Mid-Week Message - Peace In the Unexpected

 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NLT)  

In 1970, country singer, Lynn Anderson, had her first cross-over hit with the song Rose Garden.   The song was number one on the country charts for five weeks.  It was one of the biggest hits in any genre in the 1970's and Anderson won a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Country Performance because of it.  Although the lyrics pertain to an interpersonal relationship, the memorable line, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden" has been found suitable for many life situations.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, just as our cars have GPS to guide us, God had given us a road map, or a daily itinerary that would alert us to the twists and turns in life that we would like to avoid?  It would be so much simpler if we didn't have unexpected occurrences.  If we knew what was coming each moment, we could plan ahead.  But that isn't the way God set life up.  In fact, Jesus assures us that it would be quite the opposite.  He then tells us, however, not to fear because He has overcome the world.  

As I listen to the news each day I am reminded of the surprises that life can spring at us.  Somehow we hear of all the bad things that happen and still have the notion that, "that only happens to other people, not to me."  Maybe it is a coping mechanism that we use when we allow ourselves to believe that we are immune to certain things.  Then when violence or tragedy becomes a reality in our own lives, we find ourselves questioning how a loving God could allow it to happen. 

A statement caught my ear a few years ago.  When a friend was diagnosed with cancer she said this, "First I asked God, why me?  But then, after I had a while to think about it, I asked myself, why not me?"  Our holy Creator does not have favorites.  When any difficulty falls upon us, it isn't because He is picking on us.  It has nothing to do with whether He loves us or not because He loves us all completely.  Jesus gave His life for each of us.  There is no greater display of love than that.  

Although the Father certainly could warn us before something causes problems in our lives, He just doesn't usually choose to do that.  But He has given us His Word that is a road map of sorts because it directs us to turn to Him.  He is there to run to at any time.  Even better, if we stay beside Him at all times, all we have to do is reach up and take His hand.  He always listens, always cares and will always lead us through whatever trials or sorrows creep into our paths.  We have the blessed promise that there is so much more ahead of us than what we experience here. 

I say often in my weekly messages that life is hard.  I repeat it to emphasize that we all struggle.  Pick any random person off of the street and we can be sure that there is something that person endures that would surprise us.  I know that each of us has something to contend with.  What I most want to keep repeating though is that we serve a God that is bigger than any storm that arises.  Because of Him, we can face today and all of our tomorrows knowing that He has us in His hand and ultimately we will see Him face to face and the trials of this world will be no more.  He promised and He always keeps His promises.  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - Life's Changes

"Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)  

My favorite month of the year is October.  The days and nights become cooler and the leaves on the trees begin to take on the fall colors of yellow, orange and red.  I long for this time of year all summer.  It is a time that brings me joy and although some years it seems to take its time arriving, it is a transformation I can count on.  

Normally, I am not a big fan of change.  I find it stressful in many situations, as I am sure you do.  It is nice to have some idea of what is coming next, if all goes as planned.  Unfortunately, life doesn't send out memos to announce interruptions in our life plans.  Job losses, recessions, illnesses, deaths, accidents, problems in relationships or financial upsets can come at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.  

In 2018 my husband almost died.  By the time he saw a doctor who realized how serious his condition was and sent him to a hospital, his life was in grave danger.  We were told after emergency surgery that he had come within hours to days of losing his life.  After spending two weeks as an in-patient, he returned home only to find out that his job had been eliminated during the time that he was hospitalized.  Our world was turned upside down.  Suddenly we found ourselves dealing with a health situation that was still not completely remedied and no steady income.  To say that we spent some time in tears and anguish would be an understatement.  

Everyone, at some point, will face trials that seem insurmountable.  During those days it is so easy to feel isolated and to wonder why God would allow such hardship in our lives.  I have friends who considered themselves to be happily married who suddenly found that their spouses wished to end the marriage.  Others have received diagnoses of cancer or Alzheimer disease.  Sometimes it happens that way.  We go to bed secure and wake up to find that our world has totally changed.  

When my beloved and I found ourselves staring into an unknown and uncertain future, we reached for what we knew would never be threatened which was our relationship with our Savior.  The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus never changes.  He is the same person now that He was when walked with his disciples.  His love is constant and endures no matter what happens in our lives.  He always loves us, always protects us, and is always there to listen to and encourage us.  Romans 8:34 tells us that He advocates for us before the Father.  How precious is that?  He personally takes our plight to the throne of the Creator and pleads for us.  

What changes are you either anticipating or currently going through?  Might I implore you to go to the One who endured the greatest pain that ever existed out of His mighty love for you?  I can promise you that He is ready and willing to hear all you need to say.  Express your fears, your frustrations, your questions and your sorrow to Him and allow Him to be as personally involved in your life as He wishes to be.  He doesn't intend for any of us to walk difficult roads alone.  If tomorrow comes and no one else seems to be around, He will always be the one that you can count on.  Nothing will change that.  Ever.  All you have to do is reach out for Him.  Nothing will ever separate you from His love.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Life's Burdens

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"  Matthew 11:28-29  (NLT)

When something heavy needed to be moved in our home when I was younger, I was the child that was called upon to help.  I had an older brother but he never quite seemed to be around when these things needed to be done.  I became quite good at moving television consoles, couches, dressers and anything else that was more than a one person job.  I learned how to move most things on my own even, if I needed to do so.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  

Heavy physical burdens are quite familiar to me.  As I dealt with obesity for most of my life, I know what it feels like to be weighed down and to be so overwhelmed with weight that I found it difficult to move at times.  One of my favorite things to do is to float in a pool.  The feeling of being weightless is sheer joy!  

The physical weights we carry are easy compared to the other burdens that life places upon us.  All of us encounter times of trouble that drive us to our knees.  In the last few years two of my closest friends have had to endure the death of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that has been for them.  As a mother myself, I can think of nothing worse.  Carrying that grief was crushing for them.  They made it through by crying out to the Lord and understanding that they did not have to bear the sadness alone.  He was with them in the valley they had to traverse.  

Today's verse refers to a yoke, which is a crosspiece that is laid across the shoulders of two animals to lighten a load for each of them.  We are not meant to bear the burdens of life alone.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  We are to come together to help each other.  When we do not have the strength to continue on our own, we need to be able to reach out to those around us. 

Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall."  We have been created by a loving and caring Creator.  He never desired for us to feel alone.  He wants to be actively involved in our lives.  He cares about everything we encounter.  When we are weighed down, He will be there to lighten the load, to walk with us and to support us.  He can bring healing to the deep wounds that the pain of this life brings.  And He reminds us that a time is coming when we will be free of that pain for eternity.

What are you carrying today that is weighing you down?  Illness?  Financial problems?  Wayward children?  Whatever it is, ask Him to help you through it.  He is faithful and true and will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He adores you and is delighted when you turn to Him. God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - A Day of Thanksgiving

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1 (NLT)

The year was 1621.  Those who had made the pilgrimage to what is now the United States of America, had a great feast that lasted three days.  It was a celebration of thanksgiving to the Lord for His provision and protection which followed a time of extreme hardship in which many had died.  None of these precious souls had envisioned the difficulties they would face before they set sail and I often wonder how those who survived were able to show such gratitude after all they endured. 

The holiday of Thanksgiving that we observe each year has become a day that is engulfed in activity that causes tensions to run high.  Rather than a day of praise and gratitude, it is spent exhausting ourselves attempting to fulfill expectations of family and guests.  After the food has been served and the kitchen has been cleaned, men gather around the television and women rush out to shop in stores that now open early to capitalize on Christmas dollars yet to be spent.  

Before we know it, midnight has come and the day intended for giving thanks has ended for another year.  Recipes made once a year are filed away and all thoughts turn to the next big day of festivities.  In all of the hustle and bustle, how much time was actually given to the Lord in appreciation for His great love and care?  

Aside from the necessary prayer at the table tomorrow, will we spend any private time with Him reflecting back on how He has sustained us this year?  Will our hearts be consumed with gratitude or will our focus be on the troubles of the moment?  Whatever our struggles are today will likely still be struggles tomorrow and will be vying for our attention.  Will we choose Him over worry and chaos? 

We are the Lord's first priority.   He is always present.  Always listening.  Always within our reach.  We may not be able to see Him physically with our eyes, but He is always active in our lives.  Every blessing that we receive comes directly from His hands.  He has promised to take care of our needs and to guide us through each step we need to take.  No matter what arises in our lives, His power is greater, His love all-encompassing and He is worthy of our praise.  

This year has been full of ups and downs, some of them have knocked me off my feet, which I am sure you have experienced as well.  However, the one thing we have always been able to count on is that we have a Father that can be depended upon to pick us up and dust us off and help us take the next step, no matter how hard that step might be.  Let's spend time with Him tomorrow letting Him know how much we love and appreciate Him.  Without Him, there would be nothing to celebrate.  

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. 

Mid-Week Message - Stay Close to the Shepherd

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  Psalm 23:1-3  (KJV)

I was a straight "A" student.  Well, most of the time at least, in all of my classes except physical education.  Oh, how I dreaded that class!  It started in the third grade at South Lawn Elementary School in Amarillo, Texas.  We had begun the tumbling unit.  Now, one thing about me is that I do not like to be turned upside down.  Not for any reason.  Needless to say, tumbling wasn't my preferred activity.  I guess the teacher thought that he was helping me when I was hesitating before doing a forward roll.  He came behind me and forced me over.  It terrified me!  Thus began my anxiety over P.E. 

In junior high, my distaste for the class only grew.  By this time my weight problem was rather pronounced so I was worried about being teased.  It was during these years that after-class showers became mandatory.  I started off the year by complying, however, when some other girls ripped open the shower curtain and laughed, I knew I had to find a way to avoid it ever happening again.  Because the teacher would stay outside the locker room and smell for soap, I would wash one arm.  It was just enough to convince her. 

We all have things in life that tie our stomachs in knots.  Sometimes it is a boss who seems to single us out.  Maybe it is something else, like a fear of crowds.  Whatever it is, I know that each of you can identify with the feelings I had.  It would be wonderful to sail through everything we encounter, but I have never met anyone who hasn't struggled with something. 

The twenty-third Psalm is one that many turn to when they need reassurance.  It is a beautiful reminder that we do not walk through our lives alone.  Our Shepherd is always there and is always overseeing all that we go through.  For all those times of anxiousness, we know that He will also "lead us beside the still waters" where we will not need to fear being carried away by the rapids that try so hard to pull us under.  He will lead us in the way of righteousness if we are only willing to follow Him. 

Several people have shared with me how difficult the last couple of years have been for them.  It seems that turmoil has been widespread in so many lives.  I can't tell you why that happens when it does.  However, I can tell you that hard times don't last forever.  Every battle ends eventually.  The secret to making it through is in knowing Who is in charge and Who to follow.  Just like sheep in the field depend on the shepherd for safety and provision, so we also depend on Jesus, who is our Shepherd, to guide us through harrowing times and supply green pastures so that we may lie down in peace. 

I know many are walking through the "valley of the shadow of death" right now.  Many I know about and many I don't.  However, there is One that sees each difficult step taken and catches each tear that is shed.  He will never abandon any of us.  Hold tight to His hand, little lamb.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - The Promise of Heaven

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever."  Revelation 21:4  (NLT)  

Today's verse is one many of us cling to.  In a world where we experience so much sadness, pain and grief, this is a precious promise. To be done with worry, stress, agony and grief is almost too much to even imagine.  We live in a world where these things are all around us and we deal with them almost on a daily basis.  Some of us rarely go through a twenty-four hour period without shedding tears over someone or something.

Where do you find yourself today?  What is happening in your life that is troubling your heart and mind?  I want you to know that though it feels as if you are alone in your situation, you aren't.  Not only has your issue been dealt with by countless others, but you have a loving Father who is available for you to reach out to.  

Today, millions are struggling with financial problems.  The money just doesn't seem to go as far as it needs to.  After toiling day in and day out, the paychecks seem to get smaller compared to the debts they need to cover.  As inflation rises our anxiety over how we are going to continue to provide for our families increases.  Thankfully, the Lord isn't threatened by political decisions that spur hardships with the dollar.  He has promised to supply our needs and He never fails to fulfill His promises.  

According to the United States census, one person dies every eleven seconds.  I personally do not know anyone that has been untouched by the grief of losing a loved one.  Whether sudden or expected, hearts are shattered by the passing of someone close to them.  Be it a family member, friend or a pet, having to say goodbye can be more than we feel we can live through. It is said that great grief comes from great love.  Though that does not make it any easier, we can rest in the greatest love of all.  Psalm 34:18 assures us that, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." 

The list of daily pressures is endless.  I have talked about two of them but there are so many more.  Illness, addiction, wayward children, relationships, fear....the list goes on and on.  We all know that our lives can change at any moment by a myriad of circumstances.  That is what makes the promise of Heaven so precious.  There will be no pain, no tears, no death.  No longer will we have to worry or fret, rather we will be surrounded by joy in the presence of our Savior.  

This world and its afflictions will not last forever.  Until Heaven is our reality, remember that there are no surprises for God.  Before He created you, He knew everything that you would face and He has already walked that path that you are now on.  He knows which steps to take even when we feel lost.  His light will guide us in our darkest moments.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us and His are the only promises that you never have to doubt.  

May you feel the Lord's arm wrapped tightly around you no matter what you are dealing with today.  God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - Faithfulness in Difficult Times

"For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!"  Romans 8:18 (AMP)

My mother's father was a carpenter.  So was her step-father.  They could create some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture and cabinetry that could be imagined.  They both excelled at their craft.  And both were missing part of one finger.  My father's father was a jack-of-all-trades.  He took work when and where he could.  I don't know as much about him as I would like to.  He passed away before I was born.  All of them had something in common and that is that they all realized that life wasn't easy.  It took hard work to earn a dollar and if the economy took a downturn, and it did in a massive way, then those dollars dried up.  

Both of my parents' families struggled in life.  It was a hard road for them.  I have told the story before of how my father moved out on his own when he was nine years old.  As I was growing up I would watch him over-buy canned food.  He wasn't a hoarder, he just liked to have extra.  When I asked him why, his reply was, "I've been hungry before and I'm never going to be again."  That was very revealing about his childhood.  Because of what my parents went through, they were determined that, at the very least, their children would never know hunger.  And we didn't.  We may have gone without some other items, but food was never one of them.  

Life is difficult in one way or another for almost everyone.  I can't speak from the vantage point of the very rich because I have never had a lot of money to spare.  I'm sure they have their own hardships though. My family seemed only to have enough money to make it through what was directly in front of us.  If something big came up, Daddy would go to the credit union and borrow what was needed and paid it back as quickly as he could.  My husband has told me similar stories about his father.  They did what they had to do to take care of what had been entrusted to them but never really experienced any ease in life.  When my father retired, he was looking forward to relaxing some but life had other plans.  My mother's health began to fail and he had to take care of her.  Had he been able to choose, he would have preferred the work he did before retirement.  As toilsome as it was, it was simpler than being a caregiver.  

What is your family's story?  Depending on how old you are, it will differ, but the basic elements will probably still be there.  Hard work to earn a living.  Dealing with financial issues, emergencies, catastrophes of one kind or another, lack of work, illnesses.  These are just a few of the issues we encounter.  Somewhere in the family tree are those who have experienced the turmoil of living.  Find them.  Study them.  What helped them through?  

The Apostle Paul was used by God to write some of the most beautiful and profound scriptures in the Bible.  He was a man of deep faith and completely dedicated to following and serving the Lord.  He was a tent maker by trade so he knew what it meant to work for wages to support himself.  When we read about his life we learn how rough it was for him as a servant of the Almighty.  He was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, whipped, hungry, thirsty, robbed. All during his travels for the Gospel.  How did he make it through?  He trusted his Father.  And he knew that Heaven was coming at which time the struggles would no longer exist and he could bask in the glory of the great I Am.  

The troubles we have today are temporary.  Though they feel as though they will last forever, everything has an ending.  A job will be found.  Bills will be paid.  Illnesses will either be healed on earth or healed in Heaven.  Nothing lasts forever here on earth. We can make it through whatever we face, just as those who came before us did, by focusing on the promise that God will always take care of His own.  He will provide for our needs as He said He will do.  Our job is to walk close to Him and not give up.  He will give us the strength for the next steps, as He did for Paul, if we will ask Him to do so.  

I am so glad that I know how my predecessors lived and the trials they experienced.  It is a reminder that the Lord has always walked with my family and an assurance that He will do the same with me no matter how hard or tiring my days get.  I would love to hear the story of your family and how they made it through all they experienced.  History is a gift.  This week I pray that you will keep your hand firmly in His and that you will ask Him for strength whenever you need it.  God bless you.

Mid-Week Message - He Will Not Let You Down

"The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  Psalm 28:7  (NLT)  

When we were young, we dreamed of being older.  Didn't we all wish for the time when we would be on our own, making our own decisions in life and be out from under our parents' control?  We dreamed of being able to do the things we wanted to do when we wanted to do them.  We idealized our future careers, dreamed about meeting our life partners and planned for how we would raise our own children.  We would be different.  We would do better.  How naïve were.

We had no idea what adult life was truly like.  We didn't know how onerous the responsibilities would be.  Not being able to see the future, we didn't have any idea what troubles we might encounter.  Our fantasies didn't include financial problems, job losses, caring for elderly parents, battling disease, worrying over addicted children or dealing with our own mortality.  We certainly couldn't have foreseen political unrest or a time when this nation would turn against those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.  

The reality is that we have no way of knowing what tomorrow will bring.  I can remember my mother telling me not to wish my life away and to enjoy being young as long as I could.  Those were wise words that I did not understand at the time.  Now, how I long to go back and let someone else be in charge so that I can live oblivious to the problems that life inevitably presents.  Wouldn't you like that as well?  

Life is not just hard, sometimes it is too hard.  Many days we awake not knowing what our next step should be.  It may be that the money is not there to pay the bills or that our job may be eliminated. Maybe a marriage is on the rocks or a child is in danger.  There are so many possibilities that can be thrown at us.  What are we to do?  

Just as those who came before us had to do, we have to find away to cope with all we are handed.  Thankfully we serve a God who has promised never to abandon us.  Though we find ourselves weak and worn, He is strong and faithful.  He says that His grace is sufficient for us and that is a grand promise because much of the time that is all we seem to have to hold onto as we lift our voices and cry for help. 

Praise God that we have Him to run to!  There is nothing that happens in our lives that catches Him by surprise.  Psalm 139:16b says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  This is our assurance that before He even created us, He already knew everything that we would encounter.  He has walked the road ahead of us and knows how to lead us through whatever we are facing.  Though the way seems dark, He is the light that will guide us.  

Are you crying out for help?  He hears you.  Does it seem as though the help never comes?  I promise you that He is not ignoring your pleas.  He is there.  Listen for the gentle whisper of His voice.  Sing praises of thanksgiving, not because you see the answer, but because you know that He is in charge and will provide it.  Trust Him.  Believe Him.  Follow Him.  He will not let you down.  

Mid-Week Message - When Your World Shakes

 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."  Psalm 62:5-7  (ESV)  

Our little dog, Jack, is terrified of storms.  When he hears the wind pick up, heavy rain begin to fall, the thunder clap, or when he sees lightning, he starts to shake and needs to be near one of us with our hands on him.  Still, even though he is beside us, he looks at us for reassurance that he will be okay.  

The other evening I was having a discussion with a friend about tornadoes and earthquakes.  Being a Texas girl, I am quite familiar with tornado watches and warnings.  I have never been in one, thank the Lord, but I have been near enough to feel some of their power.  As frightening as they can be, if given the choice, I would choose to live where there might be a tornado rather than where there might be an earthquake because the thought of the earth moving under my feet is more than I can handle. 

Life is full of events that can shake our world, isn't it?  When a loved one is diagnosed with a deadly disease or when we deal with the grief of a death, we wonder how we can possibly take the next step.  Many things may occur that can make the ground under our feet feel uncertain and most of us have been through plenty of them.  

I would love to deliver an encouraging message and say that those times are over.  But they aren't.  Yet.  As long as we live on this tiny orb in space we will face hardships and trials and many of them may take our breath away as we wonder how we can cope, how we can go on.  

Gratefully, the Bible reminds us that there is a place to run to for refuge.  There is only One who cannot be shaken and that is the Lord Himself.  In Him alone will we find hope.  Only by His side will we find the peace that will allow us to continue the journey set before us.  He is the only One that knows the future.  He has already walked the pathway we are on and will take us by the hand and be our guide. 

I know several who are walking through valleys right now.  To them I want to say that there is no place where God cannot go.  There is no situation that He is unaware of or that is too difficult for Him.  Though your world seems dark and unsure, He is the light and He is steadfast.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He knows where you have been and where you are going and He will remain by your side, not only during this difficult time, but forever.  Run to Him and allow Him to be your refuge, your fortress.  There you will find security.   

Mid-Week Message - Coming Through the Storms

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17  

It rained last night.  It rained hard.  We were under threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes part of the time.  The weather report said there could be high winds and tree damage.  Gratefully, though everything is very soggy, we came through the storms just fine.  

As I was listening to the pouring rain, I was thinking about life.  We all have times of hardship, or storms if you will, that we encounter. Like rain, some storms we can anticipate, but others seem to pop up out of the blue.  Someone gets gravely ill.  A job is lost.  The economy takes a downturn. Relationships end.  A child struggles with addiction or rebellion.  A loved one passes away.  The list is endless. Everyone encounters something in life that is difficult to make it through.

How should the storms of life be dealt with?  In a perfect world, we would go straight to the cross and dump those issues at the base, trust the Lord to take care of them, recover our smiles and go on. In a perfect world.  But since there are no perfect people, we do not have a perfect world.  We fight our humanness as we struggle to gain or maintain control.  We do the best we can as feeble beings who were never intended to carry the weight of these burdens.  Then, eventually, hopefully, we remember that we have a Holy Advocate who has all power and can calm our storm just as he calmed the storm for His disciples.  His words were, "Peace!  Be still."  The storm stopped raging and calm was restored.

One evening while scrolling through a social media site, I saw these words, "Don't tell God how big your storm is.  Tell the storm how big your God is!"  No storm, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual is too difficult for our Lord.  Not depression.  Not divorce. Not money problems.  Not addiction.  Not the loss of a job, the rebellion of a child, illness or the death of a loved one.  Nothing is beyond His ability to turn darkness into light, sadness into joy, or emptiness into the abundant life that He promised.  Nothing! 

So, what do we do?  Pray!  Tell the Father how we are feeling.  He delights in His children confiding in Him.  When Jesus was in the garden before His crucifixion, He was honest with His Father.  He admitted how He was feeling and asked God to take what was coming away from Him if there was any other way to accomplish His purpose.  Surely, if Jesus can do that we can too.  God didn't remove the storm from Jesus, and He may or may not remove ours. But look at what is available to us as His children because of what Jesus went through.  This is our assurance that the Lord will use our storms for our good if we will allow Him to.  

Are you facing a storm today?  Turn to the only One who can calm it then hang on for whatever comes next and know that on the other side of the darkness is the great light of His goodness, grace and mercy.

Mid-Week Message - Share God's Love

 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:12-13  (NIV)

Have you ever played the game in which you make up stories about the people in the cars that pass yours?  This was a favorite of mine and some of my friends when we were teens.  We would fantasize elaborate backgrounds and come up with outlandish scenarios as to where the person was going.  Silly?  Yes.  But as I look back on that game now, I realize that it taught me something valuable.  It reminds me that I don't know the details of who any of those people are or what they are living through.  

As an adult, I have made an effort to keep that in mind as I go through daily life.  I am well aware that we all encounter good days and bad.  Each of us struggles with something.  If we only knew the story behind the actions others take, I think we would be much slower to judge and much quicker to extend compassion.  Here are some examples of what I am talking about.

Your child comes home and tells you about a new student in the class.  This child comes in with uncombed hair, wrinkled clothes and sometimes doesn't smell very good.  The other children have already begun name-calling and not including this child in recess.  Concerned about your own child's well-being, you talk to the teacher and find out that the father in this family left and because the mother had no money to pay the rent, she and her three offspring are living in their car.  

On the highway heading to work, you are cut off by a man driving an expensive car.  As anger builds, you conclude that he must think he is better than everyone else and deserves the road for himself.  He takes the same exit as you do and as you reach the stoplight and pull up next to him, you roll down your window so you can tell him he shouldn't drive that way.  He apologizes and explains that he is a single father and was up all night with a very sick child and that if he was late to work his job would be at risk.  Then you notice the emblem on the car and realize it is a company vehicle and that he doesn't own it at all.  

You and a friend see a woman who is wearing a lot of jewelry and costly clothing.  Her hair is perfect, her nails are professionally done and you think she probably lives a life of ease and doesn't have a care in the world.  You make a comment to your friend about her that maybe isn't very nice and it turns out your friend knows the woman's story.  Her outward look belies what her life is really like.  Her husband is rarely home and when he is, he is abusive.  Her one child attempted to commit suicide a while ago and is in a long term treatment facility.  With no one at home, she shops - a lot.  

If we were to do as Jesus would do, how would we handle life differently?  If we could see others the way their Creator sees them, how would that change our hearts?  We may not be able to have those insights, but we can have the understanding that there are probably things going on in their lives that we would be surprised by.  I know there are things in my life that others don't know about.  How about yours?  

We all need to clothe ourselves in the compassion, patience and gentleness that today's verse references.  Any person who crosses our path should be treated respectfully and kindly.  Each interaction is a chance to show God's love and just may change someone's day for the better.  If we can offer that gift, why wouldn't we?  

It will soon be a new year and we have new chances daily to live our lives for Christ and to make a difference in this world.  I pray we take full advantage of those chances and touch hearts and minds for Him as we do.  God bless!

Mid-Week Message - He Knows, He Sees, He Hears

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'"  Matthew 11:28-30  (NLT)

As I observe what I am seeing on the news each evening, I become more and more unsettled.  The happenings in our nation of late, and the analysis of where it could all be heading, are things I never thought I would see or hear in my lifetime.  So many people are in pain and some are causing pain for others.  Many are simply taking advantage of the situation at hand and using it to gratify their own fleshly desires to show hatred and cause destruction.  But whatever their reasoning, even those of us who are far away from the protesting and rioting are experiencing stress and fear over things we find difficult to understand.  

Meanwhile, in our own personal lives, the battles that we face each day still exist.  Illness, death, job loss, financial struggles, family issues and the like continue to need our attention.  It seems that there is nowhere to go to find peace.   If you are like me then you find yourself before the Lord telling Him that it is all too much.  One day a week ago, while weeping and praying, I said to the Father, "Please tell me that things won't be so hard in Heaven."  Maybe you have prayed those words too.  Some days, my only desire is for Jesus to appear before me, wrap me in His holy arms, and just hold me.  

Praise God that we have Him to turn to!  Not only is He with us each second of each day of our lives, but we have the hope and promise of being with Him eternally once our lives on this earth are done.  We have His Word, His love letter, to hide in our hearts so that we can be constantly reminded of all He has done for us and that we are not alone.  Our problems, our burdens, are too heavy to carry on our own, but we have the privilege and knowledge of knowing that He is aware of all that is happening and He is walking with us and helping us as we are on our journey through life.   His power is endless and is greater than any threat or difficulty we may have to face.  

I had a wonderful dream a few nights ago.  I want to share it with you because I found great comfort in it and I think it might be encouraging.  When my father and his siblings were all still living, they would try to get together at his sister's house about once a year.  In the dream, that was happening.  I walked into her home and saw my aunt and uncle, my mother and father and several people that I did not recognize but knew they were relatives.  For some reason, I had to leave the room and when I returned, another aunt, my mother's sister was there as well.  Now, I have missed this sweet woman tremendously so when I saw her in the dream, I started sobbing.  She stood, wrapped her arms around me tightly and we just hugged while I cried.  I believe this was the way Jesus chose to hug me because of all that I have been feeling lately.  While I would have loved to dream of Him hugging me Himself, when I awoke, I knew it was a gift from Him.  It was that real.  

I know how alone it is possible to feel.  I know how deeply lonely we can be.  Especially with the time of quarantine when we have been separated from friends and loved ones, many of us have found ourselves dealing with these emotions while continuing to have to muddle through whatever other hardships we contend with.  I chose today's verse because I wanted to remind each of us that we have not been asked to carry heavy loads alone.  Jesus is right beside us at all times.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  We can turn to Him at any moment and know that He sees us, He hears us and, most of all, He loves us unconditionally.  

None of knows what will happen tomorrow.  Maybe the situations we find ourselves in, or all that is happening is this world, will just get better and disappear.  Maybe it will be the opposite.  What needs to stay uppermost in our minds is that we know that nothing will ever happen that our Father isn't aware of.  In fact, He knew before He placed the stars in the sky everything that we would ever encounter and He knows how it will all work out.  Because of that, we know to stay close to Him and let Him lead.  

Today, and everyday, let's encourage and love one another.  If we are struggling then there is a good chance those around us are as well.  We can be the ones to remind them of the promises we know to be true and to provide the loving arms that are so needed.  May we all go forth in His name.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Hairballs and Spiders

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4  (NIV) 

One morning when I was a student at a Bible college in Texas, everything seemed to go wrong.  My alarm didn't go off.  There was no hot water for my shower.  I was late to class and in my hurry I had confused the day and brought the wrong books.  Everything that could go wrong, did.  Each morning we had a chapel session just before lunch.  This particular day, flustered as I was, I was really looking forward to that time because I thought it would change my focus and improve my attitude.  As we did in each chapel service, we first sang a couple of hymns.  When the song leader told us to turn to page one, I started laughing.  My hymnal was missing some pages and began with page 51!  I will never forget that day because it helped me to understand that my relationship with the Lord wasn't something that was confined to a schedule nor did it require me to be perfect. 

Some days are like that.  This past Monday began with me being awoken around six in the morning by the sound of my poodle, who will be fifteen next month, throwing up.  I woke up my daughter because she could get to him more quickly.  When she came back she said he had thrown up a hairball!  I didn't know dogs did that.  I got up to go and check on him and when I turned around I saw a large spider on my bathroom drawer.  So, that is the way the day started.  Thankfully, the rest of the day was much better. 

I know the experiences I just mentioned were very minor and that we all go through trials that are much more challenging and, sometimes, even devastating.  I have friends that are fighting deadly diseases, grieving the loss of loved ones and suffering staggering financial problems.  Some are taking care of parents with dementia or Alzheimer's, or desperately praying over wayward children.  There are also those who are fighting addictions or depression.  The list of what we can be affected by is endless.  How can we be joyful during these things? 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".  Today's verse admonishes us to "count it joy" when we experience trials.  In order to be joyful, we have to be grateful.  I want to point out that the verse in 1 Thessalonians does not say to give thanks FOR all circumstances.  It says to give thanks IN all circumstances.  I, like you, would find it incredibly difficult to be thankful for some of the trials I encounter.  However, when I recognize the Lordship of Jesus and ask Him to guide me and to use whatever circumstances I find myself in for His glory, then I can be thankful and I can find joy.  As long as my focus remains on Him and I realize that He loves me and is navigating my journey with me, then I can keep myself from falling into despair.  

There is so much going on in this nation and this world that most of us thought we would never see.  Depending upon where you live, you may be seeing much more than others of us.  All of these things, along with the battles we must face in our personal lives, can leave us feeling fearful and  defeated.  I want to remind you that the Bible ends with the assurance that the battle here on earth has been won.  Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly.  Evil has no power over Him.  Though we may feel that we are walking through the darkest storm, He is the light and if we will seek Him, we will find Him.  We are never alone.  If we are still and call upon Him, we will feel His presence and we will be strengthened by His great love.  

I pray that whatever fight you are in right now will quickly pass and I am asking our heavenly Father to surround you with holy protection, power and mercy.  Relief comes in many forms and I pray that it comes for you soon.  Until then, I know that His outstretched hand is ready for you to grab onto, and once you take it, He will never let it go.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Brick Upon Brick

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now  you have received mercy."  1 Peter 2:9-10  (NIV)  

As the school secretary for a new Christian school, it was important to me that the students there had their memories to look back upon just as they would in a public school via a school yearbook.  I enlisted the help of parents and teachers to take pictures throughout the school year, then, in the spring, I took those pictures in all the formats that I received them, and compiled them into yearbooks.  It was a lot of work as I had never handled such a large scale production before and I did it all alone.  It was also fun doing it alone because everyone, students and staff alike, were able to have fun discovering what was in them when we had our signing party.  The theme and title of the book for the first year was "Brick Upon Brick."  

Just as with building blocks or Legos, our lives come together one step, or brick, at a time.  I am not an artist, but those who are have told me that they follow the ideas that are in their heads.  If something doesn't work, they make changes, but before any work of art takes shape, the initial mark or stroke or lump of clay has to come first.  

If you are familiar with 1 Peter 2, then you know the verses that precede the ones I have chosen today speak of the cornerstone.  I did some reading about why a cornerstone is important in a masonry building.  That stone orients the entire creation.  It is the first stone laid and sets the direction.  Before it is laid, a lot of very careful planning is done so that there is no mistake made.  After that, one brick is laid upon another until the facade is complete.  

Just like in a building, our lives need a cornerstone.  We need a strong foundation that supports and directs us.  In scripture, Jesus is that Cornerstone.  When we receive Him as our Savior and Lord, align ourselves with Him and follow His teachings, then the spiritual "bricks" come together.  Our Father knows which "bricks" to allow into our lives to form us into the people that He has created us to be.  Just as an exquisite work of art begins with one stroke of a paintbrush, so He begins with one cell and continues building physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually until we become His masterpiece.  We may not be able to see what is happening, but the Master Artist is sure and confident in what He is creating.

I have been following several things that are happening in the lives of friends and family that would at first cause me to question why.  Sometimes it seems that some of those who live their lives most sincerely for the Lord experience hardships that are dumbfounding.  Perhaps you or your family are encountering times of difficulty or suffering as well.  My encouragement to you would be the assurance that there is One in charge who is fully aware of the burden you have been given to carry.  He doesn't ask you to carry it alone rather He desires that you turn to Him and ask for His help.  I cannot tell you why you are encountering this trying time, but I do believe that He will use it for His glory and to strengthen you.  Stay close to the Creator.  He knows what He is doing.  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - Praising Through the Rain

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2  (NLT)

During the last few months, rain has fallen in considerable amounts in our area of Georgia.  The ground is so saturated that after just a light rain there is standing water in the grassy areas.  While Australia was ablaze, we were making jokes about needing an ark.  I wondered why God couldn't send some of our over abundance of moisture to those in Australia who were praying for it as they watched land, homes and animals charred.  

Last night Tennessee was hit by numerous tornadoes and, at the last count that I heard, 22 precious lives were lost.  While I was lamenting another day of the inconvenience of puddles, these lives were being lost and homes and businesses were being ravaged.  It was a stark reminder that I need to be grateful for today because there may not be a tomorrow.

Several years ago, a young lady who was a student at the school I was working at, died of leukemia.  Since it was a small school and her mother and father taught there, we knew her fairly well.  She was beautiful and bubbly, athletic and talented, gentle and kind.  She had a sweet disposition and a great sense of humor.  Everyone took it hard when she passed away and there wasn't an empty seat to be found at her celebration of life.  I dreamed about her recently, and though I know it was just a dream, I felt honored to have gotten to see her again.  

The reason I mention this dear one is to relate the story of her family, particularly her parents, during her funeral.  I haven't been called upon to give up my child but I can only imagine that it must bring about more pain than the human heart can handle without divine help.  However, as the music played during her service, her parents stood and raised their hands toward Heaven and praised the Lord.  As I watched I realized that they understood what many do not and that is that no matter what happens in this life on earth, God is still God and His love and grace never waiver.  They praised out of their great love for Him and the knowledge that their beloved daughter was with Him and, in time, they would be reunited.  Knowing those things didn't take away their sadness but it helped them to snuggle in close to Him and allow Him to carry them through their time of grief.  

Tumults come into our lives in many forms, but there is none greater than the One who calmed the storm that we have learned about in Sunday School.  Just as He was able to order the storm to be quiet as related in scripture, so He is greater than any difficulty, struggle or tragedy that we may face today.  Even when we are overwhelmed, nothing catches Him by surprise or causes Him worry.  He is all-knowing and has all power and is more than capable of seeing us through any battle that we face.  

Just as my friends looked up during their deepest time of sorrow, so we should all look up as we encounter times of rain in our lives.  Our tears may make our sight blurry, but our hearts and spirits will find comfort in the presence of the One who loves us with an everlasting love.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - It's About the Journey

"If we live, it's to honor the Lord.  And if we die, it's to honor the Lord.  So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."  Romans 14:8 (NLT)

Happily ever after.  Those are the words I based my dreams on when I was young.  In my idealistic thoughts life would go smoothly.  I never envisioned the trials.  I had no idea how many struggles would line my pathway.  I never imagined when I said "in sickness and in health" that either I or my beloved would experience the "sickness".  

My husband and I recently had a discussion about how our lives have turned out.  We agreed that we had not foreseen where we would be today.  We have learned that we cannot rely on the dreams of our youth to become reality.  There are too many variables that can change everything in the blink of an eye.  But, thankfully, our existence is about so much more.

Individual occurrences are not what life is about.  They may serve to direct, or re-direct our steps, but what life is truly about is the journey itself.  It's about our walk with the Lord and how we allow Him to lead us through the hills and valleys as we go.  It's about our relationship with Him as we follow His Word and grow closer to Him.  And it's about the impact we make in other lives, no matter where we find ourselves, and how those impacts bring glory to our Father in Heaven.  

No matter how difficult my life has been, I am beyond grateful for the walk I have had with my Lord.  I remember the dreams I had as a girl and how I saw the duration of my time on this earth.  I have to wonder though what my relationship would be with Him had all those dreams come true.  The struggles have driven me to my knees and to the cross.  Because of them I have begged Him to keep a tight grasp on me and I have found that all that He promised is true.  Had those dreams of a perfect life come true, what need would I have had for His nearness?  

Christmas is two weeks away.  Likely, as I do, you have a nativity scene set out in your home in anticipation of celebrating the birth of the Christ child.  I wonder how many of us actually stop when we walk past it and spend time thinking about His life, why He came, what He did for us and how He continues to love us.  His birth, life, death and resurrection are what give us hope.  As long as we have Him, we have countless reasons to rejoice, no matter what we might be dealing with in our personal lives.  He is our companion as we travel earth's roads.  As long as we keep our focus on Him, the journey will lead us to our ultimate destination and every trial that we encounter will strengthen our oneness with Him.  God bless!

Mid-Week Message - Life Is Not a Rose Garden

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NLT)  

In 1970, country singer Lynn Anderson, had her first cross-over hit with the song Rose Garden.   The song was number one on the country charts for five weeks.  It was one of the biggest hits in any genre in the 1970's and Anderson won a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Country Performance because of it.  Although the lyrics pertain to an interpersonal relationship, the memorable line, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden" has been found suitable for many life situations.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, just as our cars have GPS to guide us, God had given us a road map, or a daily itinerary that would alert us to the twists and turns in life that we would like to avoid?  It would be so much simpler if we didn't have unexpected occurrences.  If we knew what was coming each moment, we could plan ahead.  But that isn't the way God set life up.  In fact, Jesus assures us that it would be quite the opposite.  He then tells us, however, not to fear because He has overcome the world.  

As I listen to the news each day I am reminded of the surprises that life can spring at us.  Somehow we hear of all the bad things that happen and still have the notion that, "that only happens to other people, not to me."  Maybe it is a coping mechanism that we use when we allow ourselves to believe that we are immune to certain things.  Then when violence or tragedy becomes a reality in our own lives, we find ourselves questioning how a loving God could allow it to happen. 

A statement caught my ear a few years ago.  When a friend was diagnosed with cancer she said this, "First I asked God, why me?  But then, after I had a while to think about it, I asked myself, why not me?"  Our holy Creator does not have favorites.  When any difficulty falls upon us, it isn't because He is picking on us.  It has nothing to do with whether He loves us or not because He loves us all completely.  Jesus gave His life for each of us.  There is no greater display of love than that.  

Although the Father certainly could warn us before something causes problems in our lives, He just doesn't usually choose to do that.  But He has given us His Word that is a road map of sorts because it directs us to turn to Him.  He is there to run to at any time.  Even better, if we stay beside Him at all times, all we have to do is reach up and take His hand.  He always listens, always cares and will always lead us through whatever trials or sorrows creep into our paths.  We have the blessed promise that there is so much more ahead of us than what we experience here. 

I say often in my weekly messages that life is hard.  I repeat it to emphasize that we all struggle.  Pick any random person off of the street and we can be sure that there is something that person endures that would surprise us.  I know that each of us has something to contend with.  What I most want to keep repeating though is that we serve a God that is bigger than any storm that arises.  Because of Him, we can face today and all of our tomorrows knowing that He has us in His hand and ultimately we will see Him face to face and the trials of this world will be no more.  He promised and He always keeps His promises.  God bless.