Category: Blog

We are living in the “sandwich generation”. Many of you find yourselves caring for both parents and children/grandchildren. Unless you’ve been a care giver, you can’t imagine the drain it has both physically and emotionally. It takes a tremendous toll on a person. One of the things I’d like you to remember is this: Jesus loves you so much as He sees you pouring out, just like He did…walking with a servant’s heart, just like He did. Jesus had to separate Himself at times just to talk to His Father and “re-fuel”. We can do no less. When your strength and patience is wearing thin, God will supply your every need. Praying for you today.

    In the 23rd Psalm, it says: “Yea, though I WALK through the valley of the shadow of death”….Pay very close attention to the word “walk”. It didn’t say stop, and it didn’t say lay down or build a tent, it said just keep walking. Whatever you’re going through today, just lift your foot and keep walking. And in those times when you feel like you’re in a dark place and your strength is gone, remember the poem” Footprints in the Sand”. When you walk with Jesus, there are two sets of footprints but when you just can’t go any further, Jesus says: “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you…Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it’s then that I carried you.” Rest in that thought today.

Remember the song sung by Carly Simon: “You’re so vain…you probably think this song is about you…..”? Have you ever had a time in your life where you were faced asking yourself that very question? “Am I vain”? Most likely…NOT! Because it’s not something most people really think about…unless you’re forced to…by someone or by something that brings it to our attention…right? Well…let me tell you a little story! “Once upon a time”…no this is not a fairy-tail! This is REAL life experience talking! We all like to look our best outwardly…and there is nothing wrong with that. We like to choose a hair style, clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and make-up…(right ladies)? Me too!! But…what if….(God forbid)…something happened that those “choices” were changed by circumstances beyond your control? Ask yourself…theoretically…how would I respond? Take a few moments to think about it. “Are you vain”? I was…(speaking as a stroke survivor). Didn’t like it one bit!!! But I faced the facts, admitted it, gave stuff away and got past it. Yes it took a while! A characteristic…the Lord helped me adapt to “change”! Because REAL beauty…so Scripture says…”comes from the inside…a gentle, quiet spirit”. That’s what I want…’el naturelle! Besides we…

  Because we have a tendency to forget the things God has already done, our eyes drift from one problem to another. If you want peace…I’m talking unconditional peace that sweeps over you like a river…its’ time to go back and remember. The Israelites left “markers” to remind them of God’s amazing goodness. What He’s done for you in the past is just a taste of what He wants to do for you today and in the future! No more looking at problems. It’s time to “turn your eyes upon Jesus…look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

There are many promises in the Bible. Most don’t require anything from us, but one of them in Chronicles 7:14 does. “If my people (that’s us!) who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” That is an amazing Scripture that involves a few to-do’s.   Realize we are His, called by Him.  Let down our guard. Don’t be proud.  Pray.  Look for God in everything.  Kick sin out of our lives.  Listen for our Father.  Then, He promises to fulfill His to-do:  Forgive us and every ugly thing we’ve ever done.  Heal our land. 

  If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 We are afraid of so many things. Everything from terrorists to bad hair days. What if we took that fear and do what David did? Look it right in the eye, possibly holding a rock, and say, “My God is bigger!” If we had everything we need to defeat our greatest fears (pssst…we do.) how much differently would we go about our short days on earth? We could treat people with respect, no matter what they choose to believe because God made them just like He created you. We could try new things like Thai food and ziplining. We could show the world what a life truly lived looks like; and we let Him shine through us in the process.