My mind is often a whirlwind of thoughts, a far cry from a calm mind. I fixate on perceived threats. My thoughts run rampant and hinder my ability to fully embrace life and live by my values. It's a constant struggle and one that can be incredibly disheartening. But there is hope for change!
Like an inflated ball is not designed to stay underwater, we are not designed to suppress our feelings. Doing so results in harmful health consequences.
There have been times when I felt small and undeserving of God’s love and help. I questioned why He would do something for me. Yet, His grace and power have miraculously transformed me!
Realizing that I have never had good control over my thoughts and feelings was a turning point. A biblical counselor once told me that my feelings were my idol. It was a tough truth to swallow.
Change isn’t my favorite word. Change can be good when it brings improvement in something and makes you happy. However, change can bring sadness when you must face something that you were not expecting – a broken relationship, illness, or a financial crisis.
Pieces of fabric and cotton stuffing blanketed the floor. My little dog whimpered as his favorite toy had been torn up by a bigger dog that didn’t realize she had a prized possession in her mouth.
The emotional and physical toll Alzheimer’s takes on the patient and family is grueling. Alzheimer’s is a cruel illness.
But I have learned to capture some beautiful moments in the conversations I share with my uncle who, for the last several years, has been dealing with the disease.
As a child I loved going to my uncle’s farm. He asked if I could come to the farm after school one day. When I arrived -- there she stood. Her blonde mane and her light brown fur gave her such beauty.
“Are you sure these straps will hold the both of us,” I asked as the skydiving instructor checked all the buckles on my harness. “I am sure,” he said. “Besides whatever happens to you happens to me. And I don’t want anything happening to either of us,” he added smiling.
God’s Word to us is to be read, studied, applied, obeyed, and prayed.
I love getting gifts! Most of us do. I especially enjoy getting an unexpected surprise. Last year I received a beautiful surprise orchid! And it’s in bloom again as I write this.
Remember when your mom said, If you ____ (fill in the blank), then I will____ (fill in the blank)? It depends on the if what the then would be. Then depends on what you did with the if. Joyful or painful! Blessing or curse.
Isn’t it wonderful when life is chugging along without a crisis? These seasons are pleasant, but what happens for a believer when life falls apart, or someone tears us down, or seeks to harm us? Have you ever seen God do the most amazing things in the middle of a crisis? Did your faith grow?
I met a friend when I was in my 30’s who mentored me without me even understanding that was what she was doing. She shared transparently about a painful family situation causing me to think, I could never do that!
I know looking at your small child going through those great big doors of school can be scary! Having them walk away from you as they face the journey ahead and not even look back can be challenging.
Can you hear the confidence in Micah’s voice? I hope…I wait…my God will hear me! I sometimes long to have more confidence in the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the pity party of life and forget that we serve a God who never lets His people down. His truth reminds us, “that all things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
When I was approaching my teen years, I was able to attend modeling school at a local
department store. I was guided on how to sit properly, walk gracefully, and properly care
for my face and hair. The most exciting part of the training was that on the final day, we
would model down the runway in an outfit of our choice from the upcoming clothesline
of the season. I would proudly parade my beautiful dress while displaying all the
knowledge I had gained at modeling school.
“I am devoted to You”. Can you say these words to God? Are you devoted to God?
Truly devoted? Not just in the good times but also during the challenging times?
The other day I took my daughter to dance class and watched her through the glass window. She was leading a conversation with her classmates just before class started. As I watched her facial expressions, I could tell she was getting to a good part of the story when she began to smile and laugh. The reaction from the girls around her was priceless, as they all started belting out in laughter over this most interesting story.
Like those giant trees, I want to think my faith in Christ is steady and firm.
Then… here comes a storm. Will I be tossed about by the wind?
What about you? How easily could you be uprooted?
