Break the cycle, Armor Up!

Has anyone else witnessed increased rage behavior? Lately, I have been feeling more oppression, conflicts, unrest, and lack of understanding in community and personally, it is not just politically. Yes, it feels like spiritual warfare is ramping up.

The enemy of our soul wants us to live in fear and take our eyes off the Creator of the universe and everything good in it. The pressure cooker of relationship challenges or watching from the sidelines conflicts between children to young adults can exhaust. The devil is the leader of destruction, he wants to steal, kill and destroy each person created in the Image of God. If he can cause us to hate each other because of rejection, he brings on darkness.

I can almost hear the gnashing of teeth and furious temper tantrum of a two year old that didn’t get its’ toy. The raging person may be child, teen, young adult or seasoned one. This mindset of control comes from the enemy. No one should demand a relationship and rule in fear. This is unhealthy and those patterns must be broken. It can be the beginning of emotional abuse leading to domestic violence. Using force or coercion encourages the predator to get more controlling.

It is at these times when I feel this upside down world of war, I must stand firm in my faith in Jesus! Our youth, teens and young adults have had a marred few years in Covid lockdown. It hasn’t only been isolation for supposed community health sake but a mental health nightmare. We have all been effected in someway, even the most stable in our peer groups.

I believe our children need our input even more today. When we show healthy responses in disappointment, we are reminded we don’t do life alone but have each other to lift up the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to fight with His mighty army against the enemies schemes.

Psalm 103:19-22 NLT [19] The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. [20] Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. [21] Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! [22] Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

Teaching our children to stand firm in their faith, listen without talking, asking questions to clarify if they want help can be a great start. We want our kids to feel comfortable seeking parents or friends for help. Our kids need to know we are a safe place. We have to reflect self control like Jesus. Together, We can bring our concerns before God and He will provide His army along with wisdom. Silence allows violence. Sharing challenges can break the isolation predators use to trap another person and the unhealthy patterns can be broken in community.

I have on my battle armor. It comes from the Lord. This battle gear must be put on daily and at times I must speak aloud each part. Ephesians 6 describes the Armor of God, every morning I pray this over my family. There have been days I prayed this scripture over my kids at night as they slept or holding their hands while the battle raged. You can place your child’s name wherever appropriate in the scripture below.

Ephesians 6:11-18 NLT
[11] Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] 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. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Jesus is the only hope for each of us. Get on the Armor of God. Just like in an airplane, put on your armor first, then show your kids how to put on theirs. Take a deep breath that comes from God. Our continued prayers and communication with the Holy Spirit are power beyond our human understanding. There is a battle going on in the supernatural but in the end Jesus wins.

Romans 5:3-5 NLT [3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

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Words Matter: Do you want to start a forest fire ?

How are you using your words, blessing or cursing? It matters to God how we treat those He places along our path. No one is perfect not one of us!

My current self reflection is: are my words encouraging, speaking truth in love or in frustration, snarky, unthinking babble?

What is my main purpose when speaking is to be right or to cause more destruction to someone who is struggling? Have you ever thought about how your words impact people in your sphere?

Matthew 12:34-37 NLT
[34] You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. [35] A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. [36] And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. [37] The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”

Do you want to acquit or condemn another person who is created by God? Gossip or slander tears down, it does not build up, even in asking prayer for someone. Go to God with concerns, He knows the details of His children. There are times you feel prompted to share your struggles, the Lord will guide you to safe, Loving, Godly brothers and sisters in Christ.

Titus 3:1-2 NLT
[1] Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. [2] They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Do you want to be known as the quarrelsome, judgmental Christian or a gentle, humble servant of Jesus? If you are a parent, our kids watch how we use our tongues. Troubles come when we speak without thinking. I am guilty of this character flaw. It’s as if my tongue has a mind of its own. James is a solid book of the Bible, here are a few pearls of wisdom I turn to often.

James 1:2-12,26 NLT
[2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [9] Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. [10] And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. [11] The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. [12] God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. [26] If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

Reread James 1:26: If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and our religion is worthless. Wow, that hurts, it is a conviction in your heart meant to bring a pause, and lead you to repent, ask forgiveness from Jesus and for help to break this flaw, in the Name of Jesus. We can’t do this on our own, our flesh gets the credit for impulse control issues. We need to grow in self control, a fruit of the spirit!!

Galatians 5:22-25 NLT
[22] But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. [25] Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Those who parent, mentor, or feel the call to share wisdom with others are called to a higher standard. Their loyalty must be in God alone. We live in a world with trial and daily we get the opportunity to hone our faith in Jesus. We must be humble and seek the Lord for all things, too.

James 3:1-10,13,17-18 NLT
[1] Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. [2] Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. [3] We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. [4] And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. [5] In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. [6] And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. [7] People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, [8] but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. [9] Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. [10] And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! [13] If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [17] But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

The tongue can bless or curse. Do you want to start a forest fire? Our tongue and words can be restless and evil, especially when you are Hangry. I remind myself to evaluate for H.A.L.T.: Hungry, Angry,Lonely,Tired. Even still, there is no excuse for lack of self control.

On my own, I may not be gentle, peace loving, or willing to yield to another. But with accountability of fellow believers in Christ, time in stillness speaking with my best friend, Jesus and asking Him to help me change character flaws, I am hopeful of healthy communications. Grateful to those who speak truth over my circumstances so I can grow in Christ and in community of His people.

I want to be known as a peacemaker and an example of a fruit bearing Christian, how about you? It is a new day, start to tame your tongue and may the words we speak be pleasing to God and encourage others.

Psalm 19:14 NLT
[14] May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Letter of recommendation

Paul writes the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life! The law can tell us the will of God but only the Spirit can give us the power to live it. Therefore, live by the Spirit of God and you fulfill the will of God for your life. Jonathon Chan The Book of Mysteries.

I never thought of my testimony as a letter of recommendation for Christ Jesus. My walk with Jesus took multiple decades. I understood the need for wisdom and peace beyond my human mind. I was raised in a religion with doctrine of law and regimented steps of route sayings, responses after the priest, and even songs dedicated to expound on the religion. However, I felt hollow inside, as if something was missing.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 MSG
[1-3] Does it sound like we’re patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we’re not. Neither do we need letters of endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it-not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives-and we publish it. [4-6] We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this-that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It’s written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives!

My near death experience on a rafting trip in Colorado, brought a determination to seek the One true God and His plans for my life. Where I felt insecure or punished by life challenges I found a new perspective.

God uses everything in our lives to draw us to Himself and Jesus’ loving arms. He awaits our reliance on Him for all things. We must not be afraid, walk to Him.

He is peace, hope, wisdom, counselor, and a voice of life. I was asked by my child when I accepted Jesus and allowed Him to direct my life. I replied, “32! My child it took a while.” She replied, “what took you so long, Mom?” I said, “ I am stubborn and a control freak, but I am so glad I took the steps.”

I avoided the deep connection with Jesus. I was goal driven and relied on myself alone. I was wrong.

Psalm 139:7-12 MSG
[7-12] Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute- you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.

Don’t wait until you feel near perfect, it is not possible, and that’s what the enemy bets on for your life on earth. Satan speaks lies, “you will never measure up, you will never be forgiven for the past.” These are lies!

Matthew 11:28 tells us Jesus extends His hand, saying, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”, He is patient, seek truth from the One who knows all things.

Psalm 139:1-6 MSG
[1-6] GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too- your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful- I can’t take it all in!

Let Jesus guide your steps! His Holy Spirit will not fail you.His love is unconditional. His gift is free just take it and live a life of freedom with Jesus. Your letter of recommendation is from His Holy Spirit to your spirit, His life reflected in you, amazing!

Titus 3:4-7 NLT
[4] But- When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, [5] he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. [6] He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [7] Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

It’s about a Mirror Ball

When I was a teen, I helped decorate the high school gym for a homecoming dance. I was so new to that experience, totally insecure, as a high school freshman, and yet I wanted to learn how to decorate for Homecoming. The homecoming committee leaders were able to visualize the finished product before even seeing it. I don’t process life this way.

The potential of a central light with a small little globe that had mirrors hoisted up in the center of the gym seemed insurmountable. A part of the preparation was using a horrendous amount of heavy-duty string and making what appeared to be a spiderweb on the ground.

Yes, the volunteer high school students and I were going round and round attaching strings by knots from one string to the next in the fashion of a spider as if we were making a Web. The next step was attaching a little tiny mirror to each piece of string and strategically placing them all over this huge spiderweb.

When we completed this process, the spiderweb of string and mirrors was lifted up and attached to ceiling beams high above the teen’s heads.

As a newbie at this decorating thing, I just couldn’t picture it and the upper-class men with more wisdom under their belt were excited to see the amazing creation come into view.

We taped huge black butcher block paper to all the walls in the gym. I questioned, “why would you do that?” They looked at me like you’re such a stupid freshman but when they explained the walls will be dark and the mirrors would reflect from the light in the center, I understood. Stars would magically shine all over the room. I was beyond awe.

Isn’t this a wonderful description of preparation as a believer in Jesus? Life is a tangle of strings and knots with the occasional shiny mirror reflection of kindness and character traits of Jesus.

We have work to do in order to see the finished product. However, it is not our human actions but Jesus’ supernatural power that makes the Light shine in a dark world.

Ah yes, pick up your scissors cut off the mistakes, tie knots to join the places of new beginnings, and add a mirror tile straight from the hand of Jesus. It is a visual reminder of repenting turning back to Him asking for forgiveness and Letting His Light shine.

Pick up the spider web of your life, and let Him craft you into an amazing reflection of His character.

Psalm 27:1 MSG
[1] Light, space, zest- that’s GOD! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.

Matthew 5:14-16 MSG
[14-16] “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand-shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

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He is Not done yet!!

The race is on!! Photo credit by Boom (Pexels.com)

Did you know that God is not done yet? That He wants to be your refuge and He is your provider if you will let him? The more I seek to know Him the more amazed I am and how He is providing.

He’s not done yet. Just as he’s not done with me, He is not done with you! Isn’t that an amazing thought you have time to be transformed into the image of Jesus! Let God transform you and be amazed!

Psalm 16:1-11 NLT
[1] Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. [2] I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” [3] The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! [4] Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. [5] LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. [6] The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! [7] I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. [9] No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. [11] You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

I was blessed to hear the song on the radio today and it really spoke to me. Not done yet by Vertical Worship, what a great reminder.

Be blessed today as you let Jesus finish the work He starts.

Philippians 1:6 NLT
[6] 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.

Transitions

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Spectacular sunrises and sunsets are a reminder this is a new day or time for transition at the end of a day. August or September brings a return to school, the changing of the weather; cool mornings from a scorching summer, watching geese fly in V formation traveling to new destinations; life is ever-evolving.

Whether you have a kid in school or you’ve changed jobs or locations, whether there’s been a change in your family dynamics: life is about transitions.

Are we OK with change? What kind of change are we looking for? Are we seeking the right answers to the questions or are we just trying to plot our path?

God can transform us from the inside out.

Romans 12: 1 – 2 tells us we’re not to be conformed to this world but instead be transformed by renewing of your mind. We’re not to be afraid of transitions or be anxious.

Psalm 34:9-10 NLT
[9] Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. [10] Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.

Proverbs 19:23 NLT
[23] Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

We are called to anticipation, that’s not in fear but it’s an excitement and awe. Yes, life does march on even if we want to scream, “ I am not ready for new things.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
[7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Our transition with God can propel us to see the old become new. Life transitions become a place of new beginnings instead of anxiety filled dread.

As I watch my youngest transition to new friends to new beginnings to a new school, I’m reminded that even this mom has to be OK with transitions.

The Merriam Webster definition for transition is: a period or phase in which such a change or shift is happening.

Synonyms: Evolution, adaptation, passage. Antonyms: conclusion, sameness, decline, end

What do you want to be in awe living a transformed life with your Creator God or to remain the same or decline? Our kids watch our emotions and actions. We can pretend we believe the Word of God or we can learn to trust him to our deepest soul.

Singles, married, parents or not, we have a choice: trust God or not? Are we showing our kids that we trust God with their lives? School violence, society unrest, bullying and a host of other things can take us to a fearful life. However, does that bring comfort to our kids or make them question all the foundational promises from God?

Our kids faith will grow independent of our own, let them see their parents believe God and walk in faith.

If there are days when this feels exceptionally hard, we must take our concerns to Jesus, listen to a favorite worship song, reach out to our tribe of Sisters and Brothers in Christ and march with Him anyways!!

“I Stand Here”, by Hannah Kerr, really encouraged me this week. Powerful promises of standing firm are in its lyrics. May it bring strength to you as you turn up the volume. God bless you warriors of the faith in Jesus alone!

Galatians 6:15-16 NLT
[15] It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. [16] May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

Leaping Calves

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Pain whether emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual can be conquered when we lean into Jesus and His healing. We all have our mountains and valleys.

One leap at a time, ladies and gentleman. One relationship can change the world, Jesus came to do just that, change the world.

Our spirit man, soul, must reach for His Holy Spirit. Let the transformation begin.

Malachi 4:2 NLT
[2] “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

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Has the world filled you with eternal peace or joy? What are you waiting for, the time is now? I don’t have the answers but I am learning He ( Jesus, Father God and the Holy Spirit) does.

John 3:16-21 NLT
[16] “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

On Guard

We are in a battle, every day, we are in the fight for our lives. Do we listen and march to public opinion or discern with the Lord’s help from which voice to listen?

We are given our brains for a reason. We have our ability to hear with two ears, see with two eyes, and think with an open mind. The enemy knows we want to have a life of peace and as a result , we may choose to let others guide our truths. This mindset may just destroy our free will, our sense of peace and our own voice.

We may feel fear or anxiety, it’s a normal human emotion especially at these times. But we don’t have to stay in fear or anxiety. Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorite scriptures. “Be strong and courageous, do not fear, for the Lord your God is with you”. There is an alternative emotion, hope in the trial and endurance on the journey. Which emotion will you choose?

The Bible is full of reminders to fix our eyes on Jesus, to be transformed by the renewing of our mind that is connected to our Creator God.

Scripture meditations: Matthew 10:26-33,40-42 MSG
[26-27] “Don’t be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don’t hesitate to go public now. [28] “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life-body and soul-in his hands. [29-31] “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries. [32-33] “Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you? [40-42] “We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”

We don’t walk this world alone unless we choose to ignore the spiritual stirrings of our soul which started at our conception. I believe that scientist have observed a spark of light as the sperm and egg meet in conception. This must be our Father God and Creator, bringing His light to our beginnings.

Psalm 139:13-16 MSG
[13-16] Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God-you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration-what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.

There is a still voice that brings us wisdom, hope, and instruction, are we allowing our minds to pause and hear our God? Or is the loud opinions of the world, in media, news, music and social media crowing out His voice?

I used to be uncomfortable with silence, quiet times seemed to bring anxiety and unrest. However, the more I make time to listen for my Fathers voice, in the Bible, in solid Godly examples of friends willin to share their brokenness and turning to God. I am in awe, Jesus ( our Father God, the Holy Spirit) speaks.

Stand firm at this current time, be strong in Him, seek His Words in scripture, and be blown away at how it can transform your life.

We are One Human Race

It came to my attention recently as I was watching the integration of our chicks and hens the similarity of these chickens with my observation of society.

You see, we had six, white adult hens and a menagerie of 7 colorful chicks integrating themselves together into one coop. As I watched the survival of the fittest I was amazed to see how each one of these colorful groups managed to stay pretty much within their social constructs.

The Clucky Ladies ( 2 Photos by Mary Mesikapp)

Even as the younger ones are getting older and becoming more prominent than the white, the adult hens allowed them food and a community. Of course, one hen would ruffle her feathers and poke away, pulling feathers from the small ones and making sure that everyone in the group knew she was the lead hen.

The lead hen is Stumpy because she lost a toe when she was a chick. Perhaps her attitude was a result of being bullied when she was young. Regardless, the other five hens do not allow her to be mean to the colorful group. Instead, they show teamwork enabling everybody to get along.

It would be nice if our world and country reflected community more. Kindness, compassion, and loving each other more. We are one as a human race created in a kaleidoscope of colors, beautiful and unique.

As I watched other backyard or farming chicken coop owners on Youtube, I learned how to integrate the small chicks with the hens without causing a bloodbath of pecking. I’m grateful for their wisdom. Yes, there are some good things about Youtube. God’s Word, the Bible is even better as a resource because it never fails me.

This morning as I walked into the coop I saw two of our Black Rock Chickens standing next to our big white adult hens. Every day I see the combination of all these colors mixed together. Today, the Clucky ladies were one, no pecking, just united. It reminds me God calls us to be united and He calls us to love one another.

1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter, check it out. It’s not easy to be patient with people nor is it easy to put down a grudge and forgive people. It’s not easy to love even if we’re hurt. But those are the things God calls us to do because one of the greatest commandments says to love God and love his people.

John 13: 34 – 35So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

I’m so grateful for these ridiculous chicks who make me laugh and give me work to do. Because they remind me of the importance of God‘s creation and I learn from them how to be in my own world.

Today’s reflection reminded me of a song from my youth, We are One in the Spirit. This message of unity was awesome by Jars of Clay. Do you reflect Christian love? If you need a reboot, today may be the day. Be blessed! We are one human race!!

He’s the Potter

Isaiah 64:8-9 NLT
[8] And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. [9] Don’t be so angry with us, LORD. Please don’t remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people.

We’re living in a timeframe where our culture wants us to choose death over life. The Creator of Life, our God made life; life for each individual with a purpose. Ephesians 2: 8 -10 reminds us, that we, each human, are His masterpiece created for something amazing, and yet our culture confuses this purpose with a prompt to put our needs before the amazing gift of life. Forgive us, Lord, for being callous about the right to choose ( life or death) for a child in the womb.

There are many of us called to be parents through adoption and it is an amazing gift! Making a difference in the life of a child with love, compassion, teaching, and discovery of the amazing world is precious. I loved the times my kids asked questions about nature, “where do thunder and lightning come from?” butterflies, “How does that pretty butterfly sleep in the cocoon?”, and even a praying mantis, ” it looks so weird, Mom, will it pinch me?”. It gave me the blessing of slowing down and sharing awe at the Creator’s unique bugs, animals, skies, birds, and environments. Being a mom has been a true honor; one that I don’t take lightly, I love their birthmothers, and I treasure our three blessings from God.

I see confusion, anxiety, and fear in the minds of young adults and teens because of the recent decisions of Roe v. Wade. God wants us to choose Him, He wants us to choose life and to live a life of abundance. He wants us to decide to follow His instructions and value life.

I have heard, “It is so hard to be pro-life around friends or family?” I know people who regret their abortions due to medical unhealthy babies and rape. (There can be emotional and spiritual healing from post-abortive personal and group programs). God can use the hard experiences of our lives for teaching. A child can be a messenger for God with an amazing voice that can change the world. It is an emotionally charged topic. It is not a problem for our times alone but occurred thousands of years ago.

Even in the Bible, multiple situations of the battle of life and death are discussed. Genesis; the first book of the Bible tells us the story of Moses, who was saved from death by the Pharoah when his own daughter found the baby Moses floating in a basket on the river. It is a story of adoption and reconciliation. Moses rose to be God’s leader of the Israelites, with his birth family when he was an adult. His physical environment and biological status were the stepping stones to God’s purpose in Moses’ life. When we step out of the way, the Lord can make amazing things out of hard times.

Life is tough and has challenges, some as a consequence of our sins and some because of the evil in our world. Jesus said, (John 16:33) “in this world, you will have trouble but I’ve overcome the world”. God said He would never leave or forsake us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We have to love like Jesus and that means supporting people who are in an unplanned pregnancy that means loving a single parent by providing tangible resources, time, financial support; perhaps babysitting capabilities, or even taking them out to eat. Be open to whatever it is that the Lord lays on your heart.

But God wants us to love his people. He wants us to value the life of each individual created in the image of Him. He is the king of my heart. He wants to be the king of yours. The question is will you let Him? He sees all things.

The enemy ( Satan) doesn’t want you to choose life instead he wants you to choose death which brings along with it anxiety, shame, guilt, depression, along with anger, and can lead to cycles of unhealthy decisions and relationships. Mental Health and substance abuse can be a way of trying to cope with regret and sadness. I have seen this personally in others that I love.

Joy the Lord is our strength. I think our walk with Jesus can provide us with amazing miracles and opportunities around us when we choose life. We learn to trust God as our provider and our walk with Jesus gets stronger. It is trusting Him over our own abilities. For our family, having semiopen or open communication by phone, in correspondences: letters, email, and even in person for family gatherings has been a mingling of two sets of families. Our goal is to love our child as the Lord would guide our families.

There’s a song from Kutless: “The King of my Heart”, that really spoke to me this morning. May the lyrics wash over you like Living Water, Peace giving conformations that God is in the business of life, not death. Let Him be the wind beneath your sails, the anchor in the waves because He’s waiting for you to let Him.

King of my Heart by Kutless

He is good and He will never let you down when you trust Him for your life and the lives of your family! There is no other source to hold onto but God!