Letter to God: Faithful

Dear Lord,

I feel so lost.  I've always been a "do-er"...a Martha, I suppose.  Type A, always doing something.  Right now though, Father, I'm just lost.  I was sitting here thinking of what to say, and I am brought back once again to Romans 8:26-27. 

 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

The last time these verses were so prevalent in my life was almost 19 years ago when I was told I could have a terminal, degenerative disease that would slowly and painfully end my life.  You led me to this Scripture then, and you're leading it to me now.  I don't even know how to pray, Lord.  Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who intercedes on my behalf.

You know I've never been good at being still, or at not knowing what's coming next.  Now, not only do I have no idea what's coming next, I'm *forced* to be still because I cannot even WALK let alone DO anything.  Yes, Lord, I'm angry and frustrated.  I know You can handle that.  I don't like not knowing my future.  I don't like not knowing how long I'll be stuck in this blasted cast, in the house, even in this state. 

But You know God.  You Know. And that HAS to be good enough right now.  Help me really GET that.

In Jesus' Name.

*                 *                      *                      *                           *                          *

This song by Carrollton is SO my heart right now.  Please read these beautiful words.

"Even though I cannot see where You're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

It's another day in a worn out life
With nothing lost and nothing gained
And I can't make it on my own
And that I know will never change
So my hope is in You
My trust is in You
And You have never failed

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

So why do I still try my ways
When all it brings is doubt and fear
Lord help me see, help me believe
In You alone I persevere

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful

My hope is in You
My trust is in You
And You have never failed
So I will lay down
All of my fears now
Cause You will never fail

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side

You are faithful to provide
You are always by my side
Even though I cannot see
Where you're leading me
I am Yours, and You are faithful 

I am Yours, and You are faithful

I am Yours, and You are faithful"

Change

I'm not really a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal.  Not that I'm NEVER spontaneous, but as a whole, change and I are not the best of friends.  I like things to stay the way they are most of the time.  Sure, there are times when things HAVE to change.

And this is perfect timing for this post, because I decided to change the design of my blog a little bit.  Now I have no idea where half the stuff went that was on here, and some things are on here taking up 200 lines. Sigh.  

As many of you know, 2 weeks before we were going to North Carolina to look at houses, I broke my foot.  BIG change for the way that vacation was going to happen for me.  Not a good, happy change.  We are, as a family, in the middle of some BIG decisions; big changes...and they seem to be evolving every day.  And it makes me very anxious.

Do you know what I find most comforting about God?  You got it.  He. Never.  Changes.

17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. " James 1:17

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

That means that God is the same today, right now, in my life, as he was before time began.  He is the same as He was when He dried up the Red Sea and saw the Israelites cross on dry ground.  He is the same now as He will be when Jesus returns again on that glorious day.... Hallelujah!

Friends, I don't like it when things change.  I don't like being in situations I can't control.  But the beautiful thing is, NOTHING that happens to you or to me is a surprise to God.  He is our Rock in good times and bad... In plenty or in want.  Our God is God yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

And that gives me great comfort.

Life Is NOT Fair

Oh my friends.  I'm not really whining today; I'm just really, really sure of this fact:  Life as we know it, is simply not fair.  It just isn't. It never will be. And the sooner we accept that, the better off we will be. 

It isn't easy though, especially when it seems that we are trying so hard to do all the right things. All the things we know are good and noble.  And yet it appears that mean, evil, rotten people flourish.  I know.  I've been there myself, and I've seen people I love suffer things that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.  

Why is that?  Why do good people suffer?  If we are God's children, and God wants only good things for us, why are people who care about God struggling?? My only answer is that satan is the lord of this world.  His time is short, and he knows it, and he will do whatever it takes to take as many people with him as he can.  So if he can help make a rotten human being outwardly wealthy and prosperous, and make it look like the kind, compassionate person is constantly under attack and things are going wrong all the time, he thinks he's winning. But we ALL know how the story ends!

Emotions are POWERFUL things.  They are more powerful than facts (to most people).  Passion can be blinding. If I get really amped up about something, super passionate, highly emotional, it can be very difficult to reason with me.  That passion and emotional can be a force unto itself.  It can accomplish amazing things.  Yet it can also hinder the truth. We can get so caught up in what's "fair" and what's "unfair" that we miss the whole point. 


Even though evildoers of the world seem to prosper, take heart: God says,

  "that though the wicked sprout like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever;
8but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
9For behold, your enemies, O LORD,
for behold, your enemies shall perish;
all evildoers shall be scattered." Psalm 92:7-9 ESV

So. While the evil people of this world may LOOK like all is well, they are going down.  It's just a matter of time. What then, happens to those of us who have struggled?  

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:7-9 ESV

*Everyone* will reap what they sow.  If you sow corn, you'll get corn.  It's not rocket science.  If you sow bitterness and destruction, guess what you'll reap? Yup.  Bitterness and destruction.  If you sow hate, don't expect to reap roses.

Even though there are days that seem to go on forever, this life really is fleeting.  Our days here on this earth are finite.  Our days with God, in eternity, are INfinite.  Whatever we must endure for now, endure! For the reward we will receive is spending forever, eternity, never ending perfect days, with our Father God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. In a perfect world.  With perfect bodies.  No more sin.  No sorrow.  No pain.  No tears.  The day Jesus returns is coming soon.  And all the pain will end, IF you know Jesus as your personal Savior. 

One of my favorite verses: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 ESV

"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5

Book Review: "Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women" by Lindsay Franklin

What a precious book, y'all.  Each day of the year has a Bible verse, a short devotion, and a small space for journaling.  I do mean small...that's my only issue with this book.  It says it has "journaling space to help readers reflect on the day's message."  There are 4 small lines at the end of each day. So you're not going to write a book, but maybe a short prayer? 

If you're not that into journaling anyway, the Kindle edition might be right up your alley!  And right now on amazon it's only $1.99!

Each devotion speaks to an area of a young woman's life:  insecurity, jealousy, making mistakes, being humble, being flexible, feeling loved, strength, hope, etc. using female examples from the Bible.  For example, on back to back days a young lady can read about Leah and Rachel, sisters in the Bible who were married to one man.

Leah wasn't as loved as Rachel, so it speaks to insecurity and how God takes care of us in a special way, *especially* when we feel unloved. (If you are unfamiliar with the story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel you can read it in Genesis.)  God allowed Leah to have many sons, while Rachel was barren for a long time.  Rachel was the love of Jacob's life.  She had his love; but she *wanted* his children. So Rachel's story speaks to jealousy.

This book is a great devotion for teenage girls, or maybe a little older young ladies, especially if they are newer to the faith as it isn't really "heavy" spiritually.

You can purchase this book on amazon HERE. 

Disclaimer:  I received this book at no charge in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

The Little Things

Before I got sick, I was definitely a "grand gesture" kind of girl.  Lavish gifts, big parties, weekends in Chicago, the bigger the better. I worked hard and played hard. But then Myasthenia Gravis came into my life. 

I got too sick to work. I was too weak to go grocery shopping.  Pretty soon I couldn't put my hair up or take a shower on my own, or even breathe without a machine.

It's then that you realize that life truly is about the little things.

Being able to put my own socks and shoes on.

Being able to wash my hair.  (Being clean is totally under-rated!! Go without a shower or washing your hair for a while...you'll know what I mean!)

Being able to breathe without a ventilator.

Being able to talk after 4 months with no voice whatsoever.

Being able to do laundry.

Being able to stand long enough to make a meal.

Being able to put make up on.

Being able to cut my own food.

These are all things I was unable to do when I was really sick.  Some of these things literally took years for me to get back to doing.  I was so weak, and so very sick. 

Sometimes, a grand gesture is wonderful!  And it can be a very necessary thing.  But most often, it's the little things we can do that make our lives and the lives of our loved ones better.

Smile at a stranger.  You will notice how their whole countenance changes.  Say hi to someone.  Compliment the cashier ringing up your groceries, or the server bringing you food.  Pay for someone behind you at a toll booth.  Pay for someone's coffee, or meal if you can. 

This world didn't get ugly and hateful overnight.  Sometimes it feels that way, but it truly didn't.  We turned a blind eye little by little, by little, by little... until we opened them and saw we were facing a whole different direction.

Let's get back to the little things.  Do something kind today, just for the sake of kindness.  I'll bet you'll make someone feel really good.  And I have a feeling you'll walk a little lighter yourself.

What Motivates You?

"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."  Albert Einstein

Americans, in my humble opinion, embody this quote.  

"What's in it for me?"

"What will happen to me if I don't?"

Isn’t that what we hear most often from our children?  Sadly, adults are following suit. I wonder…

How many people would file taxes if they KNEW there was no punishment for not filing?

How many people would go to work if they didn't get paid?

What happened to a good, solid work ethic? Putting in a hard day’s work for the sake of doing a good job?

How many people go to church because they are afraid not to?  Either afraid of being judged, or afraid of God's wrath. I grew up in a church like that.  As long as your butt was in the seat, you had fire insurance, if you know what I mean.  And if you weren't there, you better be out of state or dying.  {And I'm not saying don't go to church, I'm just using this as an example to get to my point.}

This is my question:  what ever happened to intrinsic value? 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary has a wonderful definition of intrinsic: “belonging to the essential nature of a thing: occurring as a natural part of something.”  Like breathing.  It’s just part of you.

Intrinsic.  Indwelling. Deep-rooted. Organic.  That “thing” inside that tells you the right thing to do.  Just because it’s right.

When did everything become about getting something in return, or doing something just to avoid punishment or repercussion of some kind?  Whatever happened to doing the right thing just to do the right thing?  Or being kind for the sake of being kind?

What about our relationships with God?  Do we “use” Him to get things?  Are we only interested in His blessings, but not willing to walk in obedience? Do we “love” Him so that He won’t be angry at us or throw a bolt of lightning our way?

“I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
    a little child to the cheek,
    and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4

Our God is so loving and good to us. He doesn’t withhold His kindness or blessings from us even though we deserve none of them!  Our Father’s only motive is love.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3b

I have a challenge to everyone who reads this:  do something kind “just because”. The whole "commit random acts of kindness" and "pay it forward" clichés have been around for a while.  But seriously, when is the last time that you did something nice for someone else, just to do it? Not because you wanted anything from them or because you felt you owed them something. Just because.

Do you have an elderly neighbor who is alone 90% of the time?  Go visit.  Take your kids.  Your children would be learning history from one who has lived it, and your neighbor would be filled with joy. We can learn more from one hour talking to older folks and asking them to tell us about their lives than we could in a month of history books.

Do you know someone who had a recent illness or injury?  Ask if you can clean their house. Bring a meal over to them.

Is someone at church looking for a babysitter?  Volunteer your time. Just because it’s the right thing to do.

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:34-36

Does God Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

He sure does.

There is a familiar adage people say when you're having a tough go of things:  "God will never give you more than you can handle."  I'm so sorry to break it to you, but He certainly WILL.

His Word says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

Notice how it doesn't say "If you pass through the waters" or "If you walk through the fire"?  It says "when" my friends.  Do you know what that means? It means that in this life you WILL without a doubt walk through some dark, difficult times.

(Gee, Kerri, thanks for the encouragement...)

But HERE'S the thing:  God WILL be with you!!  He will NOT let those waters overwhelm you.  He will NOT let those flames you feel licking at your back consume you!  

And you will get *through* it.

God allows things that I don't always understand.  A lot of the time.  Most of the time, to be completely honest.  I don't understand why. Once again I find consolation in God's Word:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

These 2 verses helped me so much when I was sick.  It's like we are all part of a big jig saw puzzle, and all WE can see from our limited view are the pieces that immediately connect to ours.  And the picture from here is NOT always rosy, let me tell ya.  However, we worship a God who sees ALL!  He sees the big picture!  He sees how our pieces, our problems, our predicaments, connect with others' pieces to make the most magnificent picture.

Friends, I don't know why you are dealing with what you are.  I don't need to.  God knows.  He is THERE, right by your side.  Notice that first verse I shared from Isaiah.  It doesn't say "I will be ahead of you" or "I will be behind you", it says, "I will be WITH you."

"6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong, my friend.  God will definitely give you MORE than YOU can handle.  That's only because He wants you to give your burdens to Him.

 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28