Love Your God and All People

Saturday, September 30, 2017

I'd like to write about a certain Louisville basketball coach, or some NFL football players, or some politicians but I think I'll spare you the drama. Instead I think I'd like to look at four sentences spoken by our Lord when asked which command in God's law was most important. 

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”  Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭MSG‬

I wonder what the world would be like if everyone were to live by these two commands. If we were truly passionate about our love for the Lord and for each other, what would happen?

I kind of think that corruption on all levels would disappear. No one would want to do anything underhanded because our passion for God would cause us to long for truth. 

All social injustice would evaporate. Love would prevail. We'd all be standing for the national anthem, recognizing our nation truly as the land of the free and the home of the brave. And no one would be worried about another terrorist attack because terrorism wouldn't exist. 

I don't expect that utopia to exist on this side of the grave. But those of us who do believe in the Lord can definitely make an impact in our little corner of the world by openly showing our love for God and for others. We could really make a difference. 

How can you put these verses into action today?

Who Cares What People Think?!

Friday, September 29, 2017

The fear of human opinion disables; 

trusting in GOD protects you from that‭‭.

Proverbs‬ ‭29:25‬ ‭MSG‬

I might act like it doesn't matter to me what people think. But if I'm honest I'll admit that it hurts when people don't like me or if they have a bad opinion of me. Perhaps that is pride. Perhaps it's just human nature. Perhaps it's the people-pleaser in me. 

But if I get too wrapped up in what people think, that can be debilitating. Even paralyzing. It can effect every aspect of my life and make me miserable. It can bleed over into my relationships and make everybody around me miserable. 

This verse says, "the FEAR of human opinion." That's pretty much on one end of the spectrum. "Who cares what people think," would be on the opposite end. I think there needs to be a healthy balance in there somewhere. 

I remember one time sharing my heart with my boyfriend, saying, "God may have called you to be a pastor but He for sure didn't call me to be a pastor's wife." I had all kinds of visions of church members expecting me to play the piano and lead the music and direct Vacation Bible School and lead Mission Friends and keep an immaculate home and raise perfect children and, well, the list could go on. But I came to grips with the fact that as long as I was doing the things I felt like the Lord was calling me to do and as long as I did things that were pleasing to Him, then it didn't really matter what other people thought. 

And so I've been a preacher's wife for 35 years. Currently I teach Sunday School and volunteer with the media team. I seek God's will and strive to make Him proud. I trust Him implicitly with my life and with the lives of my family. And He gives me peace. 

Bumps in the Road

Thursday, September 28, 2017

I don't really much like it when I'm driving down the road and suddenly come across a speed bump or a pothole or a deer.... If I see the obstacle in time, it makes me slow down and pay attention. If I don't see it, I run the risk of it hurting my car! I know sometimes they are there to protect me or someone else, like if I'm driving too fast in a heavily populated residential area, but I still don't like them. 

Yesterday I wrote about a bump in the road regarding the health of my son. Everything pretty much came to a screeching halt for a few days and then slowly got back to normal. 

What are some other life issues that make us slow down, stop, or wreck? And what can we learn from them?

• personal health
• relationship issues
• financial issues 
• school
• death of a loved one
• loss of employment
• depression
• birth of a child
• natural disasters 

Sometimes bumps slow us down, stop us, or totally derail us. Sometimes we have absolutely no control over the effect they have on us. But sometimes our response is totally dependent on us. 

During the times that I tend to focus on myself, the obstacles seem to be more overwhelming. It's hard to breathe. It's hard to put one foot in front of the other. Indeed, it can seem pretty hopeless. 

During the times in my life when I am more focused on the Lord and His ways, the obstacles don't seem so insurmountable. They can still be pretty difficult. But God ultimately pulls me through. 

The one thing that I hang on to is the possibility that one day I might run into someone who is experiencing a similar experience and I might be able to help. I try not to compare stories, really, but instead to express empathy and perhaps to share some Scripture that helped me. 

Lord, I know You care about the speed bumps we face. Use them to grow us into the mature Christians we need to be. And help us to use our experiences to bring You glory. 

The Miracle of Life

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Once upon a time, there was a healthy, active young man who lived with his wife and children in a small town in Kentucky. He was a hard-worker and loved is family, his friends and his Lord.  

One day out of the blue (about a year ago), he got sick. Everybody thought he just had a bad cold so he ate some chicken noodle soup and went to bed. The next day he could hardly stand up. The doctors said, "You're really sick," and they sent him PDQ to a big, fancy hospital down the road. 

Before anybody realized what was happening, he was knocked out cold and was placed on a breathing machine. He had wires and tubes coming from everywhere. And there he stayed for what seemed like forever. 

Doctors came and doctors went.  CT scans. XRays. Blood work. IV fluids. Monitors. And the family stayed by his side watching and waiting and praying that he would survive. 

Besides his lungs, one by one organ systems went haywire. His kidneys. His liver. His pancreas. His gall bladder. His intestines. And, most scary of all, his heart. Still more doctors came and went. Still the family watched and waited and prayed. 

Then just as suddenly as it all started, it began to improve. One by one his organs started functioning properly again and he began to breathe on his own. Yes, even his heart rebounded and showed absolutely no sign of having gone haywire. About a week after it started, it was all over leaving him weak and his family exhausted. 

Now the young man is again hard at work, enjoying his family and friends and his Lord. He looks back at this ordeal with humility and gratitude knowing that God had heard the prayers of many people on his behalf. If you were to put him in a line-up with other men his age and ask someone to pick out the one who had been knocking on heaven's door, he would likely not be the one chosen. For he is once again the picture of health. 

Lord, thank you for sparing the life of my first born son. Thank you for all the medical professionals who nurtured and cared for him while he was so sick. Thank you, as well, for all of the people who came to visit, who brought food, who loved on us, and who prayed diligently for him. I am amazed that it has now been one year and that he remains so very healthy. Thank you so much!

It's Almost Christmas!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Every month when the 25th rolls around -- like yesterday -- I always make a comment at work to anyone who happens to be in ear shot. 

"Today is the 25th. You know what that means don't you? Christmas will be here before you know it."

It never fails. The response I get always involves some form of groaning and the emphatic plea of, "Don't say that!"

I admit that I only make this statement to see what kind of response I'll get. It's pretty fun. 

But really, y'all, it's only three months away! Soon we will be caught up in all the baking and buying and the activities of the Christmas season (and hopefully we'll get a little snow thrown in there, too). 

Do you look forward to it?

Do you dread it?

What can we do to make this year's celebration more enjoyable?

• Focus on the Lord. He's the whole reason we celebrate, after all. 
• Play Christmas music. My husband will start this the week of Thanksgiving!
• Shop early but don't spend a fortune. Very few of us really need all the stuff we purchase anyway. 
• Spend time with the people you love. 
• Avoid the locations that are particularly painful for the holidays. 
• Focus on the Lord. 

I think my problem with Christmas is that it seems to sneak up on me and I come unglued because I can't get everything done that I want to do. I need to plan earlier. 

But most of all I need to guard against getting caught up in the trimmings. I need to Worship the baby King!

Celebrate the Past

Monday, September 25, 2017

Bill and I were able to participate in a special remembrance this weekend: the 175th Anniversary of Cadiz Baptist Church. 

Bill grew up in Cadiz and this was his church. In a very short period of time -- like five years or so -- this smalltown church in western Kentucky produced five young people committed to full time ministry. Bill was one of them. 

Saturday night we were able to hear from some of the former music ministers. They sang and we sang. It was an incredible night of worship and recollection. 

Sunday we had a lovely service, a potluck, and a final program. We were reunited with many current and former members and staff members. We shared stories and hugs and laughter. We took lots of pictures. And we sealed up a time capsule to be opened at the 200th Anniversary.  

We should celebrate milestones more often. 

We should remember our heritage.  

At Cadiz Baptist we didn't spend time talking about the difficulties of the past 175 years -- we celebrated the good stuff. We didn't raise up one individual over another -- we worshiped the Lord. 

Thank you, Lord, for churches like Cadiz Baptist who have sought to faithfully love and embrace your children over the decades. Help us to do the same today in our respective churches. May we bring you joy and give you the glory. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 38

Sunday, September 24, 2017

The thief comes only to steal 

and kill and destroy. 

I have come that they may have life 

and have it to the full. 

John 10:10

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

BLOOD: The Source of Life

Saturday, September 23, 2014

The bloodmobile made its bimonthly stop at U.K. this week and I paid them a visit. As I lay there pumping my little squishy ball, I gazed over at the Markey Cancer Center and considered the countless times Mother and I were there for her to get a unit or two of blood. 

For the life of a creature is in the blood. . . .
Leviticus‬ ‭17:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And when, toward the end, she decided not to get any more blood, we slowly watched her life fade away. Within about three weeks she was gone. 

So I pray for the recipient of my blood, that they will benefit from the life that it holds. 

Scripture says a little more about the life-giving benefit of blood. Here is the remainder of the above verse in Leviticus :

. . . and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Leviticus 17:11

In the Old Testament it was the act of sacrificing animals that atoned for the peoples' sins. Many passages in the law give exact directions on how to offer these sacrifices. But thankfully Jesus stood in as the unblemished Lamb and shed His live-giving blood to cover the sins of the world for all time. 

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:14‬ ‭NIV

Lord, thank you for the life that you give us all. And for the opportunity to live with you forever when our earthly life is over. Thank you for your life-giving blood. 

Farristown Flyers Football

Friday, September 22, 2017

Last night was Eighth Grade Night at Farristown Middle School. Where did the season go? Bill and I have enjoyed going to the games for several reasons:

• The weather has been exceptional this fall. 
• We love football. 
• Bill got to announce the games and I got to help. (That means being in the press box all the time -- with all the yellow jackets.) 
• We got to watch our son, Patrick, coach. This was by far the biggest reason we were there. 

Bill does such a good job announcing the game. He knows so much about the rules that he effortlessly interprets what's going on. The fans seem to really appreciate his style. I remember sitting in the stands when Patrick played in high school and enjoying hearing his name called out on the loud speaker. It's a pretty proud feeling. I'm glad these middle school families get to experience it. 

Last night's games were against the Madison Middle School Panthers, Lizzie's Alma Mater. FaceBook gave me a 7 year time hop this week of Lizzie and the MMS cheer squad doing a stunt routine. They were pretty cute with those ponytails and white bows the size of Wisconsin. Nothing has changed -- the FTMS cheer squad was sporting stately bows last night as well. 

We had a nice surprise at the game last night. Patrick and Klecenda go to Bible Study at the Newman's on Monday nights and the couples from their group came to the game to watch Patrick coach. That was so sweet. 

I can't believe all the home games are over. It sure was a lot of fun. 

Unconditional Love

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Many of you know that we have a new little puppy at our house -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez. He's a long haired dapple dachshund. Cutest thing you've ever seen. And our Cassie has adjusted nicely to having a little brother around. 

There is just something about the wholehearted, unconditional love of a dog that steals my heart. I could be out of the room for five minutes or five hours and the babies would be over-the-top excited to see me. I love it. 

One day last week when I got home, Bennie and Cassie were waiting for me on the edge of my bed. As soon as they saw me, they got so excited I thought they were going to pop. They couldn't kiss my face enough or get close enough to me, wedging themselves between me and their sibling at every opportunity. It just warmed my heart. And it made me think. 

How do we respond to the presence of the Lord?

Are we excited?

Do we even acknowledge He's there?

Of all people, we should give God our love and respect. We should long to spend time with Him. He deserves that from us. 

But we should also recognize that the love  He has for us is not only heartfelt but it is totally unconditional. We don't deserve it at all. Yet He gives it freely, longing for us to have a good relationship with Him in return. 

Thank you, Lord, for loving us like you do. You are so wonderful. We really don't deserve your affection yet you shower us with blessings daily. 

The Doobie Brothers

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

It's been a long time since I've been to a rock concert. I mean a really long time. Last night we went to see The Doobie Brothers at the EKU Center for the Arts. Now THAT was some art!  

The opening act was JD and The Straight Shot. We really enjoyed them. Turns out the lead singer and writer for the group -- JD -- is "Cablevision Systems Corporation CEO and Madison Square Garden Company Executive Chairman, James L. Dolan." (Wikipedia) He owns the New York Knicks!

We got a real kick out of reading about him on the Internet on the way home. He has booked his own group as opening act for bands such as ZZ Top, the Allmon Brothers Band, the Eagles, and, of course, the Doobies. I guess if you run Madison Square Garden you can book your own band if you want to! 

The Doobie Briohers were pretty good, too -- if you like the type! And, well, I like the type! It was fun to watch all the old grey-headed people in the audience "dancing" and enjoying themselves. Maybe that's why they're deaf -- they listened to too much rock and roll in the seventies! 

I remember my mother saying something like, "How can you listen to that noise?" I think I've said something to Lizzie like, "Today's music just really isn't music." Guess it's just hard to appreciate what kids listen to. 

Two things really stuck out for me last night as I enjoyed these bands:

(1) It was amazing to see how many different instruments they played so masterfully. 

(2) The vocal harmony was superb. 

Yes. This was good music. Why are my ears ringing?

God provides for our smallest needs.

Tuesday, September 19, 1017

Yesterday something special happened. It was insignificant yet monumental. And totally a God-thing. 

I work in downtown Lexington. Parking places are sometimes hard to find. Today was like any other. 

At about 9:15 I needed to leave work to take care of something very important. As I pulled out of the parking space in the structure, there was a little red car waiting to take my spot. As I drove away I talked to the Lord about arranging for me to have a place to park when I got back so that I could get back to work as quickly as possible.

I didn't think about it again until I was headed back to work. I barely made it through one traffic light and thought, "this must be part of God's timing." I got stopped by the next one yet thought the same thing. 

Sure enough, as I turned the second curve in the parking structure, not only did I see a vacant space -- it was the very same spot I had had that morning. Now what are the chances of THAT happening?!

I have always believed that God cares about all the details of our lives. This proves it. 

Thank you, Lord, for taking care of my need yesterday morning. Thank you for being a part of every aspect of my life. 

Bucket lists

Monday, September 18, 2017

Do you know the origin of the "bucket list?" I don't know exactly how accurate this is, but according to the Internet, here is a possibility. 

• a list of things to do before you die, or "kick the bucket"
• "kicking the bucket" might refer to hanging oneself by first standing on a bucket 

Ew!

Now that we have that mental picture, do you have a bucket list? Are you living your life to the fullest and seizing the opportunities to do fun and meaningful things? 

My husband has had a few things on his list that we've been able to cross off. And, of course, they have all had something to do with sports! 

• see the Giants at Candlestick Park
• go to Canton, Ohio (NFL Hall of Fame)
• go to Cooperstown, NY (Baseball Hall of Fame)
• see the Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI
• see the Giants in Spring Training in Scottsdale, AZ

I'm sure there are others but I can't think of them right now. 

I think most of my bucket list items have had to do with travel. 

• I've been to all but 2 of our United States
• I've been to 5 of 7 continents
• I've been on 7 international mission trips

One day I hope to get to Australia and Antarctica. I think that would be so cool. 

But of all the places we've gone and the things we've done over the years, the one place I truly want to be is in the center of God's will. Period. I am never happy when I am outside of  it. And I am at peace when I am in the middle of it. 

That means relinquishing control of my life to my Lord. It means listening for His direction. It means trusting Him at all times. 

Lord, help us think of really cool things to put on our bucket lists and to thoroughly enjoy pursuing those goals. But whether we are on an adventure or just sitting on the back porch, help us to put you first in all things

. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 37

Sunday, September 17, 2017

"Come follow me," Jesus said, 

"and I will send you out 

to fish for people."

Matthew 4:19

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Let God Handle It: Finances

Saturday, September 16, 2017

How do you handle your finances? Very carefully. But if you don't include God in your financial strategies, you'll be wasting your time. 

Do I have to do one of those -- you know -- budgets?

Well, in order to get anywhere financially, the bottom line is this: spend less than you make. Period. 

So do you think that might include sitting down and figuring out how much money is coming in each month and how much is going out? Yep. So get a paper and pencil and start on that "b" word today!

What should be included in a budget?

INCOME from all sources. 

When does your paycheck arrive each month and how much is on it. 

OUTGO

Tithe 10% off the top. This shows God your obedience to His word and let's Him know that you trust Him.  

Save 10% off the top. 

Add up all expenditures for the month. 

INCOME should be greater than OUTGO. 

If not, you either have to make more money or spend less. 

Can God handle your finances? Of course He can. But this is a little like the story about the man in the storm who expected God to deliver him. You've got to use something God blessed you with -- common sense. Make a plan. Put it into action. And trust the Lord to provide. 

Don't forget when things start going much more nicely with your finances to give God the glory. He loves taking care of you. 

Thank you, Lord, for handling the obstacles in our lives. There are so many that try to distract and overwhelm us. Help us to depend on you and your direction in our lives, for you, alone, can navigate it safely. 

Let God Handle It: Employment

Friday, September 15, 2017

What obstacles do you face in the workplace?

- long hours

- difficult physical environment

- back stabbing

- micro-management

- under appreciated 

- long commute

- under paid

I guess the list could be endless. 

So how do you let God "handle it" at your job?

(1) First of all, who are you working for?

Now I know your paycheck has some company's name on it and you may have somebody you call boss. But that's not what I mean.  Here is Colossians 3:22-25 from The Message. 

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

Since you're working for the Lord, you'd better work hard and do your best every day. And talk to Him about the icky stuff. I'm pretty sure He can handle them. 

(2) While God is handling the undesirable things about work, focus on all the blessings you have because of it. 

- Maybe it's the fact that you have a job. 

- Do you have good friends at work?

- Is there someone there you can pray for?

- Do you like what you do?

- Do you feel a sense of accomplishment?

- Are you amazed that you get paid for what you do?

Attitude and focus are pretty important. Sure, you can dwell on the icky but there's no point in it. So instead think about the good stuff. 

(3) Give God the credit for the wonderful aspects of your work. Listen to His guidance if you're supposed to go somewhere else. Be patient. Praise Him for His provisions in your life. 

Lord, we know that no job is perfect because people are so flawed. Help us to relinquish the icky stuff at work to you and to focus on the good things. Most of all give us the determination to work as if for you -- wholeheartedly, passionately, and joyfully. 

Let God Handle It: Disasters

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Once upon a time there was a man who lived near the sea. "Evacuate!" the local officials warned one morning. "A big hurricane is coming!" "God, deliver me from this storm," the man prayed. 

That afternoon his next door neighbor knocked on his door. "Come and go inland with us," the man invited. "No, thank you," replied the man. "God is going to deliver me."

The hurricane came. Water poured in from the sea and the sky. The trees bowed in the wind. The man watched from the living room as the water encroached upon his home. 

That night another knock rattled the door. A man in a boat offered to take him to safety. "That's not necessary," said the man. "God can handle this."

Morning broke to find the man perched on his roof, water all around him. A helicopter pilot spotted him and lowered a basket to take him away. The man waved him off shouting, "God's going to deliver me!" Reluctantly the helicopter pilot pulled away. 

The man drowned. 

When he stood face to face with Jesus in heaven, the man was perplexed and asked the Lord, "Why didn't you deliver me from the storm?" "I tried," said the Lord. "I sent your neighbor, the man in the boat, and the pilot. But you wouldn't hear my call."

No matter what our obstacles might be, God wants to help us conquer them. Yes, we absolutely must trust him. But we must also use good common sense and move in the direction He leads us. And no matter what the outcome, we must praise him for his leadership in our lives.

Let God Handle It: Travel

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Do you have a very long commute to work each day? How do you get there? Do you walk? Ride a bike? Take a bus or a train? How bout a motorcycle or an airplane? 

I've visited 48 states, mostly by car, and about 25 other countries, traveling in airplanes, helicopters, ships, trains, buses, and cars. 

One time I took my then 14-year-old son on a mission trip to Botswana, Africa. I traveled to Malta on a mission trip with some EKU college students. I flew from the Philippines by myself to Nashville when I was 20 years old. Flying has just never bothered me. 

I know you've heard it before but, statistically speaking, flying is the safest way to travel. They may not have your luggage on board but there are only 0.07 deaths per billion hours flown. Compare that to 212 deaths per billion hours on a motorcycle or 7.28 in a car. (Stats from 2000-2009 via Northwestern University)

So how should we deal with the many obstacles involved with traveling? Lost luggage. Traffic jams. Security checks. Montezuma's Revenge. Misplaced passports. 

We should always pray before, during, and after venturing out, seeking God's will as we travel. If trouble arises, we should breath slowly, take it easy, and let God help us figure out the problems. 

We should step out in faith as we move forward, refusing to get caught up in the nervousness and panic that sometimes comes from being alone. 

And we definitely must give God the glory for working everything out. 

Yes, I think God wants to be a part of every area of our lives -- including how we get from point A to point B. 

We should exercise a little patience and flexibility. 

And it really help to have a sense of humor. 

Happy travels!

Let God Handle It: Health

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

It was just about a year ago that my family faced the very real possibility that we would lose our oldest son to a serious infection. He spent several days on a ventilator and our lives were put in hold. 

In a state of limbo we prayed and waited. There was nothing else to do. 

Thankfully he got better. Six weeks later we were able to travel to Green Bay to see our Packers fall to his Cowboys. And now, over a year has passed and he suffers no ill-effects. God handled it. 

On the other hand, I remember very vividly the day my mother received two different cancer diagnoses on the same day. I was in a meeting at work when I got the news. My colleagues expressed their sympathies -- which gave me pause. 

We tackled these medical hurdles with determination, pursuing radiation, chemotherapy and blood transfusions, all the while trusting that God was in control. We spent a lot of time together enjoying life. We took a few trips. But ultimately it was God's design to take my mother home. 

Mother died about a month before our son got sick, making his illness that much more scary. But we didn't panic with either of their situations. We trusted the Lord and He provided everything we needed. And still does. 

Health can sometimes be tricky. I'd love to live my life free of illnesses, but it's not possible. And the longer we live, the more likely we will face chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or debilitating problems like Alzheimer's, or stroke, or heart attack. But does that mean that we should curl up on the couch and suck our thumbs and succumb to our debilitations? I don't think so. We should do all the things our doctors advise us to do and trust God to handle it. We should look to each day as a gift and find a way to bless God in it. 

We should always focus on God.

We should step forward under His direction. 

We should give Him the glory for His provision in our lives. 

Lord, sometimes we don't understand why some people get sick and live while others die. Sometimes there just doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason. Help us to put our trust in you no matter what the situation and to rely on You to provide according to Your will. Help us to let you handle it. 

Let God Handle It: Family

Monday, September 11, 2017

No family is perfect -- it's not possible. God's initial children (Adam and Eve) messed up even though they had the perfect Father. So we shouldn't expect to be the perfect parents or the perfect children or to live our lives without familial obstacles. The question is, how will we deal with the the hurdles we face?

Trying to find the right spouse....

Trying to decide when to have children....

Determining what to do regarding the educational needs of our children....

Trying to teach Christian morals to our children....

Trying to keep our marriage healthy....

Trying to figure out how to pay for all the extracurricular activities, church camps, high school functions, cars, college, weddings, and maybe plan for retirement....

It's enough to make you want to hyperventilate. It can make any family come unglued. 

(1) Focus on God

We've talked about Peter losing his focus and sinking into the stormy sea. We've got to keep our eyes on the Lord. We've got to trust Him. 

(2) Step forward in the right direction.

With every obstacle we face, we've got to pray and search the Scriptures for the answers we need. 

(3) Be patient. 

Sometimes trusting God means waiting for Him to act. Does this mean that we sit back on our laurels and wait for Him to work everything out? No. We call on His name, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and repent of our sins. Then He will reveal His plans for us -- His perfect will for us -- and we'll know what to do. 

(4) Give Him the glory. 

Have you ever treated someone to dinner and they didn't thank you in the end? Kinda leaves you empty. Doesn't it? Sometimes I think we forget to acknowledge all the wonderful ways God blesses us and directs us as we face life's obstacles. We must show Him our gratitude. 

Lord, help us to keep our focus on you. Help us to trust you as we step forward. We welcome your direction. We love you!

 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 36

Sunday, September 10, 2017

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, 

because it is the power of God 

that brings salvation to everyone who believes -- first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 

Romans 1:16

If you're ever talking to someone about the Lord and you sense that they feel like God would never want them, this might be a good Scripture to share. 

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Blessed to give

Saturday September 9, 2017

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts‬ ‭20:35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I had the great privilege of sitting with some fine people at the Pregnancy Help Center banquet on Thursday night. It was a lovely evening. 

I enjoyed hearing from several women who had been impacted by the center this year. It took a lot of courage for them to stand up in front of all those people and share their stories. I was really proud of them. 

I was reminded of two things at this year's banquet. 

(1) Not only does the PHC function to help women chose life for their unborn children, but it also supports families who have chosen to serve through adoption or foster care. 

(2) The PHC doesn't just hand supplies or services out the door for nothing. The recipients have to give them something in return -- usually time. I wish our state and federal agencies operated that way. 

Our PHC does a great job in our community. This is a great organization through which we can care for our innocents. 

Lord, help us be ever mindful of those less fortunate and to give out of our surplus to help them. 

Life's Storms

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Once upon a time there was a young lady who loved the Lord. She was a bright and creative woman and enjoyed life to the fullest. She enrolled in the university in order to pursue her career dreams and carried an 18 hour load. She spent two afternoons a week tutoring underprivileged children at the local Boys and Girls Club. She sang in the church choir and taught Sunday School for the second graders. Life was good. 

One day, out of the blue, a storm hit. She was tossed to and fro relentlessly. She wasn't sure exactly what to do and she felt as though she were going to sink. 

The Lord spoke to her and consoled her, extending His hand in reassurance. She stepped toward Him, focusing on His lovely eyes. Everything around her seemed distant and meaningless. He was the most important thing in the world. 

Suddenly she came to her senses and recognized the turmoil of her raging life entangling her feet. Helplessly she began to succumb to panic and fear. Deeper and deeper it pulled her, swirling around her knees and then her waist, threatening to squeeze the life right out of her. 

At the last minute she looked back at the Lord whose outstretched hand was ready to rescue her. He whisked her safely away from danger and held her securely in His arms. 

"Sweet child. Why did you doubt me? You have been doing all the things I lead you to do but you took your eyes off of me and tried to do it yourself. You are powerless without me, dear one. Never forget that I am with you always. Always. Stay focused. You're okay."

See Matthew 14:22-33 

Lord, help us to remember to keep our eyes trained on You. Without You we are adrift on life's sea. Without you we are truly worthless. You are our strength and our hope. You are our reason to live. We love You, Lord. 

I don't understand anxiety.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

"Have you ever seen a million dollars?"

"No."

"Well, just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

This is an interchange between Dr. Miller and Charlie in " The Santa Clause." And it could apply to many things besides the existence of the Jolly Old Fat Man (who, in fact, does NOT exist so humor me here).

I've never experienced a panic attack. But that doesn't mean they aren't very real -- and terrifying. 

I've never had a seizure or a heart attack or triplets (not that triplets are in and of themselves terrifying but the thought of sending them through college might be).

So do I dismiss anxiety, epilepsy, heart disease or multiple births as insignificant or perhaps even as unreal? Of course not. They are all well-documented phenomena. 

Is there something I can do to help someone with anxiety?

GIVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Many times people who come unglued because of anxiety have a very diminished view of themselves. Even though you might see them as bright, creative, and caring, they might feel stupid, useless, and disappointing. So find reasons and creative ways to build them up. 

LISTEN

Ask tender questions to see how they are doing. And truly listen to what they have to say. You don't necessarily need to try to "fix" anything. Sometimes you just need to hear them out. 

PRAY

After hearing their needs and concerns, pray specifically for them. The Lord knows how help them but we need to faithfully lift them up to Him in prayer. 

Pray Scripture on their behalf. Many times they are very familiar with what the Bible says about worry but they have a hard time implementing it in their lives. Pray those verses for them. 

One thing that I have found that does NOT help is using reason to combat anxiety. It usually isn't rational. Most people can't make themselves not be afraid of snakes or spiders or heights so why would we expect to rationalize any other anxieties away. 

Lord, although I can't relate to debilitating anxiety, I know that for many people it is very real. Help me to be empathetic toward them. Help me to be supportive of them. Provide for them, Lord, in very special ways and give them peace. 

I Will Provide

Friday, September 8, 2017

Once upon a time there was a family who felt lead by the Lord to go overseas on the mission field. So they packed up their house and their belongings, said goodbye to their extended family and headed to the ends of the earth. 

God provided a place for them to live. It didn't have granite countertops but it did have an inside kitchen. And it even had an indoor bathroom. This family was blessed. 

God provided food for them to eat. Their home had space for a nice garden and a chicken coup out back. So they planted all the yummy veggies that would keep them healthy and enjoyed fresh eggs to boot. Many of the local people to whom they ministered brought them wild game from time to time. It seemed that just when one side of meat was about to run out, someone else brought them some fresh kill. They shared their abundance with the local families. They were truly blessed. 

God provided clothing for them. One of the things they started was a clothing exchange for their community. The women's missionary group back home sent sweet little surprises to their exchange -- clothing for young and old that their own church members had "outgrown." When their own children outgrew their clothes, they donated them to the exchange. And as they needed larger sizes they were able to draw from the surplus.  God blessed them with all the clothing they needed. 

God provided them with adequate finances. Not only did He provide funding through their mission board, but He also gave them opportunities to work in the community on a regular basis. They got to know so many people through their jobs who ultimately came to faith in Christ. God blessed them far beyond their finances.

One year at Thanksgiving as the family gathered around the table to celebrate their traditional American feast, they reflected on how much God had blessed them. Their church family was strong and thriving and they were just about to hire their first pastor. Their children were healthy and happy and learning good life lessons. They were truly blessed. 

God had provided absolutely everything they had needed and had blessed their ministry in the process. 

Luke 12:32-31

I'm Terrified

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

When we find ourselves deep in the muck of fear, everything seems to close in all around us. Darkness prevails. How can we escape? What can we do?

The first thing to do is to remember Scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7 or Deut 31:8. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The second thing is to pray that Scripture and to apply it to our lives. Thank the Lord for His presence in your life.

Then we must allow the Holy Spirit to fill our thoughts and to sustain us. For God wants to eradicate fear from our lives but we have to allow Him to do it. 

Lord, we don't mean to be afraid but sometimes it just sneaks up on us. Help us to remember that we are important to you and that you want us to have your power, your love, and your calm thinking. Help us to yield to your control over our lives and over our fears. 

False Evidence Appearing Real

F.E.A.R.

Monday, September 4, 2017

What are we afraid of?

• illness
• death
• loss of loved one
• loss of employment
• not having enough money
• getting old 
• getting caught doing something we shouldn't 
• disappointing others
• failing

Some of us have apprehensions about some very understandable things:

• snakes 
• rats
• bugs
• storms
• heights
• clowns

I found some acronyms for fear:

• False Evidence Appearing Real
• Forget Everything and Run
• Face Everything and Rise

What do you think God's perspective would be regarding fear? 

Yesterday I posted the memory verse for this week: 2 Timothy 1:7.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

Somewhere I read that it is stated 365 times in the Bible that we are not to fear. This verse is just one example. 

So if God has not given us the spirit of fear, then who does? 

Instead of fear, what are we supposed to have?

• power
• love
• soundness of mind

Let's think about this a little this week. 

Lord, show us how to be victorious over fear. 

Memory Verse 2017 -- Week 35

Sunday, September 3, 2017

For the Spirit God gave us 

does not make us timid, 

but gives us power, 

love and self-discipline. 

2 Timothy 1:7

I learned this verse when I was 9 or 10 years old. There was an area of my life that was somewhat difficult for me to handle. Mother noticed that there was a fear component to my struggles. If God didn't give me a spirit of fear then who did? I learned how to call Satan down at a very young age and to claim God's power over him. 

Spend the week focusing on this scripture: 

• Read the verse in your Bible. 
• Read the passage before and after it. 
• Write it in your journal. 
• Ask the Lord to show you how it applies to your life. 
• Put it on a piece of paper and post it in a prominent place in your home so that you can see it often. 
• Put the words to music. Make up a tune or use one you already know. Singing always helps in the memory process. It's a left brain / right brain thing. 
• Always memorize the scripture reference with the verse so you can remember where to find it in the Bible. 

Shades of Grey

Saturday, September 2, 2017

What are your favorite quotes about truth?  I found a few that I like. This first one was spoken before the age of social media -- I don't think Dr. Spurgeon realized how prophetic he was. 

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." Charles Spurgeon

I didn't know Mr. Shakespeare personally so I don't know what he was like as a man, but his words sure do ring true. 

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."
William Shakespeare

This next one sounds like something my father would have said. Wallace -- Albert -- pretty smart men. 

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters can't be trusted with important matters."
Albert Einstein 

Of these quotes, though, I like this one the most. I had to read it a couple of times to really take it all in. 

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
Martin Luther King, Jr

It seems that we have taken truth and blended it with everything else under the sun to make a big mess. I'm reminded of a song by a philosophical group from the sixties. (Yes, I was an official member of their fan club!) Take a look at these lyrics. 

Shades of Grey

the Monkees

When the world and I were young
Just yesterday
Life was such a simple game
A child could play
It was easy then to tell right from wrong
Easy then to tell weak from strong
When a man should stand and fight
Or just go along

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light
Today there is no black or white
Only shades of gray

I remember when the answers seemed so clear
We had never lived with doubt or tasted fear
It was easy then to tell truth from lies
Selling out from compromise
Who to love and who to hate
The foolish from the wise

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light
Today there is no black or white
Only shades of gray

It was easy then to know what was fair
When to keep and when to share
How much to protect your heart
And how much to care

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light
Today there is no black or white
Only shades of gray
Only shades of gray

Lord, help us recognize the truth and not get caught up in the lies all around us. 

What is the Truth?

Friday, September 1, 2017

We get information hurled at us from all directions: 

   radio

   television

   advertisements 

   news outlets

   water cooler

   church

   school 

   friends/family

   social media

When I was a young girl I remember thinking how sad it was that people in other countries were fed propaganda. I was so glad I lived in a country that was full of truth. 

I've grown up a bit. I still love our country, but I recognize that our information is sometimes skewed to represent a particular political or advertising slant. It is so hard to get straight up facts anymore. 

What is truth? 

Where does it come from? 

Do we really need it? 

Can we live without it?

I would like to suggest that Jesus is the Truth. As the son of God, he was the only man without sin. His teachings, presented as the inspired Word of God, are found throughout the New Testament. 

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If we believe in Him, not only do we have truth, but we also have freedom. 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So what are we free from? 

. . .because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because of the truth of Jesus Christ, we are free from untruth. Free from the author of lies. Free from his grasp. Free to experience truth forever with the Father in heaven. 

I don't know about you, but I can't live without Truth.