The safety of His arms...

It was an ordinary Thursday. I had attended Bible Study that morning. I came home and had lunch with my husband. He kissed me good bye and told me he was going to test drive a customers vehicle. I told him to be careful and that I would see him at the shop a few minutes later. I was spending a few quality minutes with our Yorkie, Madison, when the phone rang. When I picked it up, I heard the distraught voice of my husband telling me he had been in an accident and the vehicle hit an electric pole and flipped over. It took him a few minutes to even tell me where he was. The accident happened about a quarter of a mile from our house and shop. When I got to the scene, all I could do was thank God for protecting the man I love once again. It was a hot and humid day and outside, but I had chill bumps all over. Just looking at the vehicle turned upside down and thinking of what might have been literally made me sick to my stomach. The lady that witnessed it said that she saw him lose control of the vehicle and the back tire flew up in the air. Then, the SUV hit the pole and flipped 2 or 3 times before landing upside down. Billy was crawling out the back door just as she got to the vehicle to see if anyone was injured. Miraculously, he was not hurt at all. He said that as the vehicle began to go out of control and flip over, he felt a total calmness that he couldn't even put into words. He had no doubt that the hand of God had protected him again. This was his second potentially life threatening incident in about a month. It was just another reminder to me that there are so many things in life that are out of our control. What happened to the vehicle was just a freak accident that nobody could have been prepared for. Yet, our Father in Heaven knows everything. He knows ever danger that lies ahead of us. No matter what tragedies we may face, He already has a plan to see us through. I know that God sent angels to protect Billy. I pray multiple times a day for his protection, and I am so thankful that God continues to answer those prayers.

Our lives are so short. Every moment we draw breath is precious. Each smile we share with the people we love could be the last one. I don't want to waste another minute regretting things in my past, or worrying about what my future holds. I don't know what tomorrow might bring. I don't even know what might happen a few minutes from now. The only thing I am certain of, is that God does know. He does care. He will never leave me. God is my protector and my provider. When I am afraid, I will run to the safety of His arms. He was, is, and will always be faithful. He is the great I AM... because of that, I am willing to trust Him with my life, and the lives of all of the people that I love... today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

 

 

 

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

 

 

 

 

 

Consuming Fire

My husband and I camped on our property over the weekend. It was a wonderful few days of sleeping in, walking through the creek, relaxing by the fire, and just enjoying some much needed rest, relaxation, and time together.

One night as we were sitting by the fire, I couldn't help but think of how the Bible associated fire with God and the Holy Spirit. I was watching the flames as they rose higher and higher. Then, I watched as they consumed the wood that we had placed there. The flames were no longer reaching for the sky, yet the embers were still burning brightly. I could still see tiny blue flames as it continued to burn hotter and hotter.

As I watched that campfire, it started to make sense to me. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He literally lives in me. There are times when I am so "on fire" for God that it consumes every thought, every moment, and every action of my life. Sometimes, that fire dies down a little and I don't feel as excited about sharing God's Word or being the hands and feet of Christ. However, even in those times, the fire is still there. The flames aren't as visible, but the coals are still hot. The spark is never gone.

Life gets so busy that I sometimes don't give God the time and honor that He deserves. I get selfish, tired, overwhelmed, and a thousand different other emotions. What it boils down to is I just get distracted. Sometimes by good things that honor God. Sometimes by my own selfish desires. Regardless, I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit never abandons me. He lives and keeps the fires burning. He gets me stirred up and burning for the Lord and keeps me focused on the things that really matter. Just because the whole world can't see the rising flames, doesn't mean that He isn't working. The embers are hot and eventually the faint red glow will consume all that it touches. My prayer is that I can be that tiny spark that helps to start an all consuming fire in the lives of the people I meet. That the Holy Spirit can work through me to bring others to Himself.

What an awesome gift from God!! To be given the Holy Spirit to actually walk through this life with me. To live in me. I can't really even comprehend it, but, I believe it because I feel it. I am so thankful for the burning fire that warms me, refines me, and consumes my life!

Time's Up

I have always known that we are not promised our next breath. People can be here one minutes, and gone the next. Death doesn't distinguish between the rich and poor, old and young, healthy or sick. It just doesn't care if you have a promising future ahead of you, or if you wasted all of the opportunities in your life. When your time is up, that's it.

A few weeks ago, a 16 year old boy was tragically killed in an accident. He was the type of student that teachers dream of. The kind of boy every mother prays to have. He was a friend to many. He was a talented football player. This young man left a legacy of love because he was a sincerely compassionate person. I am comforted because I know that he had trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. So, I know without a doubt that he is in Heaven right now. I don't think he had any regrets about the choices he had made in his short life. He told his Mother that he loved her every time they parted or ended a phone conversation. He was just a special person that won't be forgotten by the people that knew him.

Three other people we were associated with just lost their battle with Cancer. The fight was long, painful, and not pretty. They were mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, teachers, employees, friends, and so much more to so many people. More importantly, they were all Christians. So, their passing was not really the end. It was a transition into eternity. It was just the beginning of a beautiful forever full of rewards prepared especially for them by a loving Father who knows the pain they endured on Earth. From my perspective, sometimes this life just seems so unfair. However, I know that I just can't see the whole picture. God may allow a moment of hurt, but he makes up for that with unending joy in Paradise.

I have lost my Mom, my Grandmother, close friends, and mentors. Knowing that I will not see them or talk to them again this side of Heaven is a grief I can't even put into words. I tell myself all the time that all of this is only temporary. This isn't all there is. God has so much more planned for those who believe and put their Faith in Him.

You always think you have another day with the people you love. Sadly, you may not have another minute. A few days ago, my husband was injured in an accident at our shop. He was nearly crushed by a vehicle. I had just walked up within seconds of the incident. If I had not been there at that exact moment, or if the truck had been positioned differently, I don't believe he would still be here. He hurt his leg, but he could have easily been run over by the truck and killed. It all happened so fast. I was absolutely terrified. It really opened my eyes to how quickly things can change in my own life. I was reminded of how little control I have over most things. I hardly slept that night thinking about the horrors of what could have happened, and thanking God that He intervened and protected my husband from serious harm.

Our time may be up much faster than we think. It is so important to know what happens when you leave this world. Do you have a personal relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ? If you have not made the decision to place your faith in Him, you will face an eternity of torment once your time on Earth is done. This is a decision that can't wait. It can't wait until you get older. It can't wait until you stop doing this or that. It just can't wait. You don't know when your time is up, but when it is, you need to know where you will spend eternity.

Sometimes this life is ugly. It is hard. It seems unforgiving and unfair. BUT WAIT, there's more!! If you call on HIM, right now... you will receive forgiveness, unconditional love, and keys to the Kingdom of God. You will inherit riches beyond your wildest dreams. Jesus Christ already paid the price for your life. His sacrifice can wash away your dirtiest secret and darkest sins. It is  a free gift. All you have to do is accept it. The choice is yours. Don't wait. Do it now... before your time is up.

Waves of Life

My Dad was in the Navy, so we moved a bit when I was growing up. The place that I considered home as a teenager was Florida. We lived about 45 minutes from the coast, so I didn't go often. As I got older, I discovered that when I was sad or anxious, nothing could soothe my spirit quite like the sound of waves crashing against the shore. To stand at the edge of the water.. at night.. all alone...toes in the cool wet sand... a billion stars above... well, there are just no words to describe the awe and wonder I felt inside. I could feel the power and presence of God with each rise and fall of the waves. They come so fast and strong and then just seem to fall apart when the reach land.

We spent some time at the beach recently. One day, as my husband and I stood in the warm waters a few weeks ago, I was reminded of how calm and peaceful it can be to just float in the water. The salt water therapy can cure whatever ails you as you just watch the rest of the world disappear. It can feel like time literally just stops and you are locked in a moment of pure joy and tranquility. There is nothing quite like being so small and insignificant, yet, feeling safe in the vast and mysterious blue green waters.

However, the next day was much different. We hadn't waded out far before we realized that things were nothing like they were before. The sand beneath our feet was constantly shifting and sometimes being swept right out from under us. The waves were bigger and more powerful. They just kept coming, one right after another... wave on wave. I was breathless and exhausted in no time! I tried to turn from them and shield myself from their harsh blows, but the force would knock me unsteady. I found that if I faced them head on, I could navigate and find the safest location and just about rise above the wave and allow it to carry my body, rather than trying to fight against it.

It occurred to me that life is a whole lot like the ocean. Some days just go along smoothly. We can laugh and love without a care in the world. Then, without warning, the tides change and we are right in the middle of the scariest storm we have ever faced. Waves pushing it down and holding us under until we don't even know which way is up! The storms of life may be finances, health, loss of a loved one, or a thousand other issues that cause our lives to change in an instant.

I have learned to appreciate the sunny days and soak up the happy memories. When the hard rains start falling and I am flooded with despair, I have found that it is best that I face my problems and ride out the storm. Most things in my life are beyond my control. God's will and His perfect plan are things that I don't always understand. In fact, many times I don't like them at all. I am human and I can't see the whole picture. I don't know what is up ahead... but, I know someone who does... and I trust Him. He still calms the storms. All I have to do is follow Him, and He will lead me to exactly where I need to be.

He is he same yesterday, today, and forever... because I believe... I am willing to trust Him in the sunshine and the rain.

The Mark of the Cross

I know I am not the only one who struggles with depression, loneliness, trouble finding purpose in life. Most days, I feel so blessed. There are just no words to say how much God has done for me... the gifts He has given me... the countless times He has forgiven the unforgiveable... the peace in the middle of the storms... guidance when I am lost... hope when I am in despair... and the list goes on, and on, and on... BUT, then there are those dark days of depression. Oh how I wish my heart could feel what my mind knows! Depression is an overwhelming and all consuming condition... and Satan takes full advantage of it. He knows he can't have me... but he can sure make me ineffective for Christ by keeping me in that black hole.

I have really been struggling with feeling that I just don't matter... That if I just disappeared tomorrow nobody would even miss me. I feel like I have poured my heart and soul into people I love and that they will never care about me the way that I do them. It breaks my heart. I know I am not perfect. I know I have made mistakes... but, I have freely given of my resources, my experience, my time, and especially my heart. It seems like none of that matters. It is so painful to know that people only want to see or talk to you if there is something you can do for them. It feels like it would be impossible to ever change that.

As I was wallowing in self pity, God reminded me of a few important things. First, NOTHING is impossible for God. It may be easier to believe that He can cure Cancer, part the Sea, raise the dead, and call down fire from Heaven than it is to believe that He could change someone's heart. He gently reminded me of the ugly, vile, and selfish shell of a person I was before He handled my total makeover. Talk about humbling. He changed me. That is proof that there really is nothing that is too hard for him to accomplish. Changing hearts and lives is what He does best.

As Jesus was dying on the cross to save me from my sins... as He was preparing to take his last painful breath on Earth... He used what tiny reserve of energy He had left to ask God to forgive those that crucified him. Forgive them because they do not know what they are doing. Forgive them. They are me. He allowed them to nail him to that cross. He chose to stay there and die there. He did that for me. He suffered because of my sin. He prayed that God would forgive them... that He would forgive me! Amazing Love!! Wow! That tells me that I am supposed to love like that. I also need to forgive because they don't know what they are doing. The world has a way of blinding us to the truth. We tend to seek gratification is everything except loving God and loving others. He didn't tell us to love only the loveable. We are called to love our enemies too. So, even when it breaks my heart...I can't ever give up on loving others. I may never have it returned, but, I know that my treasures await me in Heaven.

I feel like the closer you get to God... the more you lose your identity in the world. Your life becomes about Christ and sharing Him with the world and less about self and personal desires. So, while my human nature continues to struggle with feeling like I don't matter... I know that I do matter to Him. I am so valuable to Him that He died for me so that I could have an eternal relationship with Him. I am also reminded that it really isn't about me. It is all about Him. I still don't know what my purpose is. Maybe it isn't a big calling that will change the world. Maybe it is just to encourage one person. To make their world a little better by sharing the love of Christ. I am reminded of a Beth Moore study and in it she talked about as we take up our cross daily and follow Him, essentially... as we carry the cross... our footsteps are replaced and all that remains is the mark of the cross. So... when I leave this Earth... nobody may ever remember my name...and that is ok... I just pray that in some small way..my life here leaves the mark of the cross.

The key to beating depression is being reminded daily that I don't have to stay in this emotional state. I cannot be defeated because I already have victory in Jesus. All of the struggles and heartache are only temporary. One day the pain and tears will be replaced with absolute joy. I know in my heart that Heaven is real and that one day I am going to go there. That is what makes the hard times bearable. He was willing to die for me. That is why I am willing to live for Him.

I am willing

I have been dealing with multiple medical issues for years. I have literally tried every treatment option and medication available with no improvement. Some days, I handle it really well. Other times, I go into meltdown mode. I get overwhelmed from pain and being so exhausted all the time. I get frustrated that I cannot do the things I want to do. Sometimes I cry because I feel like my situation is hopeless. Sometimes, I scream "Why Me"?

That's just how I am some times. I can be emotional, irrational, and selfish. I can't see the big picture and I don't understand all the reasons why God allows things to happen the way He does.  Yet, even in the struggles, I know that I am blessed beyond words. I know that I don't deserve the grace that God has given me and I am amazed at his unconditional love for me!

I can't always see His plan for my life. It makes me wonder if my vision is often clouded because I am not seeking His will.

Last week, I decided to try a juice fast. My thought was that I would do the fast, rid my body of toxins, and ultimately allow my body to heal itself. Oh, and lose weight and look great in the process! I didn't have a specific time frame set, but, I hoped to do the fast for about a month. Four days of nothing but juice and water will wear you down. I longed to chew the fruit and vegetables I was juicing. I finally decided that is exactly what I would do. I think fasting is a great way to cleanse your body and allow it a much needed period of rest. There are lots of health benefits in juicing, and I plan to incorporate into my diet from now on.

However, last Friday, it occurred to me that I can't do anything to heal myself of these problems anymore than I could do anything to save myself from the horrible sins that I was a slave to until Christ came into my heart and rescued me. I need God himself to heal me. Taking care of myself and making healthy choices are important, but, true healing comes from Him. I need His touch physically and emotionally.

On Sunday, we studied about the man that had Leprosy. There is no doubt that he had ugly open sores all over his body. I am sure he was feared by society and had been ordered to stay away so that his condition would not spread to others. There is no telling how long he may have gone without feeling the warmth of a touch from another person. Can you imagine not being able to share a hug with someone you love? You couldn't even sit next to someone! It had to be an empty and lonely life. Yet, this man believed that Jesus could heal Him. He had so much faith that he went up to Jesus and bowed before Him. He knew he wasn't supposed to be that close to another person, but, He also knew that Jesus was no ordinary man! Here is the story of that life changing encounter:

^{Luke 5:12-13}

¹² In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

¹³ Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

It says instantly the leprosy disappeared. Years, maybe even a lifetime of misery gone in an instant. Wow!! That is my God!!

I thought about the man saying to Jesus, "If you are willing." I am pretty good about praying that God would do something if it is His will to do so. I also have some experience in finding that my will and His don't always line up. Those are hard lessons. Anyway, Jesus reached out and touched him. Yes, He touched an unclean infected man. Then he said, "I am willing." Just like that he healed him. What an amazing story!

The best part, is that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means that the same Jesus that willingly reached out and healed that man, is the same Jesus that can reach out and touch my life!

There are some things that can only be accomplished through prayer and fasting. So, I decided to take some time to just focus specifically on asking God to heal me if He is willing. I also shared with Him that more than anything, I want to know Him more. I want a closer and more personal relationship with Him. I desire a deeper understanding of His Word and His plan for my life. I don't know if He is willing to heal my body, but I know that He wants a deeper connection with me. I know that He is willing to do that... and I am willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

I have several more things on my heart that I would like to share, but, it looks like severe weather is headed our way so I will have to cut it short. If He is willing, I will post again another time.