We're Just Not That Important

Sometimes your health smacks you upside the head and there’s nothing you can do about it.  I had a recent bout with a nasty case of the flu.  I was convinced I was coughing up a lung, had no energy, and just wanted to lie in bed watching old episodes of That 70’s Show. 

I know at least three other people who have recently had health challenges too, forcing them to change their daily activities. 

Annoying, frustrating, irritating, inconvenient….all of these words describe this situation.

But here’s a news flash…life doesn’t stop just because we’re not in the office, or seeing customers, or writing our blogs, or cooking meals for our families.

Apparently we’re not as important as we think we are!

I suppose a reality check is a good thing every now and then.  It keeps us humble.  Believe it or not people from my sales team don’t stop selling radio advertising just because I’m not there to oversee them.  I really am dispensable. 

Which leads me to ask the question, where do I get my self-worth?  Do I need to think I’m an indispensable part of the company in order to feel good about myself?  Does my role as Sales Manager define me as a person?

Fortunately, I’m happy to answer, “No” to that question.  My self-concept isn’t wrapped up with what I do for a living, where I work, or how much I get paid.

Over the course of a week I wear a bunch of different hats depending on who I’m with and what I’m doing…

Wife, step-mother, sales manager, landlord, blogger, speaker, student, trainer, sister, friend, aunt, cat grandma, step daughter, boss...

Yes, I’m all those things and they all define who I am as a person.  But the most important role that defines me is being a child of God. 

Being a child of God defines who I am, how I act, and the words I speak.  Being a child of God is really all I need.  I am loved by a forgiving, all powerful, amazing God…and that’s enough.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Have you been limited by health or life issues recently?  Where do you get your self-worth?  What defines who you are as a person?

Share your thoughts by clicking the link below.

The Sacrifice Of Forgiveness

I'm not sure video blogging is my forte, but regardless, I decided to try something a little different this week.  The video below is a short monologue on the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

Things To Think About

Have you accepted the forgiveness Jesus offers at the cross?  Is Jesus your Saviour?

 

To share your thoughts click on "comments" below.

Eternal Hope

This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Judy.  In memory of her daughter.  Thank you for sharing your pain with me.

 

How do you find hope in your life in the midst of pain and suffering?  What a question!

This past weekend I was facilitating a women’s retreat for Southwood United Church.  The retreat centre is located on an escarpment in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains overlooking the Ghost River.  This was the scene of a major flood that swept across Southern Alberta in 2013.

 

Trees that previously stretched their limbs to the sunlit sky now lie on the ground, flattened by the rush of water that buried them one year ago.

On Saturday afternoon I went for a walk by the river with a dear friend who recently lost her daughter.  Her pain is fresh and raw, and my heart broke for her as we grieved together by the river.

 While we were there we noticed an interesting characteristic of the trees in the devastated landscape.  Each tree appeared to be lying on the ground.  On closer examination we realized that although they were flattened out, each tree had brilliant green spring growth on it. 

 Intrigued, we looked closer and saw that the trees, weren’t actually uprooted. Their trunks lay parallel to the ground, forced down by the weight of the flood waters, but their roots remained firmly planted in the ground.

 Despite adverse growing conditions, their roots extended deep into the soil and they continued to thrive and grow. 

 

My friend, in the midst of her pain, looked at this and commented on the similarity to a faith journey.

 Life’s events knock us down and leave us lying on the ground, but our faith roots us firmly in Jesus Christ so we are able to drink deeply from His well of life-giving, life-sustaining water and continue to grow through difficult times.

 

This beautiful woman is an inspiring example of what a strong faith looks like.  She grieves, and yet she finds and accepts the gifts that God continues to bring into her life.

I’m reminded of this scripture…

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.  But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.  When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”  Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)

 

So we suffer and we grieve, but Jesus is our solid foundation.

Yesterday I received this picture from my friend.  A reminder of our time together.  She titled the picture “Eternal Hope”.  Now I share that hope with you and pray for all who grieve.  May you find the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of your pain. 

 

 

 

 

A Beautiful Mess

It’s Sunday morning.  For a change, we’re not rushing to get to church.  I sit on the front porch, tea in hand, basking in the early morning sunlight while I enjoy the unexpected gift of an unscheduled 20 minutes.

The chaos of colour from my flower bed draws my gaze.  Yellow, orange, red, and white sway in the morning breeze.  It’s chaos! 

California poppies self-seeded from last summer have hijacked the soil. 

They spring up everywhere burying ,the miniature rose and subduing even the strongest hosta in a sea of colour.

In the self-ordered world that is my mind, it’s a mess.  But through the eyes of a gardener it’s beautiful.

 I smile and wonder…is this how God sees my life?  Does He gaze at the chaos, the struggles, the failures, the missed opportunities, the pain and grief and brokenness…and see beauty?

“Look at the lilies how they grow.  They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed a beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.  Why do you have so little faith?”  Luke 12:27-28  NLT

God takes the time to create the flowers, making them perfect and beautiful.  I think He smiles when He sees them in their radiant colour.  And He smiles when He sees us, no matter what condition we’re in.  He made us and loves us in the midst of our messy, broken lives.  To Him we are beautiful, regardless of where we’re at.

The mess in my flower bed is a gift.  A gift of colour and beauty given by God.  I take the time to enjoy it and give thanks for it; thankful that He loves me in all my messiness.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

You may not love yourself, but know this…God does. 

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 (NLT)

Substitute “the world” with your name in that scripture and let the words sink in slow and deep.  “God so loved…that He gave his one and only Son…”

That’s how much He loves you.

Give Me Strength

“Lord, I’m tired.  Exhausted to the core of my being.  And I’m far from you.  Please renew my energy and spirit.”

I sit in the sun on Saturday morning talking to God.  It’s week number five of a cold that won’t quit.  I have no energy.  I’m tired of being tired.  I don’t feel close to God.

“What can I do, Lord?  Please bring healing and rest.”

I sit with eyes closed and listen to my breathing, trying to sense God’s presence.

“Are you here God?  Are you listening?”

I breathe slowly and my shoulders relax.  A scripture comes to mind.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.

“Yes Lord, Isaiah 40.”

I open the bible on my lap, turn to Isaiah 40, and scan down to the bottom of the chapter until I find the verse.

I read, “Even youths will become weak and tired…but those who trust in the Lord will find new strength”

I close my eyes and breathe deep, feel the sun on my face.

You’ve been working in your own strength, not Mine.  That’s why you’re tired.  Trust Me.  Turn each day and everything in it over to Me.  Do the work you need to, but do it in My strength, not yours. 

That’s it.  I’ve missed God.  I’ve made time for many things, but not Him.  In my time of weakness when I turn to Him, He reminds me.

My job is busy and challenging.  There’s no way I can do it in my own strength and knowledge.  I need God alongside helping me.

This is my challenge.  At the start of each day, before I get out of the car and walk into my office, I need to turn everything over to God.  Give Him the day and let Him work in it.  Pray for daily strength and wisdom, then rest in that prayer and His presence throughout the day.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

This is my daily challenge…to trust God that the work that needs to get done will be done.  To realize I can only do so much in one day, and to seek His strength and wisdom every morning.

What about you?  Do you need to renew your strength in God each day?  Do you need to seek rest?  Do you need wisdom?  Start the day with a prayer for God to be in everything you do.

Work + Health = Wealth + Joy

It’s Sunday afternoon, unwelcome thoughts of work invade your mind.  Your body tenses.  You pray for a minor natural disaster, for time to stop, or the world to end…anything to stop Monday from coming.  None of these events transpire.

The alarm rings, you attempt to burrow your way to oblivion in the mattress.  You fail.  You have to go to work.

Ever felt this way?

I came across an interesting verse in Ecclesiastes the other day that I thought I’d share.

"It is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.  To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - that is indeed a gift from God.  People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reason for joy"   Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 NLT

Work?  A reason for joy?  Well, let’s see…

Do I want to get up and go to work every day?  No, not really

Are the days stress filled?  Yes, most of the time

Do I work long hours that eat into my free time?  Yes

 

Here’s a reality check.  The “perfect” job doesn’t exist.  There are pros and cons to every work place.  The truth is most days my job as Sales Manager for a Christian radio station is crazy busy and filled with challenging scenarios. 

But with any job (and every situation) you have a choice.  You can choose how you view it. 

 

I can choose to see the long hours and hard work as drudgery that eats into my free time. 

Or...
I can choose to see the positive difference the hours I work make in the daily life of the people who report to me, and indirectly the positive impact my contribution to the company makes in the daily lives of the people who tune in every day to listen to our radio station.

I choose the latter.

I know it’s a huge struggle to be content in life’s circumstances.  And quite frankly a lot of people never make it to that point.

But like I said earlier… in every situation you choose. 

What about the health part of this scripture?  Here’s a simplistic example from my life this past weekend…

Right now glaciers of ice coat the streets and sidewalks, waiting to work their treachery on unsuspecting pedestrians.  I fell victim to one on Sunday…literally…crashing down in a flurry of flailing limbs to end up sprawled ungracefully on the sidewalk.

Today I feel like I started a new workout routine.  Muscles are tight and sore, but here’s the thing.  I’m grateful my body is able to absorb a fall like that.  I didn’t end up in the hospital with broken bones.  I can move around and still go for a run.  I choose the view point that it could have been a lot worse.

Wealth…

I realize Solomon is right, to have good health to enjoy life is a rare gift and it is to be cherished.  It is wealth.  A job that puts food on the table, a roof over my head, gas in the car, and clothes on my back is not to be taken for granted.  It is a blessing…a source of wealth.

Good health, good work, a wealth of blessings.  Choose to be grateful for what God gives.  This is the start of a joy-filled life.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Do you need an attitude adjustment?  Try looking at life from a different perspective by asking this question…What can I be grateful for in this situation?  Make a choice to see the positive.

Looking for some other posts on leading a contented life?  Check out...

Contented Living

The Christian's CEO

 

Not Afraid of Death...Just Dying

Lately I find myself reflecting on death and dying.  Isn’t that a morbid way to start a blog post?

The last couple of months I’ve been in contact with a number of people who are dealing with the end stages of a terminal illness. 

I’ve come to the realization that I’m not afraid of death…just dying.

Let me clarify.  The dying process I’ve seen in people over the last few months is a painful process of bone degeneration resulting in fractures and infection. 

Another woman suffers from metastasizing lung cancer, now devouring multiple vital organs throughout her body. 

One blessing in the midst of these situations is the care and dedication of the Palliative Care hospital staff who work diligently to bring dignity, pain relief, and comfort to individuals in their final days.

Aside from the selflessness of the hospital staff none of this paints a pretty picture. 

Truth be told, I harbor a secret dread of cancer.  My mother succumbed to lymphoma at the age of 48.  We’re shaped by our past experiences and it’s hard to get that one out of my frame of reference.

Did you know 68% of the population indicates a fear of death?  To explain why I’m not part of those statistics let me share a story…

My grandmother was 92-years-old when she died.  She was unresponsive in the hospital when I went to visit her.  While I stood holding her hand, her breathing gradually became more and more shallow.  Panic slammed through me as I realized she was slipping away in front of me.

My brain screamed in protest, “I can’t handle this!”

Before I could think or feel or react in any other way a presence filled the room.  I’ve tried other times  to verbalize what I experienced,  but I’m afraid words come up short.

Panic melted away as an overwhelming sense of peace descended.  I was filled with a joy that I’ve never felt before or since.  The best I can do is to call it close to euphoria.  Peacefulness filled the room and I knew this was good and right.

I don’t know what happened in the hospital room that day.  I don’t know who was there with me as my grandmother danced with the angels…God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit… all of the above.  But I think, for an instant, I may have caught a glimpse of the glory of God.

“…I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people!  He will live with them, and they will be his people.  God himself will be with them.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever…’”  Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

The process of dying still scares me, but death?   Death is new life.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Are you afraid of death or dying?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

Haunted By The Past

Are you haunted by a past you wish you could forget?

Ashamed about something you’ve done and can’t undo? 

Wondering if you’re a terrible person; afraid people will “disown” you if they find out about your “secret”?

This might come as a surprise to you, but you’re not alone!  People everywhere mentally flog themselves for mistakes they’ve made; wishing they could go back in time and re-write history.

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol
at www.freedigitalphotos.net

What secret haunts you?

• An affair
• Abortion
• Pornography
• Addiction
• Teen pregnancy
• A promiscuous past
• Stealing
• Lousy parenting

Go ahead, name the shackle that binds you as a slave to guilt, shame, and anxiety.

Now read Jeremiah 31:18-20

“I have heard Israel saying, ‘You disciplined me severely, like a calf that needs training for the yoke.  Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord my God.  I turned away from God, but then I was sorry.  I kicked myself for my stupidity!  I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.  Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?’ says the Lord.  ‘I often have to punish him, but I still love him.  That’s why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.’”  (NLT)

 

Been there.  I’ve kicked myself many times for my stupidity, and there are a number of things in my past for which I’ve carried the heavy burdens of shame and guilt.

But this scripture tells you, regardless of your past, you’re still God’s “darling child” and He loves you and longs for you to return to Him so He can shower His mercy on you.

It’s easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world struggling with the secret you bear.  It’s easy to convince yourself you’re a horrible person. 

 

But, I guarantee, you’re neither of these things.  There are other people out there hiding behind smiling masks, carrying similar fears.

I speak from personal experience.   Staying loaded down with guilt and shame is no way to live.  We’re meant to live in freedom, not slavery. 

Image courtesy of photostock
at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Finding that freedom is what birthed this ministry, “Living Day By Day In God’s Grace”.  Having found the freedom grace offers, I never want to go back to bondage!

Bring your secret to God, confess it, and accept the mercy He longs to give.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

What part of your past do you need to bring to God today?

Where's God - Part 2

Last week in Part 1 of this post I started by asking the question, “Where’s God when life is tough?”  We looked at Jeremiah 24:1-10. 

In these verses God preserves the lives of the people of Judah by sending them into exile in Babylon.  I’m sure this isn’t exactly the vacation God’s people dreamt about.

In an instant their lives completely change.  Their homes are gone, they’ve lost loved ones, and now they’re marched off into exile to a strange foreign land.  The obvious question echoes…”Where’s God?”

There’s good news in response to Judah’s desperate query.

God doesn’t abandon the exiles.  He’s preps Jeremiah, working with him behind the scenes by telling him the plans he has for his people.  And Jeremiah, ever faithful to God’s call, waits for God’s perfect timing and writes a letter of reassurance (essentially a letter from God Himself) to the exiles.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem.  ‘Build homes, and plan to stay.  Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.  Marry and have children.  Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren.  Multiply!  Do not dwindle away!  And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.  Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.’”  Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NLT)

 

“This is what the Lord says, ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years.  But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.  For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord.  ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’  Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NLT)

I imagine a unanimous sigh of relief echoes around Babylon upon receipt of this letter.  The exiles finally know God is still watching over them, even in this unknown, strange land.  Imagine the burden that’s lifted, simply because they know God is in control and looking out for them. 

You can breathe sigh of relief in the midst of your suffering, too.  You probably don’t see it at this moment, but God is in control.  He’s looking out for you and watching over you. 

Whatever God has planned it’s always better than anything we can imagine.  At the right time God will send a “Jeremiah” into your life to give you the “inside scoop”, and to reassure you.  Until that happens, hang onto God’s promise,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Things To Think About

What are you struggling with today?  Where might God be working “behind the scenes” this very moment, even though you can’t see it?

Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

Where's God - Part 1

Where’s God when your marriage falls apart?

Where’s God in the cancer riddled body lying in the Palliative Care Unit? 

Where’s God in the crumpled metal frame lying by the side of the road while the wail of an ambulance fades into the distance?
Where’s God when life is tough?

You may have asked these, or similar questions.  Right now you might be shaking your fist and screaming at God, demanding an answer to a tough question.

We all face circumstances in life that don’t make sense.  And we wonder, “Where’s God?”

Sometimes we don’t get answers, but sometimes God leaves us clues.

Today and next week I want to share insights from the book of Jeremiah.  I hope by the end of these two posts we’ll have a little more clarity to the anguished question, “Where’s God?”

Jeremiah is a prophet, called by God to preach a message of repentance to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.  Jeremiah’s message isn’t popular, but he remains faithful to God, persisting in warning the rebellious nations, Israel and Judah, of the dire consequences they’ll face if they don’t stop worshiping other Gods.

 

Like most of us, Israel and Judah are stubborn.  They fail to heed Jeremiah’s warning.  Jerusalem is overthrown.  Eventually the people of both nations are taken into exile.  Things look pretty bleak to the prisoners of war, as their victors herd them towards a life of exile in Babylon.

But God sends this message to Jeremiah…

“After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin son of Johoiakim, king of Judah to Babylon along with the officials of Judah and all the craftsmen and artisans, the Lord gave me this vision.  I saw two baskets of figs placed in front of the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem.  One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat. 

Then the Lord said to me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’

I replied, ‘Figs, some very good and some very bad, too rotten to eat.’

Then the Lord gave me this message: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:  The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians.  I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again.  I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord.  They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.’

‘But the bad figs,’ the Lord said, ‘represent King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials, all the people left in Jerusalem, and those who live in Egypt.  I will treat them like bad figs, too rotten to eat.  I will make them an object of horror and a symbol of evil to every nation on earth.  They will be disgraced and mocked, taunted and cursed, wherever I scatter them.  And I will send war, famine, and disease until they have vanished from the land of Israel, which I gave to them and their ancestors.’  “Jeremiah 24:1-10 (NLT)

Jeremiah receives the “inside scoop” from God about the exiles.  Here’s what I believe God is telling Jeremiah…

There are good people living in Judah.  People who have potential to become a great and godly nation once more.  But they’re mixed up with evil and corrupt people.

By sending them into exile God separates these good people from the evil, corrupt ones.  He saves His people from the war and famine that He knows will devastate the land. 

By sending them into exile God preserves their lives. 

Here’s the problem for the exiles…

In the midst of the chaos; homes lost and lives changed overnight, the exiles can’t see or understand God’s greater purpose.  Like us in the midst of turmoil, I imagine they wonder…”Where’s God?  Why has He deserted us?”

Even though they don’t know it and can’t see or understand it at the time, God is still with the exiles.  He continues to protect and watch over them.

Quite often our troubles overwhelm us.  We give in to fear. 

The thing is when we’re in the midst of our troubles, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, we don’t know the whole picture.  We don’t know what God’s doing behind the scenes.  We don’t have Jeremiah’s “inside scoop”.  

This segment of Jeremiah brings hope for the exiles and it brings hope for us, too.  Even when we don’t see it, God is at work and has a plan for us.

There’s more good news for both the exiles and us a few chapters later in Jeremiah.  Next week we’ll look at some other promises God makes about taking care of his people. 

To read ahead, take a look at Jeremiah chapter 29.  That’s where we’ll be next week.

Unexpected Answer To Prayer - Part 2

Last week I shared the story of an unexpected answer to prayer that lead to a job at a Christian radio station.

It’s now April and a lot has happened since that prayer was answered back in January.  So I'd like to carry on where I left off last week...

I accepted the position at SHINE FM with a start date of February 25.  I resigned from my existing company, giving three weeks notice, and planned to have a week off to relax before I started the new job.

But we all know life seldom goes according to plans.  Ultimately when we join forces with God we’re subject to attacks from the enemy. 

“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.”  Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

On February 5, I was on my way to prayer group at my church to talk about the ways God was working in my life and the role the group’s prayer had played in it.

I was delayed en route when another driver attempted to complete a left turn in an intersection in front of me.  My desperate attempt to stop was futile and I slammed head on into the passenger’s side of his vehicle.  

I heard the crash, for a split second everything went dark, and then I was sideways in the intersection, clearly going nowhere fast!

The cool thing about God is He takes the nasty circumstances in our lives and ministers to us in the midst of them.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”  Romans 8:8 (NLT)

It’s amazing that in a town where I can count the number of people I know on one hand, the first police officer on scene was a woman who attends the same prayer group. 

A chaotic time of reporting, gathering information, towing vehicles, etc. ensued and when the dust settled she drove me to the church. 

I walked into the prayer room shaking, and they immediately sat me in the prayer “hot seat”, laid hands on me and prayed for the next half hour. 

The injuries that “might have been” have been limited to a stiff neck, a sore braking foot, and some nerve tingling on my back. 

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:26-27 (NLT)

The enemy tries to push our “hot buttons”, demoralizing us in any way possible.  You may find your peace is stolen as the vice of financial and emotional stress tightens around your throat.

I won’t lie, my first thought was financial.  How do we replace a nine-year-old vehicle without putting a strain on our monthly budget?  On top of that two weeks after the accident my husband’s car needed repairs to the tune of $1,200.  Then one of our cats became quite sick, stressing me out even more, and costing us $350 in vet bills.

But God is trustworthy and we can rely on Him to provide for us in all circumstances.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened…if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.”  Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT)

Our insurance covered the costs of a rental car while my claim was being settled.  Between the settlement for my written off vehicle and the commission I received when I left my job we had enough to pay the repairs on my husband’s car, pay the vet bill, and buy a cute little 2010 Kia Soul for me!  God is good!

Another distraction from God’s presence is busyness.

March and April have been filled with “time” challenges.  I’ve been going for physio/massage therapy twice a week (trying to schedule these outside work hours, so they don’t think I’m slacking off at the new job).I’ve spent a number of the evenings and weekends when I wasn’t at physio, shopping for a car (and we all know how not fun that is!)

I’ve been very protective of my prayer time with God, recognizing it’s vital to spend time with Him and to seek His presence.  I refuse to give up this time, so I’m now getting up at 5:30 so I can be at my office half an hour to forty minutes before I start work.  That time is my quiet time with God before the day begins.

It’s been a challenging two and half months but I’ve relied on God to see me through and He hasn’t disappointed, providing for us financially, spiritually, and giving me a sense of peace in His presence throughout the process.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Phillipians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Do you need prayer in your life?  Stay in close communication with God and He’ll surprise you with your own unexpected answer to prayer.

Please share your prayer stories by clicking the link below.

Thirty Second God Hits

Are you facing a stressful day?  We all have times when life is overwhelming and we don’t have the energy to make it through the day. 

Recently I injured my foot in a car accident when I tried to put the brake pedal through the floor boards in a futile attempt to avoid hitting a vehicle making a left hand turn in front of me.

My physiotherapist banned me from my running routine until my foot could heal.  After four weeks of inactivity I finally got the green light to start running again.

Following instructions to start off slowly I set the treadmill for 15 minutes.  It was great to be running!  I was excited.  I was energized.  I was pumped…for the first five minutes!

That’s when the lack of physical activity from the last four weeks kicked in.  I was gasping worse than an asthmatic in a forest fire!  There was no way I was going to make the fifteen minute mark!

The internal self-talk started.  Actually it was more of a “self-argument”.

“You can’t do it, there’s no way you’re going to make it.  There’s ten minutes left and you can’t breathe! 

“That’s ridiculous.  Of course I can make it.  I’ve done this before, heck I was running twice this distance before the accident.”

“Must slow down.  Not going to make it.”

“Have to make it.  I’ll never get back in shape if I don’t push myself.”

And then it happened.  The “Blog Thought”!  “If I can just make it to 15 minutes this would be a great example for a blog post.  If I don’t make it I’ve got nothing to write about.  (That’s right.  In the twisted minds of writers no life experience is exempt from becoming “blog fodder”.)

So I knew I had to continue, but how?  By breaking it down into minuscule goals. 

I couldn’t run for another ten minutes, but I could run for 30 seconds.  The timer ticked away…27, 28, 29, 30.  OK just run for another 30 seconds…29, 30…did it!  OK another 30!

Thirty seconds isn’t a lot but it was an achievable goal and I experienced baby step wins on the way to reaching my 15 minute goal.

Do you see the parallel between 30 second running goals and taking baby steps in the times when you can’t see what’s ahead in life? 

 

The times when you’re scared about the future

• When you face a broken marriage or the loss of a parent
• When you lose a job and don’t know how to start the hunt for a new one 
• When you’re so sick from the chemotherapy treatments you can’t raise your head off the pillow
• When you’re trying to help your child beat an addiction

Sometimes all you can do is cry out to God and ask for strength for the next 30 seconds, and the next, and the next.  God is faithful to give it to you.   

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

I did run my fifteen minutes that day and you can conquer 30 second segments in your life, too.  Remember 30 seconds adds up to 24 hours, then 48, then 72, then a week, a month, and a year. 

With each 30 seconds God imparts a little more of His gifts of grace and love.

Do you need a 30 second fix from God right now?  Cry out to Him in prayer.  He’s there for you always and He’ll respond with His incredible power and grace.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

What’s the greatest challenge you’re facing in your life right now?  Where can you use a 30 second gift from God?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.