“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” Colossians 1:13 (NIV)
Above
When this sneaky intruder perched himself above my bird feeders I was NOT happy. Sitting perfectly still, he camouflaged himself silently amongst the branches waiting to trap and eat one of “my” birds. His presence there was also keeping them all from being fed.
You know, there’s a devious adversary who’s hovering over us, too. He’s a master of deceit and disguise. Patient, he lurks and before we know it he’s able to capture us when we’re off guard. I’m talking about Satan, The fallen angel from above. The ruler of this world we live in. (explains a lot about all that’s happening, doesn’t it?)
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
There are few of us, myself included that willingly come within the predator’s reach. But once we’re enticed and snatched from where we want to be, it often takes time to realize it, because as most beasts of prey do, he toys with us for awhile before we are consumed.
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”James 1:14 (ESV)
Deceived, lured, enticed, but wait! My own desire? If we stop and think about it, most often when we find ourselves in the snare of the devil it’s because he was able to convince us to pursue the seemingly harmless things WE long for or avoid what WE don’t want.
It’s a battle. Satan has so many wily ways to tempt us (me), and once we succumb, we find it difficult to get close to Christ and His Word and our souls aren’t fed. That my friends, is when we literally begin to waste away. Thankfully, this is not the end of our story! God has already defeated Satan and provides a defense for you and me.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
Luckily, when confronted, the unwanted hawk at my feeders fled and the birds returned to eat. The same is true when with God’s armor, we resist the devil. He retreats and we draw near to the One who provides all we need to truly live.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT)
Complete
Just a few miles from my house is an example of God’s artistry. Long before it was discovered far beneath the earth, not by human hand but drip by drip, a cavern full of stalactites and stalagmites was formed. Once unseen, now the extraordinary beauty can be experienced first hand. Anyone who knows me also knows that I don’t like closed in spaces like a cavern, but there’ve been times I’ve put on my big girl pants, prayed a lot, and taken the tour. I’m always thankful to make it out the other side!
While on the tour the guide explains the different formations, tells fun stories about their names, and warns you of the most feared thing in the cave. Any guesses? It’s complete and total darkness or as they like to call it, TD. There’s a sign at the top of the stairs leading to the opening in the earth. It warns you not to attempt to enter the cave without a guide and it’s advice to be heeded! When the lights go out it’s an eery feeling. While you know your feet are on the rock beneath them, in TD there’s a sensation of floating. Able to see absolutely nothing around you, not even your hand in front of your face, you loose all sense of direction. As you might predict, my breathing quickens and panic begins to set in.
But then, an amazing thing happens. The guide turns only their flashlight on and in that complete darkness even a small ray of light illuminates the entire cave! I let out a sigh of relief and feel confident (and anxious) to move forward on the path for the rest of the tour.
Navigating through this often dark world can be difficult, too and sometime’s it seems impossible. We feel adrift, can’t see what’s ahead, don’t know what we might be facing, and panic begins to set in. That’s our “sign” that we should not make our way through life without The Guide.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”John 8:12 (NLT)
Following Jesus doesn’t mean that our path will always be easy. We may still find ourselves buried beneath grief, smothered by fear, engulfed in deep troubles, and unable to see our way out. But, we don’t have to stay there. When we stand anchored on the Rock we can be confident that even in our darkest times, no matter how small it seems, His Light will be enough to completely illuminate our way, as He leads us out on the other side.
“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” John 12:46
“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him.” Psalm 34:8 (The Message)
Whole
“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” That was a slogan for Alka Seltzer back in the 70’s and a catchy one at that. I remember people would be heard saying those words at restaurants, around dinner tables, and at the ice cream parlor. I’ve even said them once or twice myself as this picture proves! (The hair? Don’t ask!) Whether finishing an entire bag of potato chips in one sitting, munching through a four-serving bag of microwave popcorn by myself, eating way too much on my first trip to Pigeon Forge, TN (the picture again), or you add your own to the list,“the whole thing” can leave us feeling full – of food or whatever else we’ve partaken of- AND fuller of regret.
There’s one thing though we can never fill up too much on, and that’s God. The Psalmist puts it like this:
“God – you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains.” Psalm 63:1-3 (The Message)
I don’t know about you, but I often let myself desire chocolate chip cookies and a Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee more than I hunger and thirst for God. That is of course, until life has me stumbling through a dry and weary place, it’s then I finally realize I’m actually starving for Him.
“Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to GOD. He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. So thank GOD for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great drafts of water down parched throats; the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.”
Psalm 107:6-9 (The Message)
When trying to fill up on our own, we can easily find ourselves in disbelief because we’ve messed up the whole thing, gotten the whole thing wrong, spent the whole thing, lost the whole thing, been consumed by, or consumed the whole thing. Thankfully Jesus, while in his own desert place, reminds us of what we truly need to really live.
“Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.’” Matthew 4:4 (The Message)
It’s not in a fizzy liquid where we’ll find our relief, but in tasting the life-giving, life-nourishing Word of God, not just a bit, but the whole thing!I’m believe that once we take it in, we won’t be able to get enough!
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Matthew 5:6 (The Message)
“Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NLT)
Patient
Introducing Mr. G and Mr. B. They are patient patients sent to the boys from the staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to help them learn more about what their little brother would be coming home with. Mr. G has a G-Tube in his tummy and Mr. B, a Broviac Tunneled Catheter in his chest, both supply nutrition to someone who’s body cannot absorb it on its own.
The reason I call them “patient” is that the boys wanted nothing to do with them and so there the bears sat, waiting for Carson and Owen to get to know them better. They were sent to help but the thing is, picturing what Sutton has been through isn’t something they liked to think about. They wonder why it happened and don’t want to envision all he’s experienced. These bears reminded them of their little brother’s suffering, of how their lives have changed, and so they wanted to keep their distance while they waited for things to get better.
As I put the bears aside, it occurred to me that at times we can feel the very same way about what Jesus endured. He too was sent to help, but often we don’t like to think about all He encountered to accomplish it. Getting too close to Him can remind us of the grief, anguish, and pain he bore so our unworthy lives could change. Instead, we try to keep our distance, just until we’re better, more deserving. Thankfully, Jesus is patient too.
“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)
“When Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NLT)
Sutton is home now (a true miracle) and in spending more time with him, the boys are realizing he’s the same brother they love, are becoming less focused on the wounds themselves and more on the fact that they’re part of a plan to give Sutton life. I’m guessing you can see where this is going.Yes Jesus, our brother, suffered wounds too but on our behalf. He did it willing as part of God’s loving plan to give a new life to you and me. A TRUE MIRACLE indeed!
I predict that someday soon Mr. G’s and Mr. B’s patience will pay off and they will be welcomed into the menagerie of all the other stuffed animals the boys have. And their tubes?I think the boys will learn to celebrate them, like Sutton’s, for the healing they bring. Let’s not wait any longer and celebrate Jesus in the same way.
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50
Comfort
My grandsons each have what they call “Mommy Blankies”. Their blankets are the first thing looked for when they wake up in the morning, clasped tightly when they’re heartbroken, and the last thing they hold on to as they fall asleep each night. Just like they find comfort in their mommy, having their blankets close at hand, comforts them too.
I don’t know about you, but there are times I need a Mommy Blanket. Instead, when I long for soothing I often find myself reaching for food, seeking “things” to add to my Amazon cart, or dropping in on my favorite characters as I binge watch Hallmark movies. None of which really provide the long-lasting reassurance I’m searching for.
Think for a moment about these familiar stories in the Bible:
There was a woman with a bleeding problem. She’d given up hope until she heard about Jesus. What did she do? Made her way through the crowd so she could get close to Him, then she reached out touching the hem of his robe and she was healed.
Remember the rich man who sought out Jesus to ask Him what he’d need to do to get eternal life? Jesus answered telling the man to give away all his “things” and to follow Him.
Then there were the four friends of a paralyzed man. They were desperate to get him close to Jesus but couldn’t because of the crowd. They didn’t let that stop. They made a hole in the roof above Jesus and dropped their friend right down in front of Him.
We know that in this world we’ll have troubles just as the people in the Bible did. Maybe you, like me, have been experiencing them now. But, the woman in the crowd, Jesus’ answer to the rich man, the four friends, and watching my grandsons with their blankets have reminded me of what I really need, what we all need, which is to draw close to Jesus and let Him cover us in His solace.
Some day the boys will outgrow their “security blankets.” As we grow in faith, we’ll also stoprelying on whatever temporary relief we’ve been setting our sights on and instead, beginlooking to Jesus when we open our eyes each morning, clinging to Him when our hearts are breaking, and end each day wrapped securely in the true, eternal comfort of our Father’s presence.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8a (ESV)
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 (NIV)
The Walk
A long day at war with worry and fear,
Little boy squabbles, and
Needs far and near.
Head is pounding. Thoughts running wild.
Tears threaten to spill, Lord
Do you see me, Your child?
Shoes on feet. Helmet on head.
“The evening is calling us
Let’s take a walk before bed.”
Step after step, labored and slow.
Boys on bikes buzz by
Leaving a trail of laughter as they go.
Longing for an answer, I lift up my eyes
Turn the corner. Stopped in my tracks.
An unexpected surprise!
There in every hue of His love
God’s peace painted for me
Across the sky above.
Finish our stroll bathed in pink light.
A beautiful reminder
We’re never out of His sight.
“MiMi, the sky!” I hear them say.
Smiling, I thank God He is with me,
And that tomorrow’s a new day.
“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 57:9-10 (NIV)
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31a (NIV)
Content
It’s always been this way. For as long as I can remember I’ve been most content when I’m near the water. Lake, ocean, river, pond, it doesn’t matter. There’s just something about being waterside that calms my soul, relaxes my shoulders, quiets my mind (which is no easy feat), and lets me breathe, really breathe. It’s my happy place.
My better-half does not feel the same as I do. Being in the mountains brings him the most satisfaction. I like the mountains but they’re not my first choice. He can spend time at the water, however it’s not his favorite place. Guess what? This is not the only thing we don’t agree on. Guess what again? We still kinda like each other despite our differences.
The thing is, we are all different. Content, not content. By the water, on a mountain, or maybe the desert is your happy place. Country girl or city all the way. Conservative, liberal, vaccine or no. Artistic, mechanical, intellectual, athletic, agricultural. Right-handed or left, words or numbers, risk-taker or comfort zone…the list goes on and on. People, we are created uniquely. And guess what? We can still kinda like each other!
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“Living at peace with everyone.” Now that’s a Happy Place!
We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected. Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.
My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now. His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
Share Four Somethings
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
~Something Loved~
As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own. I’ve been here ever since.
There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances. The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
~Something Read~
Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)
~Something Treasured~
As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.
Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!
Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!
“He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for morning and the time for dancing,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (GNT)
~Something Ahead~
Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!
Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet.. I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.
August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”
I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month. I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below. You will be glad you did!
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Out of Order?
At the beginning of each new school year a “Meet the Teacher” night was held for my incoming students. And every year I listened as parents proudly listed all the things their son or daughter already knew: letters, sounds, fact, numbers to 100, 500, 1000. I’d smile, shake my head, and say to myself, “we will see.”
Children are very adept at rote learning. That is, repeating things enough times that they become comfortable with them and can repeat them on demand, as long as they are in order. Whether spelling words, answers on a study guide, or numbers to 100, the true test is being successful even when things are OUT of order.
My family and I have been experiencing the same kind of test. If you’ve read much of my writing you probably know that I am a comfort zone gal. I like my days to repeat over and over in the same way. The repetition allows me to seemingly meet the demands of life; as long as it remains in order, that is.
In recent weeks however, our lives have felt completely OUT of order! My youngest grandson suffered a traumatic health emergency and now our schedules, priorities, plans, dreams, just about everything, have become rearranged. May I say, it is anything but comfortable. As you might guess and maybe have experienced yourself, it’s left me feeling extremely weak so I’ve been clinging to this familiar verse:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
These words reassure us when our worlds are in chaos. As He often does, God is teaching me in this unexpected, upside down, mixed up, time in our lives and it’s occured to me, that we (I) may say these words from memory, without real thought of the true meaning, which lead me to read Philippians 4, verse 12. Here are the words Paul writes leading up to these often repeated ones:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Just like my second graders, the true test comes when we’re victorious even if nothing is as we thought it would be. So, whether in joy or sorrow, fear or courage, peace or anger, health or sickness, “whether living in plenty or in want”, we can be content in “all this”, not on our own, but through Christ. What I’m learning (maybe kicking and screaming) is that life is never going to stay in order, and maybe, just maybe, we (I) shouldn’t want it to be, because it’s in those times when we’re blindsided, off balance, out of sync, discombobulated, and uncomfortable that we look to the One who DOES stay in place, to give us the strength to be content in it all
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
I’ve joined with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today to write to the prompt “Order.” I encourage you to click over and read more! I have been so overwhelmed and grateful for all the prayers given for my family and especially for Sutton from this wonderful writing community, our family, friends, and even people we don’t know. God is working and prayers are being answered. Follow Sutton’s journey at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070279381003
It’s always amazing how God teaches me lessons right where and when I need them using what’s familiar. Honestly, I think that’s why so many happened in my Second Grade classroom. He knew I required the “elementary” version! Now retired, I can look back and see how, like my students, the foundation I received there helps me continue to build on and trust those basic truths I’ve learned.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
These words came alive during a favorite project of mine that included one of God’s most mysterious miracles! Every year, my students and I would begin to collect Monarch Caterpillars. Filled with Milkweed to feed them and long twigs to climb on, a large, glass jar on the Science table became their new home and the venue for us to observe an incredible transformation.
Metamorphosis (a profound change) doesn’t happen overnight, but it didn’t take long to recognize that once a caterpillar moved as high as it could go on a stick, the process had begun. That’s just what one of our “guests” did while I was working late at school.
Determined to watch the process from start to finish I settled in. Somewhere between caterpillar and chrysalis, this teacher became the student. It no longer was just a caterpillar’s rebirth I was witnessing; I was also gaining a better understanding of my own. A familiar unit, alone in my classroom, at a time I felt stuck between the old me and becoming “a new person”, amazing God at work? No doubt about it!
I don’t know about you, but I often feel like a caterpillar, slugging along, always looking for the next best, tasty thing to consume, hoping it will satisfy my hunger. And just like a caterpillar, that’s usually when we begin to feel something stirring deep within that compels us to think Higher and prepare for change.
Surprisingly, what struck me the most as I witnessed this wonder of nature, was the struggle. Back and forth the caterpillar swung, writhing as if fighting with all its might against what lies ahead. (Something else we have in common!) Then I blinked. On the branch in the same spot where the caterpillar had been resisting change, hung a chrysalis. The fight was over.
Maybe, like me, as a Christian you too find yourself suspended between old ways and the new life Jesus offers. Fear, worry, perfectionism, and so much more seem to continually worm its way back into our lives, but here’s the heart of the lesson: The struggle is real, but my friends, the fight is over! Jesus hung in our place and was encased in the tomb, taking our sins with Him.
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4 (NLT)
Excitement always built as the children and I waited for each butterfly to emerge. Through every opened chrysalis that released a new creation with furled wings and shaky legs, The Teacher continued His lesson. Even though the cycle was complete and the old caterpillar nature was replaced with the new nature of a butterfly, it took time for each one to stretch its wings, to be a butterfly. I’m learning, and I hope it encourages you, that the same is also true for us.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Did you catch that? Becoming more like Christ is a profound change. As we learn to know our Creator, we become like Him. Becoming more like Christ doesn’t happen over night. It’s a life long process of learning, knowing, and trusting. Just like the Monarchs in my classroom project, with patience, practice, and lots of love, God takes who we think we are and completely transforms us into who He knows we were always meant to be! As we spend time in our relationship with Christ, we can be certain He is working within us and that our “new life” has begun..
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT) We can trust that!
I was honored to write this as part of the #TrustThat Verse by Verse series at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org I encourage you to click over to read more. You will be blessed if you do!
