Stay Sane – Page 21 – Oh Lord Help Us

Freedom: Seven Verses to Break the Bondage of Should and Ought

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 5, 2017June 28, 2019

Many of us women find ourselves enslaved to the bondage of what we “should” and “ought” to do. Freedom from this way of life is possible if we fight for it.

You should eat more vegetables.

You should get more exercise.

You should lose that ten pounds…yesterday.

You should read your Bible more. And while we’re at it, you should pray more.

You ought to be more kind…and really, you should visit your mother more often.

You ought to adopt one of those Compassion children… Or give money to save those sad, quivering dogs shown on the commercials during your favorite television shows. (Why are they always cold?)

Freedom From: Measuring Up

Sometimes it’s like a ceaseless loop spinning in my brain, the constant ‘shoulds and oughts’ whispering. Or screaming, depending on the day. Each whisper holds the same underlying message: I don’t make the bar; I didn’t measure up to an unknowable goal.

This is a battle of the mind, and a battle of the spirit and a war too many women fight. Regardless of age, race, or education, there are few women with whom I have been acquainted who have not struggled with the inner voice of ‘shoulds and oughts.’

Bondage: The Source

From where or whom does it originate? Obviously, it belies a lack of self-esteem, but it appears to be most rampant among females. There are many possible reasons.

Home

For some, it began in a home where perfection was expected and average was seldom accepted as ‘good enough.’ For others, abandonment or neglect in childhood bred feelings of not being valuable. Childhood sexual abuse also kills self-worth.

Church

Others attend, or grew up attending churches with rigid doctrine concerning God. God was used as a threat. He was angry or didn’t love us if we did this or that (or didn’t do this or that). This is completely NOT scriptural. However, it is completely controlling for a leader to use in manipulating the flock to do his own will. In reality, Scripture teaches clearly of the Father’s unfailing love for us, of His infinite patience, and His desire that none should perish. But that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). (Please don’t read this to mean I believe that God doesn’t punish sin. However, His punishment is never punitive, as a person’s might be).

Culture

The culture in which we live has placed a great deal of ‘shoulds’ on females today. For instance, every single girl or woman should have peaches and cream skin, be at least 5 feet 7 inches, and have the body of a size 2…with a bra size of at least 36C. Probably 98% of the females who walk the planet do not possess these traits. Consequently, there is an epidemic of women everywhere who are ashamed of their bodies and/or looks. In the seventies, PR departments of clothing and makeup companies co-opted what was once a normal, average female body and convinced at least half of the population that they were not as thin or beautiful as they should be…

And Satan loved it so.

Bondage: The Result

As a result, depression has taken a significant leap in teen girls in recent years and eating disorders are not just for kids

Scripture’s Should and Ought’s

Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…
Luke 18:1

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
John 13:14-15

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples [weaknesses] of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:1

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:4-5

…bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:13

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
I John 3:11

Freedom

There are several more verses to offer, but truthfully, if my heart and mind will focus on Scripture’s oughts, the lies will cease. In fact, they have stopped occurring as often as they did in the past. Satan is a slow learner, but he does finally get the hint.

And in the midst of it all, I am learning how to be a little more like my Lord and Teacher, Jesus Christ.

The next time you find yourself trapped in the bondage of should and ought, fight for freedom with the Word.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Scripture is authored by the One who loves us more than any one of us can fathom. Click To Tweet

The world continually feeds us the lie that we need to be different. Replace that lie with truth. Because you have been loved, pursued, and redeemed by Christ, you are enough!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dawid Zawiła

Identity: Finding the Source of Who We Are

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 1, 2017January 13, 2019

Instead of us looking inward to find our identity in Christ, we need to look to who He is. Only by knowing who He is, do we know who we are.

My adolescence was spent mostly outdoors. Unless I had schoolwork or lightning was splitting the sky, I was breathing fresh air. Most of my childhood memories revolve around being in nature. Often, I reflect on experiences like when a friend, my brother, and I unrolled toilet paper back-and-forth across the street and through several yards. In the rain. That was fun.

As a child, I exhibited awe and wonder; I trusted with abandon. There was nothing to distract me from marveling at God’s creation. Unfortunately, maturity walks hand-in-hand with the loss of innocence and awe takes a back seat.

In the movie Alice in Wonderland, there is a scene with the Mad Hatter and Alice that I love:

“You’re not the same as you were before. You were much more muchier; you’ve lost your muchness.” – Mad Hatter

“My muchness?” – Alice

“In there [he points to her heart], something is missing.” – Mad Hatter

Identity: What It Is

The dictionary defines muchness as: greatness, as in quantity, measure, or degree. But we all lose our muchness sooner or later. We work on ourselves to restore what is missing when we slow down long enough to realize it. Frantically, we read about how much God loves us and who He says we are, trying desperately to regain our identity as a child of the King. But we are missing something. Does anyone else feel it?

A vital step is being skipped in our effort to reclaim our identity in Christ. Knowing how precious we are in God’s sight doesn’t hold much weight nor do we even possess the ability to believe it fully without intimately knowing His character. Otherwise we are like the man James references who looks at himself in the mirror and then once he walks away immediately forgets what he looked like (James 1:23-24).

Identity: Where It Comes From

How do we recover or incite the wonderment of God?

Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Being a confident woman is not achievable by hours of introspection and assuring myself that I am precious in God’s sight. The words are true; so why do I continue to doubt their validity by being anxious, trying to take control and micromanaging the crap out of everything around me?

Proverbs 14:26 says that strong confidence is found in the fear of the Lord; that is where we begin to lay hold of our “muchness.” Once we have a grip on how all-powerful our Mighty God is, we can equip ourselves to believe the adoration He lavishes on us.

Awe helps us worry less about self-worth by turning our eyes first toward God, then toward others. It also helps establish our self-worth in the best possible way: we understand both our insignificance within creation and our significance to our Creator. – Jen Wilkin

We are precious in God’s sight. He does adore us. His perfect Son was slaughtered so that we could have access to call the One who controls the universe Father. May we remember that He holds the stars in place. He tells the sun to rise and set.

Take a walk in His creation and stand in awe of Him.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Once we have a grip on how all-powerful our Mighty God is, we can equip ourselves to believe the adoration He lavishes on us. Click To Tweet

Tj Holowaychuk

Purpose: Choosing to Have a Joyful Heart During Mundane Seasons

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 29, 2017January 13, 2019

It can be difficult, during lulls of life, to find purpose and joy in the moment. It is sometimes hard to see God’s design through all the tasks, commitments, and errands. Living with a cheerful heart, even during the mundane seasons, is possible!

A new season is upon us. Fall is here, but, more annoyingly, it is gnat season. Those little buggers seem to be everywhere and are extremely obnoxious. I’ve picked up my fresh fruits and veggies from the market, and, wouldn’t you know, my produce came with something a bit extra. Free with purchase.

“Oh! Hello, tiny, kamikaze fly, floating in my beautiful cup of coffee.”

Purpose: Mundane Seasons

The audacity. I get it, with everything there is a season, but golly! Turns out, there are a few important reasons for these gnats to exist, but why do they have to live in my house? It would be fine if I had a bird flying around to eat them. It would be awesome if I actually had flowering plants to pollinate. But, alas, I do not. Those little gnats trapped themselves in my home and now they lack purpose.

There have been many seasons in my life when I have felt like that gnat. I felt trapped, without function or significance. I stepped into daily rhythms and monotony with blankness. Unseen chores and sacrifices left me feeling gloomy and worthless. Most recently, I caught myself staring out the window watching the wind toss around leaves.

I actually thought to myself, “The wind has more importance than I do.”

Hold the phone! I allowed Satan to steal my mission, my ambition, my happiness. He whispered in my ear and told me I just wasn’t important enough. “Your tasks are insignificant.” “You have no purpose.” “God can’t use you.”

A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

Proverbs 17:22, MSG

I fed into these lies, and sent myself spiraling down the rabbit hole. I was tired, lacked interest, and depressed. A bit redundant, but I struggled to find joy in most situations and occasions. I really started to annoy myself. It stinks that it had to go that far, but I finally knelt and prayed to my Father. He responded quickly … and it hit me! A lesson I had learned when I was little…

Purpose: A Joyful Heart

Growing up, I always enjoyed spending time at Aunt C’s house. She taught me a lot of practical things. For instance: how to fold towels properly, how to plant flowers, how to pull weeds, how to pick veggies from the garden (my favorite), how to wash dishes by hand. She taught me how to hang clothes on the line and make a bed. She taught me how to can and preserve food – so awesome! Aunt C’s home was spotless (I bet she never had a gnat), her meals were homemade and delicious, her yard was beautiful.

The most important lesson Aunt C taught me was not one she spoke to me, but one I learned from watching her. Do all things with a joyful heart. She did her work without complaint or frown. I’m sure she had moments, but I never saw one. Her example was so valuable to me that I remember it still. I have this little mantra on repeat in my head when I feel Satan start to creep in, “With a joyful heart, with a joyful heart…”

Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for.

Colossians 3:23-24, TLB

I never knew why Aunt C’s lesson was so significant to me until I became a wife and mommy. Day to day tasks, like I said before, can get repetitious. Especially when you feel those duties are invisible. One thing that pulls me out of this mindset is that phrase. Remembering that God sees my work and sees my heart as I work, changes my attitude. God purposed me for these moments and I will carry them out with a happy attitude.

I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.

Jeremiah 1:5, TLB

Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. For this season, I am to establish an atmosphere where Christ can dwell. A home where I can encourage His purposes for children’s and husband’s lives. A home where gnats dwell… if only to inspire me to write this post.

Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. Click To Tweet

Your turn…

Has God called you to a specific season, recently?

How have you surrendered your heart to happiness?

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Sapan Patel

Forgiveness: Six Things We Can Do When the Pain Lingers

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 25, 2017September 8, 2019

Forgiveness can be extremely hard and the pain feels like it will never subside. What can we do to heal, when the apology never comes? What does the Bible tell us about forgiveness and remorse?

Most of us learn about forgiveness and remorse early in life. In my experience, these two lessons work in tandem best when parents help mediate. (Especially when siblings are involved.) I was taught to apologize to my brothers, my parents, anyone I had hurt, to God. In turn, I learned to forgive those who had asked for forgiveness. As I got older, this lesson became harder. I did not comprehend, as a child, that some day forgiveness would be given even without an apology.

Honestly, I was under the impression that this tandem operation would be much more of a “thing”. Consequently, the less influence my parents had on my daily decisions, the harder it became to forgive and be forgiven. It was a challenging lesson as a child, and it’s even harder now. For me, it’s not the apologizing that’s difficult, it’s forgiving in spite of the pain. Especially, forgiving when the apology doesn’t happen. How do we transition toward a posture of healing when our pain goes unacknowledged?

Fresh into marriage, I learned the hard way that my husband could not read my mind. This is true for a majority of the population… we are not a clairvoyant species. Needless to say, the silent treatment got me nowhere. Indeed, the smarty, backhanded comments did NOT portray the hurt I was feeling. I had to learn how to, clearly and gently, communicate what I was upset about. When I was able to approach my husband in a posture of forgiveness, it made it easier for him to understand my pain and truly apologize.

Forgiveness: What the Bible says…

Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:12-13, TLB

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…

Matthew 6:14, ESV

Whoa! We have to suffer “quietly and patiently”, ever “ready to forgive”. Why? God COMMANDED us to forgive, anyone and everyone so that we, too, could receive forgiveness. Commanded. It’s not easy, it’s not fun, and it doesn’t seem fair. For us, forgiveness is usually second in line to our grief and we let it stay there until WE are ready. When the pain subsides, then we forgive. However, God is just and His timing is perfect. FIRST forgive, THEN cast your heartache on the Lord for He will mend you.

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.

Psalm 55:22, TLB

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7, NLT

FIRST forgive, THEN cast your heartache on the Lord for He will mend you. Click To Tweet

Forgiveness: What to do…

I’ve found that healing of the mind and heart can take some time. All types of emotions creep in, during this season: anger, bitterness, sadness, self-pity. How do we handle these in a healthy manner? The list below contains methods that I have personally used during times of healing in order to combat these ugly emotions…

Throw some rocks

Living in the country has its perks. I do not recommend throwing rocks if you are surrounded by a lot of neighbors. Otherwise, they will have to forgive you for a broken window. Alternatively, wetting some paper towels and throwing them at your shower wall bears the same result. But, rocks are fun.

Write it out and burn it

Seriously, this is awesome. Get it all out; the messy, fractured emotions. It is pain, leaving the mind, through the hand. Fire destroys the negativity, physically and symbolically.

Exercise

Exercise is self-explanatory. I have found, being physically active can help release ugly feelings. Make sure it is something you actually enjoy doing. Turning on some upbeat music and having a solo dance party, can shake those negative emotions right out.

Wake up early to pray

Oh my gosh! Sleep is so precious. However, losing a few minutes of sleep replenishes our souls. Waking up 10-15 minutes earlier to pray for those who have hurt you, will bless you and them! “ Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:28, NLT)

Talk it out

Connect with someone you trust and talk it out! Your spouse, a friend, a pastor, a counselor, someone who knows your intentions and your heart.

Don’t dwell

Devotions, scripture, music, podcasts, hobbies, subjects you love; all these things should occupy your mind as to not dwell on the pain. I discovered that the longer I would dwell, the longer the pain stuck around.

The break away…

Just this evening, as I was finishing up this post, God gave me opportunity to follow through on His command. There was a disagreement, with hurtful words thrown around. In that moment, I failed the test. I was hurt and was not quick to forgive. Boy, will I remember this night. Not because of the pain, but because of the shame. I let God down and did not heed his commandment. How can I write these words for you and not live it out?! Praise the Lord for His grace!

What about you? Is there pain getting in the way of you forgiving? In what ways have you coped during a healing process?

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

ORNELLA BINNI

Vision: Understanding Where Our Dreams Come From

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 21, 2017July 30, 2019

We are created for a purpose. Each of us have a vision. When we understand where our dreams and visions come from, we have the boldness to act on them.

Of the many attributes I could use to describe myself, “dreamer” would be among the top. And I don’t stop with dreaming for myself. If you are around me long enough, I will start putting ideas in your head of things you could do with your life. I have ~~peer-pressured~~ encouraged more than one person to run a marathon.

Some ideas come and go in an afternoon. A few, however, I just can’t seem to shake.

Vision: Understanding where Our dreams come from.

Those visions, those dreams, those ideas, those desires…they do not originate with us. They are a part of our DNA. I have long believed that when God gives us the desire of our hearts (Psalm 37:4), it is Him placing in us the desire, not simply giving us what we want. If we are seeking God, then the desires in us are there because of Him.

If we are seeking God, then the desires in us are there because of Him. Click To Tweet

A book I listened to a while back took this thought a step further. The author challenged that the dream actually came before the creation of the dreamer. It wasn’t that God created me, then said, “hmmm… What would be a good job for Rachael? Let’s see… She’s high energy, a tad aggressive (but I can work with that), and loves meeting new people. Oh, I know… I’ll give her the dream of working with women.”

Instead, God says, “Let’s see, there is a group of women who will need to some encouragement. They are questioning their self-worth and not sure where their identity lies. I’m gonna need to someone who has a lot of energy, maybe even a bit aggressive (in a positive sort of way), and isn’t afraid to meet new people. I’m going to create Rachael!”

Isn’t that an amazing thought? Our dreams were not an after thought to keep us busy. They are the reason we were created! The beautiful thing about this, is that even though your strengths may be vastly different than mine, we all have a vision to pursue. If we have a similar vision, we will impact different people in different ways. And if our vision is nothing alike, we are both still pursuing the ultimate goal of making Jesus known. There are no wrong visions!

Vision: Dreams that end or change.

There have been dreams in my life that I no longer have.

I had the dream to open a coffee shop. We did, and we were a part of something so much bigger than just serving coffee. We were a bright spot in that neighborhood. Relationships were born there that continue to this day. But God’s plan was for us to birth that place and let other, more talented people, raise it to what it has become today. Not for a moment have I regretted walking away from that dream.

There have been dreams in my life that have changed.

When I was a newly married, my husband and I served the youth group at our church. I had a dream to begin a mentoring ministry with teenage girls, and was in the process of bringing it to life. But just as soon as the ball began rolling, we moved 6 hours away, and beginning life over with no friends or family nearby. Then, when we moved to Chicagoland (meaning the suburbs), we were actually looking at buying an old Victorian home with the dream of turning it into a place for teenage girls. The dream never grew big enough for me to see what kind of “place” it was going to be, just that it would be to serve young ladies.

Now, twelve years later, I have discovered that there is a home for pregnant teen girls where we live. This is my dream in action. The dream has been dormant for so many years, only to resurface as a ministry I can serve and support.

There have been dreams in my life that have been refined.

You, dear reader, are experiencing a refined dream at this moment. What began as a fun little hobby, and kind of a joke (“oh Lord help us stay sane” is what you will see if you look up at the URL), has lead into a shop of items, speaking, bible studies, and a group of women writing. More than once I have been tempted to pull the plug on this. More than once the Lord has confirmed to me that I am doing what He created me for, for this season of my life.

Vision: Boldness to move forward.

Since our dreams and visions come from the Lord, then so do the battles and the victories. Our dreams are not OUR dreams. We have GOD’S dreams. We can move forward because that is being obedient. He is faithful and will honor our obedience. Even if it is an earthly “fail,” it is a heavenly “win,” and God will redeem it for His glory.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31, ESV

Final thought…

I can no better shake my vision out of my being, as I can make myself a D-cup. Sure, I can fake it, just like I can get fake boobs, but it’s not real! I can ignore the dream, or distract myself from it, but deep down I, like you, have dreams that I am made for.

So what dreams do you have that you just can’t seem to shake?

There is no fear in love. And you are fiercely loved! Be bold in pursuing your dreams.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Jordan Ladikos

trustworthy, trust, Jesus, open hands, broken pieces

Trustworthy: Coming to Jesus with Broken Pieces and Open Hands

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 18, 2017January 13, 2019

Our attempts of self-protection only lead to further damage. Jesus is trustworthy. We can come to Him with open hands and all of our broken pieces.

About a year ago, I was at a ladies event one evening put on by my church. My church puts them together 2-3 times a year and covers a different topic each time. This particular time the topic was prayer. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not have prayer mastered. I greatly looked forward to the evening (sans kids too…yay).

Prayer is a rather broad topic, so I wasn’t exactly sure what God was going to use that evening for. I just knew He would meet me where I was. He kept that promise in ways I never saw coming.

The Throne Room

There were two ladies leading the teaching time. As they opened the gathering, they reminded all of us there of God’s invitation to pray. He is listening and wants us to come to Him. He invites us into the very throne room of God.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV

One of the ladies shared with us what she envisions when she is welcomed by God to pray and share her heart with Him, her Abba Father. She considers how big God is, her Father who sustains the universe with His power. Then she enters into His presence dirty yet unafraid, and He pulls her up onto His lap. She is His daughter after all. He, the very one who holds in the earth in its place and knows the name of each star, wants to hear the heart of His daughter. Seeing His power while knowing His goodness, she pours out her heart to Him, and He listens, cares, and loves her.
It was powerful imagery to me.

Trustworthy with Our Broken Pieces

It brought to life these truths I know in my head but struggle with in my heart. You see, I’m a thinker, and I was thinking about this whole mosaic perspective of healing leading up to this prayer gathering. As I did, I also recognized that I am not a passive party in this artistic pursuit. God is the Master Artist, the One who sees the beauty among the shards of all that is broken. But I often times find myself clutching the pieces tightly in my hands, absolutely terrified of giving Him the pieces to work with.

You see, holding all the broken pieces of me in my hands feels like safety. I believe the lie that even though it’s all broken, if I’m the one holding it, I can’t be hurt by it anymore. So I hold them, hands tightly closed, and can feel them hurting me, all those sharp edges digging in as I squeeze them. My attempt at self-protection only causes more hurt as I clutch my hands, unwilling to open them to the One who redeems all the shards that cut me.

My attempt at self-protection only causes more hurt as I clutch my hands, unwilling to open them... Click To Tweet

Trustworthy with Our Open Hands

So in this scene, coming before my Abba, I see it differently than my sister in Christ shared with those of us at that gathering. When it was me in that picture, I was entering the throne room dirty and bloody with fists clenched. I haven’t figured out the fearless thing; so I cower, mostly with shame, while He looks at my hands and takes them gently in His. You know… The hands that bear the scars of the depths of His love for me. The ones that remind me He understands. The ones that were pierced so my broken pieces could be made new.

He holds my bloody hands in His. He lifts my head having already taken the shame I can’t yet shake. He looks me in the eyes with love, and He asks me to trust Him. When I remember who He is and His character, I know He is trustworthy.

Yet I often find myself like my own kids who come to me with scraped up hands sometimes. When they fear the cleaning of the wound will be too painful, they hesitate. I assure them I can only help them if they open their hands and let me see the wounds. I see in me the same hesitation as I fear the pain involved in cleaning the wounds of these broken shards I hold.

Wavering between opening my hands and closing them once more. I must remind myself daily of who God is, of His faithfulness and goodness. And in faith, open my hands once more trusting He will meet me in each broken piece as He heals the broken and makes a mosaic.

Your turn…

I know I am not the only one who holds brokenness in my hands. I’m not the only one who fights between fear that says, “hold on tight” and faith that says, “open your hands to your Father who cares for you.”

What brokenness are you holding today, dear sister?

What are you afraid to open up and take with confidence to the throne of grace?

Go, beloved daughter, and enter the throne room, dirty yet unafraid, to sit with your Father who loves you. Remember that the hands pierced by nails for your healing gently cradles the bloody hands you bring to Him.

All of us have experienced brokenness, but that is not where the story ends. Broken, but God… has redeemed me.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Diego PH

Adventure: Leaving What is Safe for Abundant Life

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 15, 2017September 8, 2019

Adventure means leaving our comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable, but often what is on the other side is the abundant life.

Just before I woke I had a chilling dream. I was running through a banquet hall attempting to elude a man pursing me. I felt sick as I realized there was nowhere else to run and I had to fight. Finding some knives on a nearby table I hurled them at my attacker. He was able to deflect them with plates or large metal bowls which he would in turn launch in my direction. We ended up in hand to hand combat; I was sorely outmatched. He pinned me against a wall where he slowly stab me in the thigh. I suspected that he thought the blow was mortal since it was one of his signature moves. He lowered me to the ground and walked away triumphant.

The scenes changed and it was dusk. Outside in a harvested wheat field, I was leaning against a wooden fence. Wondering if I looked pale or if I would soon lose consciousness I looked down at my feet expecting to see blood, but there wasn’t any. A glimmer of hope sprung up that perhaps my wound just needed to be mended. Birds started singing as I made my way back to the main house and I knew I wasn’t going to die from the stabbing, but I would have the limp for life.

That was when my tweeting birds alarm fully pulled me from my dream.

Adventure

It has taken me a seriously long time to grow into my name.

Emily: industrious, disciplined, striving.

It is difficult for me to stay on task, so striving certainly resonates with me. Somewhat recently I have scratched the surface of being more self-disciplined. This is because two years ago this weekend, my husband got a job that moved our family 600 miles away from my hometown. And stuff. got. real.

I didn’t used to be an adventurer; I stuck with what felt safe. But when we uprooted our family, I had two choices: become a recluse in one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. or find community.

We hadn’t even begun to settle in our new home when the heavens opened up and dumped three feet of snow. The blizzard gave us the opportunity to meet several of our neighbors while we were out shoveling every two hours. I hadn’t met that many people on any street we’d lived on before! I had a lot of free time on my hands after our kids were in school. Out of my normal comfort zone, but strangely fearless, I signed up for a ladies’ bible study at our new church and met some friends. Life really took off from there.

Leaving What is Safe for Abundant Life

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23, ESV

My dream captured an accurate picture of my life as a Jesus follower. Historically I’ve run from conflict; but some battles I must fight. Usually they’re messy and rarely do you escape without some wounds and lasting scars.

A lot of change has occurred since our move. I took a job in ministry and have developed intimate community. But our family has also incurred some blows from the enemy. At times, I feel like I’ve prayed all the prayers, read all the books, said all the things…and the enemy still advances. So, I turn and fight – expecting the hits Satan thinks will wreck me – confident that my life is in God’s hand.

I turn and fight... confident that my life is in God’s hand. Click To Tweet

What adventures have led you to an abundant life? Let me know in the comments below!

Do you feel like you are striving? Strive to be better, not different!

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Iker Haro

brave, courage, courageous, tribulation, suffering, despair, peace

Brave: Having Courage Amidst Suffering

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 11, 2017January 13, 2019

In the midst of tribulation, distress, and suffering, we don’t need to hide. Instead, we can be brave living with courage and complete peace.

Brave

What movie character comes to your mind when you think about someone who is brave? Is it an old movie or a newer one? I’m telling my age here, but Harrison Ford often played courageous roles, such as the president in “Air Force One” and Jack Ryan, the CIA analyst in the Tom Clancy-inspired movies. (Probably not a good idea to let him get in a plane these days!)

For many years, my son-in-law, who is a captain in the military, practically idolized the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace; I’m convinced he wasn’t alone in his adulation. Wallace was played by Mel Gibson in the movie, (have you guessed it?), “Braveheart.” Grown men far and wide beat their chests and secretly fantasized about being William Wallace, or at the very least, saddling up and galloping to a bloody victory beside him. It’s a guy thing.

Recently, I read an article about not giving into fear as we age, but rather “staying brave.” The author related carefree activities she took part in as a young woman which she has been too fearful to do as an older woman, such as driving alone on a long-distance trip. Her insights are interesting; dancing in the rain, traveling a distance alone, walking in the dark, depending on the individual, may each require a level of bravery, but I am not convinced that what she is offering is the definition of being brave.

Brave is defined as possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

Hm.

Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear.

Ah, there it is; that’s what I am trying to put my finger on – the spirit within which enables a person to face the giant in the middle of the road we’re walking on.

Courage Amidst Suffering

In the past several days, as horror has soaked through our shock upon realizing the carnage one individual can wreak on so many lives, we have also learned that bravery is not a lost character trait in the twenty-first century, as many in my generation have begun to wonder. Countless selfless acts have been reported, some of which cost people their own lives while they protected others. First responders and police officers running toward the gunfire to steer people away from it, civilians risking their lives to lead others to safety; a husband giving his life to save his wife’s are only a few of the stories we have heard. We marvel at their courage and silently pray that we will be as brave should we ever, God forbid, find ourselves in similar circumstances.

I wonder why we are always numbed with shock when horrible things happen in this world? Thank God we can still be shocked, yes! However, it seems Christians have just as much trouble as nonbelievers grasping the evil byproduct the prince of this world foments…as though there remains within us a stubborn resistance to the truth that the Scriptures repeatedly spoke to us about evil. I John 5:19 states clearly that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. In Mark 7:20-23 (ESV) Jesus says (I’m talking red letters here) after expounding on a list of what defiles someone, “All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Lastly, as a final reminder that evil was here to stay until He returned, Jesus spoke:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, ESV

Yes, Jesus was attempting to reassure His disciples, but also His future disciples – us. I love how the Amplified version expounds on this verse. It helps me tease out the richer meaning of the original words that get lost in translation:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory is abiding.]

John 16:33, AMP

Final Thoughts

2017 has definitely been a year for tribulation, distress and suffering in America alone, not to mention other areas of the world where hurricanes, mudslides and wars are occurring. It can feel overwhelming to hear one tragedy on the heels of another, one appeal for help right after another one. What are we to do? Be afraid because the “end” is near, as some believe?…

It can feel overwhelming to hear one tragedy on the heels of another... What are we to do? Click To Tweet

Not according to Jesus. In truth, we can have complete peace in Him. In the midst of tribulation, distress, and suffering, we don’t need to hide or quake in our boots, but rather, Jesus told us to do the opposite of what seems to come naturally to many of us. He said to be courageous! ‘And while you’re at it, have some joy with that courage because I have overcome the world, folks, so what could you possibly be afraid of??’

And like William Wallace, strap on some armor…

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV

Be brave, sisters.

Encourage others in their pursuit of bravery. These notecards are a reminder that our world may be full of battles, but God has overcome the world!!

Brian Cook

Getting Unstuck: Moving Forward With Faith

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 8, 2017January 13, 2019

There will always be circumstances or situations in our lives that cause us to get stuck. We’ve got to keep fighting to move forward with faith.

I grew up in this lovely place called the Lowcountry, where mossy oak trees, salty rivers and pluff mud are just a few of the things that adorn its beauty. Pluff mud. You may have heard of it? It’s the stinky stuff that you smell in the marsh as you drive across the coastal waterway bridges.

Playing in the pluff mud with my Meema is one of my favorite past times. As I recall, every Saturday we would put on our boots and head over to Stoney Creek and truck around in the mud searching for treasures, swinging on trees and chasing hermit crabs. We would begin our journey, over and under the mossy oaks and through the salty marsh grass. Sometimes through our hike, my foot would get so stuck in that mud that I could hardly pull it out. Meema would be a few feet ahead of me and would have to reach back and grab my arm and together we would finally break my foot free from the mud. Can’t that be a constant resemblance of our lives sometimes?

Getting unstuck…

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck somewhere and you just can’t get out? I feel you friend, I’ve been there. That place is all too familiar to me. But, our God does not want us to stay stuck in the pluff mud of life.

…you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9, NLT

A Chosen priesthood, called out of darkness into His light. He calls us out of our valleys and He calls us out of the pluff mud! God wants the best for us but we have to be willing to move in His direction if we want to have His best for ourselves.

Those times that I couldn’t get my foot unstuck, Meema was there to help me. It wasn’t until I reached back and grabbed her arm that we were, together, able to get my foot out of the mud. God is there. He is reaching out to pull us out of our mud, we’ve just got to reach back and grab on to Him. Just as David declares:

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Psalm 40:2, NLT

I remember hearing the suction of the mud against my boot as I would try and pull my foot out. With a tug here and a tug there, when I was finally able to pull my foot free, the feeling of relief swept over me. Then, Meema and I would continue to move forward in our hike.

There will always be circumstances or situations in our lives that cause us to get stuck, emotionally stuck, physically stuck, mentally stuck, but we’ve got to keep fighting to pull that foot up and put it in front of the other and keep moving forward, faith forward. And if we’re smart, we’ll ask for the Fathers help, to pull us out of the muddy circumstances of our lives and help us move forward in our journey through life.

If I could encourage you in one thing, it would be this: Don’t be afraid of the mountain top because you’ve gotten so used to being in the valley. Faith forward friend!

Don't be afraid of the mountain top because you've gotten so used to being in the valley. Click To Tweet

What kind of mud are you stuck in?

Top photo credit: Jean Tanner (Meema)

Ready, Prepared, Perspective, Risks, Pursued, Loved, Strength, Faith, Glory

Get Ready

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 4, 2017January 13, 2019

When getting ready to face the unknown, we must be prepared, change our perspective, and take risks. The Lord is loving, strong, and longs for His glory to be known.

There has been a recurring theme in my life over the past couple of weeks. And one day in particular that caught my attention. Perhaps it take multiple times of smacking me in the face with something in order for me to understand. Perhaps I need to pay attention to what is happening.

Over the past few weeks, I have been doing the Ready Study by Heather Dixon. It is a study on the book of Joshua, chapters 1-5 and teaching how to be ready when we are facing unknown circumstances. I also have been reading through Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson. It’s about praying often with boldness, and is a 40 day prayer challenge. And during my runs I have been listening to Cast of Characters by Max Lucado. In this book he connects our lives with the lives of people in the Bible.

Well, on one day the phrase “Get Ready” came to my attention in 3 different ways.

First, in the study by Heather Dixon, where she says this:

I was sitting on our screened-in porch listening to the early morning songs of my backyard bird friends when God told me to get ready.

Three months after God told me to get ready, I was in the emergency room with two aneurysms. I lost 10% of my kidney tissue. Not long after that, my left carotid artery ruptured. I underwent two precarious surgeries to repair it. I was soon diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – a genetic connective tissue disorder that makes my blood vessels, arteries, and organs prone to spontaneous rupture. There is no cure for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos. There is no treatment. There is only a prescription from the doctor to prepare your bucket list and live your life well. The average life-expectancy of someone with VEDS is 48. Indeed, God wanted me to be ready for something. I am convinced that God led me to Joshua’s story as a gracious warning for what was to come. It was the truths I learned in Joshua 1-5 that helped me stay strong through months of uncertainty.

Then, later that day I was listening to a podcast where Heather was being interviewed, and I heard this segment of her story being told again, with her saying, “get ready.”

Finally, in the late afternoon as I sat down to read in Draw the Circle, I couldn’t believe my eyes when the title for day one was, “Get Ready.”

Okay Lord, I get it. It’s time to get ready.

But for what? Is it something good? Is it something bad?

I remember a time in my life where I had a similar whisper in my spirit. I can still tell you where I was when I heard it. I had this feeling of peace, and a general all-is-right-with-the-world kind of feeling. And then the feeling shifted to, what is about to come?

Wow, did life ever shift. In the following months we experienced three deaths in the family, including my mother, as well as moving to a new state with a new job and no friends. My world, and my faith, were shaken.

But this time, I say “bring it.”

Getting Ready…

Be Prepared. In the Ready Study, Heather Dixon talks about how God will prepare us for our battles beforehand. That “He does not call you where His feet have not already marched.” The Lord knows what is coming, He is not surprised. He promises to prepare us for the work to come.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

The Lord knows what is coming, and promises to prepare us for the work to come. Click To Tweet

Change Perspective. In the chapter about David in the Cast of Characters, Max Lucado shares how David could see the giant and how large he was, but more than seeing Goliath, he saw how powerful God is.

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give you into our hand.”

1 Samuel 17:45-47

Take Risks. In Draw the Circle, Mark Batterson (who is also sharing about Joshua), challenges us to step out in faith and be willing to get our feet wet. Notice that God didn’t hold back the water and then tell them to go forward. He told them to get in the water first.

And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”

So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters…were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

Joshua 3:13-17

Final Thoughts…

Do I believe God’s power is bigger than my giant?

Do I face the unknown with boldness?

I honestly do not know if I am headed toward something good, or something bad. None of us know what the day will bring. But… I do know that whatever is to come, I will be prepared for it. I do know that, even though I may not be able to handle it, God can. I do know that God wants good things for me, so if walking through difficult times will bring me closer to Him and bring glory to His name, I am willing to step out in faith.

What are you getting ready for?

PS…

These are the books I referenced, all of which I recommend:

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