Month: March 2023

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

We have dementia in our family. To be totally honest, it scares me to death. I was even tested a couple of years back for memory issues only to find out it was stress related. Seriously, stress does a lot of things but who knew it could cause you to lose your memory? Now, when I am not eating, sleeping, and exercising as I should I can honestly see a huge difference. I can also tell when I am stressing out. I will be in the middle of sentences and forget common words like house. I have been known to be a couple of blocks from my home and call my husband crying because I have no idea how to get there. Yes, it is scary, but I have a hand to hold when the fear sets in.

I trust in God. Although my memory may not snap right back, I can rest assured that God sees me. He knows where I am and He knows what I am going through. I can find peace if I only keep my mind steadfast on Him.

Yes, I still get frustrated and scared, but I don’t have to live in that state. I can choose to look up and say, “God my memory is failing me again. Help!” You know He always sends the right person to help me. I am no longer ashamed or feel stupid. Believe me, that is real peace right there!

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Isaiah 53:3

He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Jesus was despised and rejected by mankind. He suffered with physical pain and emotional. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). So, why do we think we should be exempt from all of the world throws at us?

I know none of us want to deal with rejection or pain. It is just a part of life. Darkness comes in many forms. Today just happens to be World Bipolar Day. For those of you, like me who suffer with mental disorders, I send you love and hugs. For those of you who deal with the rest of us, I send you love and hugs as well. I know it is not easy on you either. No matter which shoes you are in Jesus knows what it is like to suffer and has walked this earth as well. So, no you are not alone.

Before I get lots of comments, I am not saying Jesus suffered from a mental illness. I am saying He sees your pain and is sitting in the darkness with you. That pit is real. It is OK to not be OK. We serve a God who is not going to let go of you even when you can’t seem to hang on anymore. Please know I am also praying for you and more than willing to sit in that pit with you also while we wait for the light to return.

Lord, I am so thankful that I never suffer alone. You are always with me. ~amen

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Matthew 20:28

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Do you know how many self-help books out there you can read on finding your purpose in life? Me neither but I am sure there are LOTS! It seems that is the question of the day, OK every day. You hear it on talk radio, talk shows, in magazines, and so many other places. People want to know exactly what they are supposed to be doing with their lives. Well, I can help with that one! Read Matthew 20:28.

Matthew tells us exactly what we are supposed to be doing with our lives. We are to serve others. OK, so maybe he doesn’t exactly tell you how or what you are going to be when you grow up. By the way, I turn 50 one month from today and I am still not sure about that answer . . . LOL!

I guess what I am trying to say is what you do in life is a lot more important than how you do it. Serving others is a very simple thing you can do every single day. Open your eyes and look for opportunities. I promise they will come. It may be as simple as opening a door for someone or smiling at them. I cannot tell you what your vocation should be in life. I can tell you no matter what your age or circumstance you should always serve others just like Jesus.

Lord, show me ways I can help serve others today. ~amen

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Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Give me an “AMEN” if today’s verse, Philippians 4:6 is easier said than done! I am so right there with you. As a matter of fact, I woke at 4 am this morning because of anxiety. I spent time in prayer and then opened my bible and wouldn’t you know it, my women’s bible study is about this verse today. Yes, once again perfect timing God.

I feel the need to point out one important key about this verse. Anxiety likes to pop up repeatedly. It doesn’t mean we have to listen to it or hold onto it. No, even when the same anxiety over the same issue tries to weasel its way into our minds we have a way out. Pray! Paul said, “in every situation.” Sometimes that situation is just about the anxiety from that situation.

Now there is one more key we need to use to totally unlock peace. The key of thanksgiving. When we come to pray, we need to thank God for all the things He has done in the past. That causes our minds to concentrate on the issues we have gotten through. All of a sudden we realize He is going to see us through this one too. So, go ahead and thank Him for that also. Before you know it, you will unlock peace. Now if you don’t mind I am going back to sleep in peace!

Lord, I am so thankful to be able to bring all my anxieties to You. ~amen

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James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

God is not a genie in a bottle. However, He is in the business of answering prayers. James 5:16 tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” I am sure we have all seen answered prayers. What about the unanswered ones? Are they really unanswered or are they just not answered the way we wanted them to be answered?

Believe me, I have a few of those prayers lingering out there too. I have turned to God and asked Him why He is not answering my prayers. Sometimes I have to examine what it is I am praying for. Is it what is best for me? Is there a timing issue? Is what I am praying for not ready to be answered yet? Is there some other logistics that God can see that I can’t that have to fall into place first? Then there are other people I am praying for every day. I know when I pray for their salvation, God is doing His part, but they still have free will.

I can promise you that your prayers are never going unanswered. No, they are front and center in God’s mind. He is working on them every single moment of the day. I know it is hard, but sometimes wait is the answer to your prayer.

Lord, I thank You for answering my prayers in Your time and Your way. ~amen

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Galatians 5:24

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

So, let’s have a little chit-chat about being a Christian. The world often views us as being weak. In a cutthroat world, meekness, humility, and grace are not exactly at the top of the character chart. I mean the world thinks they are fine and dandy when it is extended to them, but they don’t exactly like offering any of that stuff at their own expense.

Here is the truth. It is sometimes VERY HARD being a Christian. I mean do they think we like being ridiculed? I can honestly say, a punch or a harsh word to someone who has done something to you is so much easier than showing grace and love. Am I right? Oh, and YES at the time revenge does seem a lot sweeter! Please don’t get me started on Galatians 5:24! Yes, we crucify the flesh, but dang if it isn’t like Jesus and resurrects itself every once in a while.

No, being a Christian is not for the weak, but it is so worth it. At the end of the day, choosing grace and love over revenge does feel better. Not having to walk through life with all that bitterness and hatred is freeing. So stand up straight and tall. Flex those muscles. You are a Christian and because of Christ, YOU ARE STRONG!

Lord, thank You for helping me become strong! ~amen

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James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

God has a sense of humor! If you have been with me on our renovation journey the past week you know I have been a little off kilter. Something about living in chaos is just not my cup of tea. This morning just added to the fun. It looked like the bathroom was going to be finished today, after several setbacks. Alas, the vanity I ordered was opened and it is damaged 😡 I am told to not worry, Lowe’s in another town 45 minutes away has one in stock. Insert deep breathing here.

I set down, open my bible, and what verse pops up? Yep, you read it, James 1:12. Blessed is the one who perseveres. Really God? I just had to chuckle. I know this verse is about making it through life and making it to Heaven in the end. I also know God was smiling as I opened my bible and He placed this in front of me. It was His way of hugging me and saying, “You got this girl! It will soon be over. Just keep going!”

We serve a wonderful God! He always seems to have the right verse, meme, song, or kind word from someone at the right time. Just when you think you cannot hang on, He sends a smile and hug.

Lord, thank You for the hug! ~amen

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Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Today’s verse is the intro to the Armor of God. Though I could’ve probably added the entire armor of god I wanted to really concentrate on this section. Yes, I could have included all the verses on how to be strong in the Lord, I really needed to hear just this part.

So, my home doesn’t look like a war zone anymore it is still a bit of an obstacle course. Renovations are coming along nicely, but I still find myself exhausted emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Since we have a dumpster, I have taken it upon myself to start clearing out accumulated extra keepsakes, a.k.a junk.

This purge has made me take a long look at the non-physical junk I have accumulated. Let me tell you, letting go of the physical stuff is hard sometimes because we attach sentiment to them. Letting go of the emotional and mental is so much harder.

This extra baggage of hate and hurt we carry is not what makes us strong. What makes us strong in the Lord is letting it go. Let those scars become war stories to tell others how God got you through a tuff time. So, flex the muscles of love and grace. That is your true strength!

Lord, give me strength to flex my muscles of love and grace. ~amen

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2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Right now we are living in a war zone called renovation world. We couldn’t afford to stay somewhere else while dust flies everywhere and pounding reverberates in my sleep from hearing it all day long. However, with every pound and dust particle, I know we are one step closer to finishing the project.

After reading today’s verse from my women’s bible study, I wondered if God ever looks at me and feels the same way. Does He look down and shake His head while trials pound away at me? Does He cringe as the dust settles around in every crevice knowing that we are going to have a lot of work to do cleaning all of this up? Then does He smile as He looks and notices the smooth finish that is left behind from all that sanding, sawing, and hammering and smile? Does He think, “Aww, my child, we are one step closer to My desired outcome”? I would like to hope so.

I think we are all under construction. Some days may seem like they require a bigger hammer, but I promise with each pounding you are closer to the desired outcome. The dust will eventually settle and clean-up will begin. You will be left with a beautiful piece of work.

Lord, get me through the construction so I can enjoy the beautiful piece of work You are creating in me. ~amen

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Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

You have no idea how much I needed this verse today! Life around here is upside down and inside out! From one moment to the next I am not sure if I am going to scream or cry. Heck, I might even just do both for the fun of it!

Don’t worry, no one is dying or anything. My house is under construction. I am sure I will be writing more about it as the week goes on if I can find a clean spot to write! A little info about me, I am rather OCD. Once upon a time I was medicated and saw a therapist for it. I am much better now until my world is really rocked and then LOOK OUT!!!! So, you can imagine what my brain is going through right now.

Throughout the day, I am having to find little pockets of clean and “stable” areas. Then I repeat Psalm 23:2, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” My meditation is on those still quiet waters. For a moment, the world falls away from me. No chaos, disorder, dust, or loud noises exist. Nope, the moment is all about God, me, green pastures and quiet waters. Yes, when I open my eyes the world comes rushing back in, but I know it will never take away what my peace I gain in those moments.

Lord, thank You for Your green pastures and quiet waters. ~ amen

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