In the Midst of Difficulties

November 9, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , ,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I know that for some people it is difficult to celebrate and be thankful.  We can’t ignore the fact that many people have lost their jobs and are struggling financial.  Others are struggling in difficult relationships or with a wayward child, and some are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

This past week, here in Texas, we had the terrible and senseless loss of 13 lives at Fort Hood.  Our hearts go out to the families of those who were slain and our prayers are with those who are still struggling with injuries.  At times like these it is easy to think there is nothing to be thankful for, and yet even in the midst of difficulty, tragedy and loss there are some things for which we can give thanks. 

In my own life, my dear mother was sadly killed at the young age of 55 during this time of year.  Certainly we do not give thanks for the terrible loss, but we can be thankful for God’s comfort and care.  The Bible says, “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them and delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  (Psalm 34:17,18)

In our situation, we thanked God for providing wonderful people to come to our side and comfort us.  We thanked God for the blessing that my mother’s life was to all of us, and how she blessed so many people with her godly heart.  We thanked God that many people turned back to God as a result of my mother’s sudden death, because they too saw the brevity of life. 

God’s Word offers us strength and comfort in times of difficulty.  Just this morning I read Psalm 107:

 1 “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
       his love endures forever.

 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
       those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

 3 those he gathered from the lands,
       from east and west, from north and south.

 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
       finding no way to a city where they could settle.

 5 They were hungry and thirsty,
       and their lives ebbed away.

 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he delivered them from their distress.

 7 He led them by a straight way
       to a city where they could settle.

 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men,

 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

We may not understand why the Lord has allowed trials in our lives, but we can trust His unfailing love.  He is our provider.  Look to him and seek His help through your pain and struggles.  Like the Psalmist, we can thank the Lord for His unfailing love in our life and thank Him for His care for us each day.

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Remember to Say Thank You

November 2, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

As we start off the month of November, I want us to consider the importance of showing our gratitude toward God.  You and I both know how it feels when we do something nice for another person, and yet they never say thank you.  But I must admit I’m guilty of doing the same.  Life gets busy and I forget to write a note or call to let someone know how much I appreciate them or say thanks for what they have done. 

I’m guilty of that same sort of ingratitude toward God. Out of His kindness and love He cares for us and blesses us each day.  He answers prayers, He meets our needs, He comforts us, He strengthens us, and He forgives us even when we don’t deserve it.  Yet how often do we take the time to sincerely thank Him?  It’s interesting how we may be busy doing all sorts of good things for Him, but one thing He desires more than our sacrifice is our gratitude. 

Listen to what He says in Psalm 50:7-15

 7 “O my people, listen as I speak.
      Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
      I am God, your God!
 8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices
      or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.
 9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns
      or the goats from your pens.
 10 For all the animals of the forest are mine,
      and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
 11 I know every bird on the mountains,
      and all the animals of the field are mine.
 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
      for all the world is mine and everything in it.
 13 Do I eat the meat of bulls?
      Do I drink the blood of goats?
 14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
      and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
 15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
      and I will rescue you,
      and you will give me glory.”

And later in verse 23 He says again, “Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”

 Why is thankfulness so important?  Gratitude keeps us humble as we continue to recognize all we have is from Him.  Gratitude makes us more joyful as we focus on the good things in our lives.  Most importantly gratitude builds a deeper love relationship between us and God.  It points our eyes toward Him and helps us reflect on His presence with us and care for us.

May I encourage you each day in the month of November to spend some quiet time alone with the Lord, and as you do begin by praising God for who he is and thanking him for what he has done in your life.  I like to keep a prayer journal and write down my requests to the Lord each day, but before I write any requests, I take time to write out my thanks to God for how he took care of me the day before.  Let’s honor God this month by allowing our daily prayers to be filled with gratitude for our loving God.

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Positive Changes

October 26, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged ,

Several weeks ago I met a wonderful woman named Avis Lafrance (LaFranceImage.com).   She is a professional image consultant and more importantly a godly woman who desires to serve God through her life, her words and her career.  She consulted with me several times to help give me a bit of an update look – new hairstyle and makeup.  She even helped me refresh my wardrobe.  When it comes to physical appearance, a positive change now and then is not a bad idea. 

There are many things we can change about ourselves.  We can change the way we look.  We can change the way we take care of our bodies. We can change the way we think.  We can change our attitude, actions and words.  We may not be able to change our circumstances, and we may not be able to change the people around us, but we can change the way we respond to situations and people.

We can choose to think about what is good in our lives and dwell on our blessings, or we can continue to rehash the same old things that make us angry and bitter.  We can choose to pray and seek God’s help through difficult circumstances or we can become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. 

Changing the way we think has a monumental effect on what we say and how we act.  If I dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, then my grumbling tends to change to gratitude.  If I think about other people as beautiful creations of God, then it changes the way I treat them and talk to them (and talk about them). 

What changes do you need to make?  Perhaps you need to make a change in the way you are looking at your situation at work or at home.  Perhaps you need to make a change in the way you eat or the way you spend your money.  You may need to make a change in the area of forgiveness  and release the right to hold something over another person.    This week I want to encourage you  to prayerfully consider some of the changes you need to make.

Positive change usually begins in your thinking and pours out from there into our actions and words.   In the Autumn season we see many changes taking place in the foliage around us.  Why not allow the beauty of Fall to serve as a reminder that we can always make positive changes in our lives.

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Life Lesson Learned By the Sea

October 19, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , ,

IMG_0115

This weekend I had the blessing and privilege to be in Destin, Florida with my family. It is absolutely beautiful here! A little cold, but wonderful white sand beaches and an amazing view of the vast ocean make up for that. There are several life principles which come to mind as I look out into the great blue abyss and I want to share them with you today. Three words describe the life lessons learned by the sea: vast, deep, changing.

Vast – The vastness of the ocean makes me think of the abundance of God’s love for us. His unfailing love cannot be measured. He is gracious and kind, abounding in love. His resources are vast. We can come to Him through prayer and our gracious Lord is able to meet our needs. Oh how great the love of the Father! How amazing is his love! How abundant are His blessings!

Deep – When I think about all the life and activity that is going on under the surface of the ocean I am reminded of the depth of God’s justice. Psalm 36 reminds us that “His justice is like the great deep.” Often I can’t understand why the wicked go unpunished or why the Lord allows the evil to prosper, but God is at work. His justice is like the great deep. I cannot begin to know His ways or His workings. And so I trust Him, that He knows what He is doing. I may not be able to see it, but I can trust His faithfulness and His justice.

Changing – Just as the tide ebbs and flows, so the circumstances in our lives are ever changing. We have happy situations and we have loss, we have joy and we have sorrow. This weekend we celebrated our daughter Joy’s engagement to a wonderful young man. Such a great, great blessing! On a different note, this morning I am in continual prayer for a dear friend of mine who is undergoing major back surgery. The ebb and flow of life. Life brings a variety of joys and challenges, but God is constant. His love can be trusted.

As we reflect on these principles, let us continually turn our heart and mind toward God and seek His strength through the changes, trust His justice beyond what we can see and praise Him for His vast love and care for us.

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Glorious Differences

October 12, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , ,

This weekend my husband and I went to the State Fair of Texas.  Yes, I talked him into going.  He doesn’t necessarily like to go to the fair, but I love it!  I’m not exactly sure why I love it so much.  Maybe it’s the corny dogs and funnel cakes.  It could be the exhibits and the animals, but I’m pretty sure what I love the most is watching all the people.

 Honestly, the State Fair is truly a bouillabaisse of humanity.  The people converge from all different walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, occupations and ages.  It is a joy to me to be observe God’s creative handiwork in the variety he has designed within the human species.  Variety is the spice of life, don’t you agree?

 Because we are quite varied and different, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the personalities or ideas of the people in our lives.  One person’s way of doing things may look different than ours, and so we become annoyed.  A person does something that we don’t like or we don’t think is fair, and we become angry.  Another person’s viewpoint differs from our own, and we bicker and argue with them.  Let’s face it, it’s difficult to get along with people who are not exactly like us.  If only everyone else were exactly like me, then I would get along perfectly well with everyone.  Right?

 Thank the Lord for the differences He has created!  We don’t need a world full of a billion people just like me (Heaven help us).  We need variety to get things done, to make businesses run, to grow and mature, to bring in a new perspective.  This week I want to challenge you to appreciate the differences in the people around you.  Take time to thank the Lord for the way each of your family members is different from you because they bring a variety of strengths to your family. Do the same for the people in your workplace.  Build on each other’s  strengths, manage around the weaknesses, and appreciate the differences instead of allowing them to frustrate you. 

 My dear friend, author Jody Capehart says, “God makes us different from one another so that we can rightly fulfill our own distinctive function.  God consistently demonstrates to us that He creates us to be the garden variety, not canned green beans.”

 We are continually reminded in scripture to “bear with each other.”  In I Thessalonians 5 we read, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 To be quite honest, it is not always easy to encourage the timid and help the weak and be patient with everyone.  It takes perseverance and it certainly takes a God-sized love.  Maybe that’s why Paul adds that we are to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances!  Look to the God of Love to give you what you need in loving those who are different from you.

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Press On

October 5, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , ,

We did it!   We showed up for the race, we ran and we finished.   Of course my daughter finished quite a bit earlier than I did, but we both experienced the joy of accomplishing the race and had a great time in the process.  Here’s a picture of us before we began.

 race 003

 

And here’s a picture right after we finished the race.

 race 008

 Just kidding!  Really here’s a picture of us after the race.

 race 004

 

 

Now I’m not saying the race was easy.  In fact I was really hurting on some of those hills.  Personally I wish the organizers of the race could have made the route only on flat terrain.  Why hills?  To tell you honestly I’d like for life to be on an even path as well.  No difficulties, no mountains to climb, no valleys to crawl through.  I wish life was one smooth sailing journey. 

 

Hebrews reminds u s to keep our eyes on Christ through the challenging journey of life.  Here’s what Hebrews 12:1 – 3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

 

Don’t lose heart.  Press on.  Whatever your race looks like, run with perseverance with your eyes on Christ.  Get rid of the sin that so easily gets you off course and remember you have a Savior who loves you and is with you through your struggles. 

 

This past week I had the privilege of hearing Dr. John Townsend (www.drjohntownsend.com) speak on the topic of leadership.  In his talk he mentioned some of the life lessons he taught his kids.  He said it was important for them to learn that things will get harder before they get easier and to take one day at a time.  Yes, life is tough, and we must persevere at times, even when the going gets tough.  One day at a time with our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

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Run in the Right Direction

September 28, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

Several weeks ago my daughter and I made a decision to train for a local 5K (3.1 mile)race together.  It sounded good at the time we talked about it, but then when I put on my running shoes and started hitting the pavement, I realized how out of shape I was for running.  I used to be a big runner – 20 something years ago.  Well I’m not quite in the shape I was back in college!

The first day I went for a run, I do believe every muscle in my legs ached all day long.  But I was determined to get back in the swing of things, so I could join my daughter for the race and not embarrass myself in the process.  Every day, bit by bit I got out there and went a little further each day, even when it was painful.   

The Bible reminds us of a few things we need to run toward and a few things we need to run away from in our lives.  David said, “I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.  I cling to your decrees.  Lord, don’t’ let me be put to shame!  If you will help me, I will run to follow your commands. “(Psalm 119:30 – 32)  What a beautiful picture of where we should run – to God’s commands!

Isaiah described those who have turned away from God by saying, “Their feet run to do evil.” (Isaiah 59:7)

What kind of runner are you?  I’m not talking about physically, but I’m talking about spiritually.  Do you run toward God’s loving arms and toward His commands?  Or do your run away from Him, living as you want to live, running toward evil?  We have a choice as to which direction we will go.

 I like how David said, “If you will help me, I will run and follow your commands.”   So if you are feeling weak and unable to run toward Him, or if you feel like you don’t know how, ask for his help and then Just Do It!  One step at a time you will begin to run with strength and confidence in His direction. 

Remember, run to God for help, strength, wisdom and comfort.  Run to help others in need.  Run away from sin, bitterness and self-centeredness.

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Feeling Overwhelmed?

September 21, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , ,

Most of us have experienced those times when we feel as though we just don’t have the strength, energy or ability to go to accomplish the tasks ahead of us.  It may be an overloaded schedule or responsibilities with an aging parent or chasing several preschoolers around the house.  Perhaps a tragedy or trial in your life has gripped you with anxiety and fear.  I want to reassure you and encourage you that you are not alone.  Take one day at a time and begin to turn your eyes off of the overwhelming circumstances and onto the God who loves you.

God will not leave you in your darkest hour, although you may feel as though He is far away.  As a believer in Christ we have the reassurance that His spirit dwells within us and will net leave.  Jesus said to his followers, “I am with you always.”  There is a peaceful reassurance in knowing that God is with us.  Look to Him for strength and wisdom as you face your challenges.  Day by day, give your anxieties to Him and thank Him for what He is doing in your life.

You are not alone, because others have walked similar paths.  You are not the only one who has gone down this road.  Find comfort in the fact that others have made it through and you can too.  You can find strength and comfort in connecting with people who have journeyed down these similar roads through support groups and friends.

Take steps forward.  Don’t stay in a rut, and don’t allow yourself to be gripped with fear.  Move forward asking God to lead you,  guide you and equip you.  You may not be able to conquer everything, but you can do something. One step at a time. You remember how to eat an elephant don’t you? One bite at a time!

Day by day, one step at a time with eyes on the Lord (not on your circumstances) you will get through this.  David said, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62

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Listening More, Talking Less

September 14, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

In my line of work, my voice is quite important.  For example this last week, I spoke to a moms group on Wednesday, a Bible study on Thursday and a MOPS group on Friday.  Normally my voice is delightful and soothing, but by Wednesday evening my voice became terribly course and raspy.  By the time I went to teach Bible study on Thursday, my voice was almost gone. 

Several precious women (Sandie and Linda) prayed with me that my voice would hold up through the lesson, and it did!  By God’s grace His message from Philippians was powerfully presented.  I went to a board meeting for Women in Christian Media after Bible Study and the precious women there prayed over me for God’s healing touch.  They put me on complete vocal rest until Friday when I was to speak again.

On Friday, my friend Christy sent a note to all the leaders at Friday’s group to pray for me and again, God allowed me to speak boldly during the meeting.  But my voice was not healed.  Crumb!  I wanted to be all better because I was going down to Waco on Friday to hear Anne Graham Lotz speak at her “Just Give Me Jesus” conference.  Of course I was going with some friends, and I wanted to be able to talk and laugh with them, but  I couldn’t.   I just had to listen.

Why wasn’t my voice completely healed, especially when my Godly friends prayed that it would be?  Perhaps God wanted to teach me something through being silent.  I heard His voice saying, “Just listen.”  Sometimes the chatter of life, keeps me from listening to His still yet penetrating voice.  I needed to listen to my wise friends as we spent the weekend in Waco.  I needed to listen to what God was teaching me through the “Just Give Me Jesus” conference.  I needed to be quiet even today as I write this and just listen to his voice.

Reflection.  Taking time to Listen. Contemplating His Word, His love and His presence through being silent.  I don’t do it often enough.  Sometimes God just needs to grab me and stop me.  I need to be still and know that He is God.  How about you?  When are you quiet?

My friend Jody Capehart says, “God does not take us through the deep waters to drown us, but to cleanse us.”  What challenges are you facing right now in your life? Stop and listen to His still, quiet voice saying, “I love you.  I am with you. I will be your strength.”

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It’s all about Choices

September 7, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , ,

“Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.”   Barbara Johnson.

Life is tough, but we do have choices.  We have a choice about our attitude.  We have a choice to make positive changes and do things differently.  We have a choice to trust God and believe he will give us strength.  We also have the choice to despair and wallow in self-pity or fear.

What are you choosing to hold onto right now in your life?  Are you holding onto the right to grumble and complain because things aren’t going well?  Decide today to release that right to rehearse your hurts and instead begin to pray and thank God for the glimpse of hope.

Are you choosing to only see the faults in someone around you?  Decide today to stop dwelling on his or her bad qualities and instead look for a treasure or blessing that person brings to this world.   And yes they do bring something.

Are you angry right now at a person or at God?  Choose to forgive and let it go.  Choose to move on and stop replaying past hurts.  Choose to be happy once again, instead of bitter and miserable.

Now I’m not saying these choices are easy.  In fact they are not at all easy,  yet we have a God who loves us and wants to help us make wise choices.  Do you lack strength and the ability to make wise choices?  Pour your heart out to God and seek His help.  “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

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