfessed sin in her life that caused her cancer. Not helpful - extremely hurtful. 

A family is dealing with a child’s incurable health issue. Well-meaning friends offer thoughts on causes of, cures for, reasons why this has happened. And regularly ask if the child is “better now”. 

A person mourns the loss of a family member. And initially, there is plenty of support. That wains, and is replaced by discussions of moving on, closure, “getting on with life.”

Every situation is real. And God can absolutely heal and make new any situation. But sometimes He sees more than we can, and the story doesn’t have an easy, happy conclusion. 

We live in a society that wants reasons for, resolutions to, and ultimately happy endings - preferably in 60-minute timeframes. And that can be painful to people around us, especially in this holiday season. 

Here is how the Bible instructs us to deal with people in our lives. Romans 12:15 says to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” We don’t have to have solutions or answers. We just need to feel what they are feeling, to empathize with them. 

That may be the best gift we can give this Christmas!!

November 27, 2017

God's presence is absolutely unchanging, but the evidence of His presence is not.... 

Sometimes we receive the most benefit from seeing many visible “prints” of His invisible hands during a difficult season. Other times we profit most from seeing fewer evidences. God does not love us less when He gives us fewer evidences. He simply desires to grow us up and teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. 

Christ’s presence is the basis for courage in our storms. He did not say, “Take courage! I am calming the storm. Don’t be afraid.” Instead, with the winds still raging, He said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” - Unknown

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:1, 2 NIV)

November 19, 2017

Is it possible that what we perceive to be relational, emotional, and spiritual problems are actually hearing problems—ears that have been deafened to the voice of God? And it’s that inability to hear His voice that causes us to lose our voice and lose our way.

Let me make a bold statement: Learning how to hear the voice of God is the solution to a thousand problems! It’s also the key to discovering our destiny and fulfilling our potential. 

His voice is love.

His voice is power.

His voice is healing.

His voice is wisdom.

His voice is joy.

If your life is off-key, maybe it’s because you’ve been deafened by the negative self-talk that doesn’t let God get a Word in edgewise! Maybe you’ve listened to the voice of criticism so long you can’t believe anything else about yourself. Or maybe it’s the Enemy’s voice of condemnation that speaks lies about who you really are. If you don’t silence those competing voices, they’ll eventually deafen you. You won’t be able to sing God’s song because you won’t be able to hear His voice. 

Is God’s voice the loudest voice in your life?

That’s the question.

If the answer is no, that’s the problem. - Mark Batterson

November 12, 2017

"My job every day is to put my life in God’s hands, and God’s job every day is to use my circumstances for his glory." - Louie Giglio

"But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬ NLT)

November 4, 2017

JOY DEVO - YOU VERSION

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a lifestyle of consistent joy. It’s only by the Spirit that we have access to the joy found in the heart of our heavenly Father. 

Galatians 5:22 is clear that the fruit of the Spirit for believers is to be joy, so we need to search out what it looks like to allow the fruit of joy to be evident in our hearts and lives.

We are not designed to have joy in ourselves. Rather, such joy comes from the Holy Spirit within us. As the disciples began to be filled with the Holy Spirit, their lives changed dramatically from fearful, fair-weathered followers of Jesus to joy-filled, sacrificial, and empowered world changers.

We have the same Holy Spirit, and he longs to do the same kind of works in you and me today as he did in them thousands of years ago. He longs to fill us with joy in the midst of any trial or pain. He longs to heal and transform our hearts into greater reflections of God’s goodness. He longs to make us a people so joyful that there is no other explanation for our joy other than God is with us. JOY devo, 

“You have given me greater joy.... In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalms‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

November 1, 2017

"Most people assume that because life is hard, God must not be good—but that’s not the case. It’s not an either/or scenario. 

A few years ago, I decided that even when I couldn’t answer the “why?” part of that statement (“If God is good, then why ____?”), that I would eliminate the “if.” In other words, I choose to believe that God is good . . . no matter what. You can anchor yourself in God’s goodness too. Start watching for the goodness of God despite the circumstances." - Believing God is Good, No Matter What

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV