Hasn’t this fall been beautiful? To me, it seems that this has been one of the most beautiful falls I’ve experienced in recent years. The weather has been spectacular–full of sunny, warm days with mild breezes and the gorgeous colors of fall—the reds, yellows and oranges.
As we are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, these are some of the few things for which I’m thankful.
On the flip side of gratitude, I’ve found myself getting irritated with others, more than I usually do. And I thought I would share some things that the Lord has shared with me for dealing with these irritations—things besides complaining to my husband.
The Lord has shown me to: Offer these annoyances up to Him, and to pray for the person. Almost immediately, I experience the Lord’s presence and the Lord’s peace and the Lord’s pleasure. So instead of allowing irritations to fester in my heart, I am giving it to HIm.
It is really simple–I know. But sometimes the simplest things can be the most profound and bring the most comfort.
So—I hope that if you face circumstances that annoy you, or people that annoy you—-you will remember the simple prayer the Lord gave me: (You don’t have to use my words–just share your heart with the Lord) I sometimes pray, “Father, thank you for this irritating situation, as it gives me a reason to stop focusing on this, and turn my eyes to You. I offer this situation up to You, and I pray for this person. You know this person’s needs. You know this person’s situation. Please help this person with their needs and their situation. Please help them to know that You are always with them. Please help them to know that You love them. Help them to see You in their life. I pray these things in Your name.
My Dad’s parents divorced when my Dad was 10 at a time and place where divorce was very, very rare. His parents remarried other people, and his stepfather was an abusive alcoholic. My Dad saw his mother beaten up, and when he and his three brothers tried to intervene and stop it from happening, they were beaten up themselves. When they got strong enough, big enough and old enough, they were able to protect their mom and themselves.
(My Dad is the second from the left. Shown here with my Uncles.)
Dad grew up with a great desire to protect and serve others. He found that desire satisfied in being a policeman.
Yet, in that desire—he had compassion for the people he arrested. He would tell me that many of them would start telling him their stories as they sat in the back of his cruiser—stories of their own abuse from others and from their own hands—of all the ways their lives had led them to this point in time. Dad would listen, and he would encourage them, telling them that they could make different choices– they could get help–they did not have to be the people they currently were– God would help them.
My Dad’s HIgh School Graduation Picture
Dad knew the truth of what he was saying. You see– my Dad struggled with alcoholism. He found help through Alcoholics Anonymous, (AA). AA helped my Dad know and believe the truth—that his life was unmanageable and God would give him the strength, moment by moment, to live a sober life, an abundant life, and a forgiven life.
Dad had a best friend and partner who would eventually leave the State Police and become a Pastor and an Evangelical Speaker, as the calling to speak hope and forgiveness and grace into others’ lives became a fulltime calling.
So many of my childhood memories involve my Dad doing things with us, taking us skating, sledding, camping, and swimming. When I was in High School I decided to join the track team– my Dad ran with me every day to get me in shape for the track season. My Dad was a great runner himself, and in many ways I think he was trying to get me ready to run the race of life. We would run, and he would tell me stories, trying to impart his own passion and drive into my approach to running, into my approach to life.
It was my Uncle Jimmy, not my Dad, who told us the story of my Dad running in the State finals. He was mocked by the other racers and when they asked him what he–a white boy– was doing in the race, my Dad replied with a grin, “You’re about to find out”, and he went on to win the race.
Dad (at the end, leaning over to talk to his friend), with his brothers.
The bad things I think about myself are easier to believe. The good things that God says are true about me, are almost impossible to believe, yet those things make the biggest impact for good. Let me tell you a story….
My major in college involved a lot of research, reading, and writing—and giving lectures to other students in the classroom. I thought my fellow classmates were brilliant, simply geniuses. I thought my professors, unsurpassed for their knowledge and discernment. I often wondered how I ended up in this particular college, as I did not think of myself at all as intelligent and articulate in comparison.
However, I had one thing going for me. In my spring term of my freshman year of college, I made a decision to trust Jesus. I told Him, I would follow Him, I would be His, and He would be mine. I would believe what He said to be true.
I had learned that I was God’s child and God’s Heir, (Romans 8:14-17), so in my mind I thought—if I’m God’s child and heir, and my Dad is the King over all Kings, that means I am His Princess.
I had to give a speech in one of my classes, which was really intimidating among all these brilliant, articulate people. As I prepared to give my talk, I would tell myself over and over again: “You are a child of the living God, you are His Princess, He is the God and King of the Universe, so you are a Princess of the Universe. You can do this, you are His Princess.”
I was really, really nervous. I tried not to hear the other voice—the one that said, “You’re not smart, who do you think you are giving this lecture. Everyone is going to see how stupid you really are.” I would not listen to that voice—instead I told myself, over and over again: “you are a Princess of the King of the Universe.”
The day came for me to give my speech. I stood up in front of the classroom, and in my mind I kept saying to myself, “You are a Princess of the King of the Universe.” I looked out upon my fellow students, and my professor, who sat in the back of the room. I took a breath, and I began to speak. My voice was confident, I presented my talk with my research. After finishing, I asked if anyone had any questions. None of the students asked me questions, but my professor did. I answered his question to the best of my ability. The professor thanked me.
After the class, one of my fellow students came up to me, and told me how impressed they were with my talk. I was told that I sounded, “Just like a professor.”
I have never forgotten that time. It was my first lesson, in receiving from God what He says is true about me, and acting out on that truth.
I’m still in the process of doing that—of asking God what He says is the truth about me, and receiving what it is that He says and then acting on that truth. This is what God says faith is—receiving from Him what He says is true–and then acting upon that truth.
Look at Hebrews 11 if you want to read about others who have lived out their faith. Look at Jesus—God in human flesh—He came to give us a visual image of God–in human flesh–so we could ‘see’ what a life of faith looks like—so we could see what we are each to be and to do. Then Jesus left so that the Holy Spirit could come and “lead us” into that life.
Pretty amazing!! Let’s be encouraged!!
Lord, You know how much I want to know so much In the way of answers and explanations I have cried and prayed and still I seem to stay In the middle of life’s complications
All this pursuing leaves me Feeling like I’m chasing down the wind But now it’s brought me back to You And I can see again
This is everything I want and this is everything I need I want this to be my one consuming passion Everything my heart desires, Lord I want it all to be for You Jesus be my magnificent obsession
Yeah, yeah, yeah
So capture my heart again Take me to depths I’ve never been Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy Return me to the cross and let me be completely lost In the wonder of the love that You’ve shown me
Cut through these chains that tie me down To so many lesser things Let all my dreams fall to the ground Until this one remains
Fears got me living with the lights out Chained down like a prisoner in my own house Shame cycles like a daily medication I try but I can’t change my situation
‘Cause the liar comes to rob my joy Yeah, I’m bruised but I’m not destroyed I’m rising like an army And you’re gonna hear the sound
I’m calling the angels down I’m storming the gates of hell Tell the devil he don’t own my soul I’m taking back what the enemy stole
I’m raising the battle cry I’m holding the banner high With the power of the holy ghost I’m taking back what the enemy stole
Oh oh oh
You can’t speak your lies over my family, no You can’t break the promises that are standing, no Ain’t gotta flex to put you back in your place now One name is all I gotta say, Jesus
I’m calling the angels down I’m storming the gates of hell Tell the devil he don’t own my soul I’m taking back what the enemy stole
I’m raising the battle cry I’m holding the banner high With the power of the holy ghost I’m taking back what the enemy stole
Take it all back Take it all back I’m taking back what the enemy stole
We’re done with all the mind games you try to play If ain’t clear yet I want everything you took from me In the name of the one who is peace, the one who heals all disease The only reason that I am free, that name is Jesus Lord of lords and king of kings Jesus The name that makes the demons flee I want it all now, I’m taking it back now Yeah, you know it’s going down when you hear the sound
I’m calling the angels down I’m storming the gates of hell Tell the devil he don’t own my soul I’m taking back what the enemy stole
I’m raising the battle cry I’m holding the banner high With the power of the holy ghost I’m taking back what the enemy stole
Oh, oh, oh
Take it all back Take it all back I’m taking back what the enemy stole
Taking my peace back (you can’t hold me down) Taking my joy back Take it all back, take it all back I’m taking back what the enemy stole
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:10-13
We are approaching the upcoming Presidential election in our country. I see signs all around our town, and even out in the countryside. Our voting starts on Saturday, October 26th, and ends on November 5th.
I would like to encourage each citizen of the USA who is eligible to vote—to do so. I know many are wondering if the election is rigged, if cheating will be rampant, and so wonder what good it does to vote. Vote anyway!
Get involved as God leads you in the political process. And Pray!! Pray!! Pray!! Pray!!
I’d like to leave you with a song by Toby Mac that I think applies to this situation:
What’s your impossible? Your “I need a miracle” What’s got you barely hanging by a single thread? What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt? You beg for a breakthrough, but no sign of breakthrough yet
When you’ve cried, and you’ve cried ’til your tears run dry The answer won’t come, and you don’t know why And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
Don’t stop praying Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door And let your knees wear out the floor Don’t stop believing ‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying So, don’t stop praying
He’s close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends
When you’ve cried, and you’ve cried ’til your tears run dry The answer won’t come, and you don’t know why And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time Oh, do it one more time
And don’t stop praying Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door And let your knees wear out the floor Don’t stop believing ‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying So, don’t stop praying
Don’t stop praying for the prodigal Don’t stop praying for the miracle Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen Don’t stop praying that addictions end Don’t stop praying for deliverance Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
Oh, don’t stop praying for the sickness healed Don’t stop praying for His power revealed Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen No, don’t stop praying for the Kingdom come Don’t stop praying that His will be done Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
Don’t stop praying Don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name Keep on pounding on Heaven’s door Let your knees wear out the floor Don’t stop believing ‘Cause mountains move with just a little faith And your Father’s heard every single word you’re saying So, don’t stop praying
oh, don’t stop praying (Don’t stop, don’t stop praying) hey, don’t you give up now No, don’t stop praying
It’s been 11 years since Sean has died. He was 16 years old. He had just taken his driver’s training in June. I remember him coming home and telling me that his driving instructor had had a son die in a car accident. He told me, “I feel so bad for him, mom.” Now, my husband and I are the people others feel bad for, when they hear about the loss of our son.
Before Sean died, I used to hear about others losing a child or children, and I could not fathom the pain they experienced. I would shake my head and wonder how they went on with their life. I would wonder how they could go on with their faith.
After Sean died, heaven became more of a reality to me. I did not see life as just existing in this dimension anymore. Sean was in heaven, and heaven was where I was also headed.
I want to take a minute, and address the issue of heaven. I remember talking to someone whose husband had died, and this person wasn’t sure her husband was in heaven. Heaven can be a touchy issue. Is Heaven for everyone or just some? How can you know for sure that you are going to heaven?
Let me just say this—some people can be upset with God, over the topic of Heaven. They see God as someone keeping people out of heaven—keeping the undesirables out of heaven. Nothing can be further from the truth. God has made it possible for everyone to be in heaven with Him when they die. He has made it possible for everyone to know Him and have a relationship with HIm. He is not keeping people out of heaven—He has opened up the gates of heaven to usher people in—from all nations and tribes.
However, Satan, the enemy of our souls, does not want us to go to heaven. He hates us. He has been working from the beginning to deceive us, to lie to us, and to keep us in slavery to Him.
Jesus went to the cross to save us from this slavery to sin and to Satan. That means we now can know the Eternal One—– eternally. This life is not all there is. There is another life after this one. One where sin and sin natures are not allowed to enter—where evil is not allowed to enter—so pain, suffering, heartbreak, trauma and tragedy are not allowed to enter.
However, all those things are in this life—sin, sin natures, evil, pain, sickness, heartbreak, and death. So, there will be suffering—not for just some, but for all. Anyone who tells you differently, is selling you something. The Bible never says that. Instead—Jesus tells us, “In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome this world.” He has overcome this world—He has overcome the pain, the suffering, the unfairness, the hardness, the evil of this world.
This God does not want to keep you out of heaven, this God gave everything—His Son—to give you heaven. As someone who has lost a son—I can honestly say, I cannot understand the depth of that kind of love. I would never have willingly offered my son. Never.
Romans 8:32 says: He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
This means God will freely give us Heaven.
He will freely give us, Himself.
He will freely give us forgiveness.
He will freely give us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Heaven is ours for the asking.
Jesus is ours for the asking.
God is ours for the asking.
“Father, thank you for giving Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, to pay for our sins, one time for all people, so we can know You. Please come into our lives, and once in, guide us and direct us. Thank you for giving us eternal life. Thank you for allowing us to know You, the Creator God of Heaven and Earth. Amen.
Today, I reread an old journal of mine. I found this journal that I kept right after my son Sean died. In it, I share memories of Sean, and I pour out my grief and sorrow. However, as I read it–I was struck by a quote I wrote down from the movie, “The Return of the King, (Lord of the Rings). , “How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand… there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold.” (Frodo Baggins). “
At the end of the movie, Frodo says to Sam, “You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be and to do. Your part in the story will go on.
It struck me because just recently I wrote in my journal:
Father, I have been saying, , “You are worthy of loving, You are worthy of serving, You are worthy of obeying, You are worthy of trusting, you are worthy of praising even when my world and circumstances are horrid.” For one thing–You will always be worthy regardless of my life and circumstances. For another thing–there are wonderful moments as well as the horrid ones.
There is my sweet 6 month old grandbaby giving us her mostly toothless grins, and the sweetness and vibrancy of our one year old granddaughter, the charm and laughter of our two year old granddaughter, and exuberance and tenderness of our six year old grandson, the thoughtfulness and compassion of our 8 year old granddaughter.
There are the conversations with my dramatic and daring daughters–where they show me who they are, and I hear about the moments of their lives. There are the conversations with my usually silent sons, where they let me into their worlds and their hearts.
There are many sweet, loving moments with my servant-hearted husband, and our long conversations with each other.
There are many, many acts of love from my family. There is such sweetness in the times we get to talk and the times we have with one another.
After Sean died–I wanted to die too. But, I knew I still had a job to do here on this earth. I knew that though I did not know how I was going to pick up the pieces of my life–that my part in the story must go on for many years. And lo, and behold, I have found that in spite of all the pain, in spite of all the continued pain–that time does not heal—I have gone on. I have enjoyed life. I have enjoyed the many, many gifts of life. I have come to the conclusion over and over again that—”There’s some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” (a quote from Sam to Frodo–as they fight to save the world from the forces of evil.)
“There’s some good in this world, and it is worth fighting for.” God is the One who gives us all that is good in this world–and He is worth living for, He is worth dying for, He is worth everything!! When darkness threatens to fall over our entire world–let us remember–that:
“There is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it is worth fighting for.”
One of the hardest things about living on this earth is seeing the ones I love in pain, and suffering.
I want to fix it and make it all better for them.
When my children were young, it seemed that I could “fix” things for them. I could, “kiss” the boo-boo, I could nurse them back to health, I could plan an excursion for them, to cheer them up.
Not only can I not “fix” things for others, but I also cannot “fix” things for myself.
The following song has been speaking greatly to me these days, and I thought I would share the lyrics with you all. These are the words that are really resonating with me: There’s freedom in surrender. Lay it down and let it go.
I love that contrast of words—freedom and surrender. I want freedom—freedom from the trials and tribulations of life—from the problems of life—-I think most people want freedom. However, the path to freedom is surrender. It involves surrendering myself to God—I’m fine with giving Him, my problems—and surrendering those to Him—I’m not so good with surrendering myself to Him. That is a spiritual battle—and involves fighting several lies.
These are the two biggest lies I fight: God doesn’t really love me—-(I look at all the bad things that have happened in my life to confirm this lie.) Therefore—I can’t really trust Him with my life.
The lyrics-–If your eyes are on the storm, you’ll wonder if I love you still, but if your eyes are on the cross, you’ll know I always have and I always will—–mean so much to me—because they help me to focus on the proof of God’s love for me.
God is perfectly just, and perfectly loving—all these things are found in the cross of Jesus.
He satisfied His justice– by Jesus dying to pay the penalty for each of our sins. He satisfied the love He has for us—by Jesus dying to pay the penalty for each of our sins.
When I start doubting God’s love for me, because of the storms of my life—I can fight those doubts by remembering the cross—God’s proof of His love for me.
So, enjoy this song—and be encouraged—for God loves us—He always has, and He always will!!
Just Be Held
Lyrics: Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you’re tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There’s freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go
So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
If your eyes are on the storm You’ll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross You’ll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted
In time, you’ll understand
I’m painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you’ll find Me
And where you are, I’ll hold your heart
I’ll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest In the arms of the God who won’t let go.
I have been thinking a great deal about sin. For instance, recently a well-know Christian leader was found to have been participating in sexual sin with several women. The world is appalled and disgusted, fingers are being wagged and pointed. “Hypocrite, hypocrite!!” is shouted from the rooftops.
I remember when I was a young woman, I heard of a Christian leader involved in sexual sin. I was appalled and disgusted. “How can this be?” I thought. “How can people who claim to know God, and claim to be surrendered to Him, do such things.”
My heart was broken for this situation. My heart was broken for God.
With time and experience, I saw this repeated over and over again. Women having affairs, and leaving their husbands—breaking hearts, breaking families, breaking children. Men having affairs, leaving their wives, breaking hearts, breaking families, breaking children.
That’s the thing about sin. It hurts others. It destroys. It mars the image of God in our lives.
Make no mistake—we are involved in an invisible spiritual battle. The devil is a prowling lion seeking whom he may devour. A lion takes down those at the fringe of the herd. He takes the hurt, the vulnerable, the unprotected.
Satan wants to take us down. He wants to use us to take down each other. How does he do this?
He uses our fear– our fear of pain, our fear of consequences, our fear of God, and our fear of each other. He will lie to us and twist the truth.
We need to care more about God and what He thinks of us, than what we think of each other and the consequences our sin may carry. Why is this important? Because we hide our sin from God, and from each other.
We need to bring our sin out into the light and receive God’s forgiveness and healing and power. We usually don’t bring that sin out into the light, and confess it to Him or to each other, because we don’t want to be judged and rejected.
God is not rejecting us. He wants to heal us. Many people who participate in 12 step programs receive healing when they go to the people they have sinned against, and admit their sin, and ask for forgiveness. Some people may not forgive them, and they face that possibility– but in the process, they learn to receive God’s forgiveness and they learn to forgive themselves. They overcome the temptation to sin again, as they see the evidence with their own eyes, of how their sin has hurt others—they see the devastation their sin has wrought.
2 Tim 2:22 tells us what to do when we are faced with temptations: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, alongwith those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace. Pursue God, get to know Him, spend time in His Word. Pray—talk with Him, every day, every moment!! We need to care more about what God thinks of us than what others think. People will never be able to fill the empty, infinite void in my heart, or in your heart. Only an infinite being can do that—only our Father God can do that.
Do this ALONG WITH others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Join a bible study—I’m part of an on-line women’s bible study right now. Go to a church where God’s Word is honored and preached, and where love and grace are demonstrated. (It is much harder for Satan to take us down, when we run with the Herd.) People who have been able to finish their races well– here on earth —had accountability and support from trusted, Godly people. I think of Billy Graham, who traveled with the same, Godly men for the duration of his ministry and there was never a hint of sexual sin to taint his ministry or his legacy.
I do want to say—that my husband and I have done some simple things to guard ourselves from sexual sin. We share email addresses, and social media pages. We do not have correspondence with anyone that the other is not privy to that correspondence. If I wanted to look at his phone, I could, and he could look at my phone at any time.
We also, don’t have friends of the opposite sex. We have couple friends, where we spend time as a couple with those friends. The purpose of this is not to form emotional attachments with the opposite sex, apart from the attachments we have as a couple with those persons. (We do have friends of the same sex—I have women friends, and my husband has men friends.)
These are suggestions that may not work with everyone’s situation. The point of these suggestions is accountability and transparency.
One thing I have become more aware of—is the magnitude of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Jesus literally took on all the sins of the world, and those sins were crucified. Ugh!! Think about this. I have heard that Jesus died for my sins, since infancy. I have heard Jesus died for the sins of the world, ever since I can remember. So, I don’t always think about what that means.
Jesus died for the men and women cheating on their spouses and breaking up their families. Jesus died for the people abusing others sexually. Jesus died for all the abusers—those beating others, those stealing others and selling them into slavery, those verbally assaulting others, those murdering others. Jesus died for those addicted to drugs and alcohol, and possibly abusing others in the process. Jesus died for the thieves, the greedy, the manipulative, the liars, the selfish and the self-centered, the power hungry, the control-freaks, the sexual deviants, the war-mongers, the haters, the rapists, the racists, the (whatever your hot button issue is–the people you don’t think deserve to live)—Jesus died for them. Jesus died for you. Jesus died for me.
The question is: do we want to be freed? And do we want to stay free? We need to be aware: Satan will try to ruin our lives and make us believe that sin still has power over us when in reality– sin has been crucified with Christ. So, remember—
FLEE Temptation……PURSUE Righteousness……ALONG WITH Others who are doing the same thing!!
Encouragement for you!! 