Parenting is not for wimps

Your life may have been difficult. Perhaps, your parents struggled to be the best example of love and nurturing qualities. We are all broken people. We are on a journey!

Our life experience can grow our ability to love, be patient, and compassionate, have self-control, and be the best parent. These are some of the key qualities of raising children. However, the most important key is being a parent who puts God first. This parent understands their sinful nature, seeks God for every step, submits to the authority of God, asks forgiveness of God and others when they fall short in words or actions, and shares the wisdom found in scripture with their kids.

Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. You are not given a human guide to follow. However, you are given the most important guide that stands the test of time, this guide is for every stage of life, it is true no matter the generation, its truth never fades.

Where can you find this amazing guide for life and parenting? The Bible is filled with wisdom from the Lord. John 1 talks about the Word coming alive, Hebrews 4:12 shares, the Word is sharper than any two-edged sword, and James 1:21 shares that the Word has the power to save as we use it aloud declaring its wisdom.

I remember being single, then newly married, and watching people with children. I would observe the relationships at stores, in nature, and at restaurants, and I would think, I want to make a difference for a child.

I may have even thought as I saw a strong-willed child sass their parent, Wow I couldn’t let my kid get away with that behavior.

Once I had children I realized how in my own strength, I can be prideful, selfish, and demanding my way. I needed to work on my relationship with my Father God, discover the truth in the Bible, and seek like-minded women who are older and can share with me what they have learned from the joys and challenges of parenting. The best place to gain this wisdom I have found was in women who love Jesus, walk in humility, see their need for Him, and share their lives freely with younger moms.

No matter your stage in life, God is a Father to the Fatherless, if you were abandoned if you were mistreated by your parents, He is true to His promises.

Psalm 27:10 -13 Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, Yet the LORD will take me up [adopt me as His child]. [11] Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me on a level path Because of my enemies [who lie in wait]. [12] Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, For false witnesses have come against me; They breathe out violence. [13] I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

We must not despair and we must not give up learning how to be a better parents. We come with our own baggage of good and misplaced parenting, our own hurts, our abandonment, and our trauma. Hurt people hurt people unless they seek to be healed. We must give all these hurts to our Father and let Him heal and restore our lives.

When we take this step of faith in the unseen yet amazing, trustworthy, Almighty God we can break the chains of past trauma and generational mistakes and start a new path of love, compassion, forgiveness, and restoration in the God who creates us and wants to give us the world full of promise and purposes.

Helpful scriptures to memorize and post in your home or car: Proverbs 15:1, Galatians 5, Colossians 3:20-21, Matthew 6, Psalm 130

Proverbs 15:1 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Galatians 5:14-15 NLT
For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
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!

Colossians 3:20-21 NLT
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Matthew 6:9-15 NLT
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today the food we need, [12] and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [13] And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. [14] “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. [15] But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Keeping our minds, souls, and spirits fixed on His truth can change the trajectory of our lives and those in our family for generations but we need God’s help to heal and restore.

Psalm 103:6-18 MSG
GOD makes everything come out right; He puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. GOD is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, He’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. GOD’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear Him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever He said.

Peace and Harmony

Harmony and peace go hand in hand. You can not have one without the other. What is harmony? According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, harmony means agreement, accord, or tranquility. Interestingly, harmony also means the combination of simultaneous musical notes.

I resonate with the musical definition and relate to the peace that I find in music especially when there is no harmony.

We live in a time of disunity, unrest abounds. You don’t have to have personal conflict to feel the world hurts. The continual discussion of World War 3, the cultural divides, the left and the right not even being willing to debate but instead demanding their opinion, can leave us feeling disharmony.

This condition has been a struggle since the beginning of time, man wants his way, period. The costs can be destroyed relationships, destroyed lives, or war.

What does scripture say about peace or harmony?

Psalm 133:1-3 NLT
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! [2] For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. [3] Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Proverbs 10:20-22,29 NLT
The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. [21] The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. [22] The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. [29] The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.

Mark 9:49-50 NLT
“For everyone will be tested with fire. [50] Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Sometimes we are called to speak the truth in a circumstance. Sometimes it may feel the conflict that occurs as a result of our willingness to step out bravely for a wrong to another is so overwhelming. Yet, our obedience to be bold will be rewarded by God.

As we step out in faith, He will bring harmony (even if it seems impossible) and we will better reflect His character.

Just as spring flowers sprout through the snowy, frosted ground, we may get opportunities to push through some hard ground. Spring is a great season to feel the harmony of nature in action. New growth can ultimately lead to the building up of others (or ourselves) with more harmony.

Romans 14:17-19 NLT
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. [19] So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Leanna Crawford’s song, “How can you not” expresses well trusting God in the midst of trials, let the harmony found in Him bring you peace.

John 16:29-33 AMP
His disciples said, “Ah, now You are speaking plainly to us and not in figures of speech! [30] Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; because of this we believe [without any doubt] that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? [32] Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. [33] 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 abiding.]

Peace and harmony are attainable with Christ alone. It does not mean your struggle has no meaning but the purpose can be explained by God. Peace with God is possible. In this world there is trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world!

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Take a hike

We want to be in control of our lives. This has been an impulse and self control issue since Adam and Eve. We think we know best, best answers to questions, best opinions for everyone, best future plans. However, it has been proven those who think and act without seeking wise council end up missing key opportunities.

Proverbs 16:1-3 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.

Just as a toddler may get near a hot stove ( gas or electric powered). The glowing light of heat from the energy source may be visible as in a gas stove or glowing on the electric range top and at times heat seems invisible. The heat is still there under the surface of the burner. After the electric source has been turned off, the danger to get burned remains for a while.

My daughter at three years old learned the hard way, that getting close to the stove and touching the burner when it is hot can get you burned. Just like most of us, she made mistakes. Just as many adult children learned, her parents were smarter than she thought as a teen. Listening to a wise mom brings safety ;). I am not sure the impulse issues change that much as we grow older, it can still be a trap.

Listening to the wise Father God brings the best safety. At times, I have heard it said, “it’s no fun to follow rules of religion, it’s boring, girls just wanna have fun”! What we consider fun today can have consequences that last a life time. Ponder for yourself the traps that enticed you to temptation.

We each live and hopefully learn from our mistakes. When I have avoided pitfalls of impulsive choices, I have been rewarded.

“Good things do come to those who wait”. Self control is one of the hardest Christ like character traits. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control, are fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5). I believe self control is the most important to ensure a successful God led life. Without it, we are wandering sheep with no shepherd.

When I look back on my life, I consider the distractions that I chose to bypass. I love Jesus and because I love Him, I want to walk in His plans.

I have not missed any fun things, I have been rewarded with great friends, likeminded encouragers who love Jesus too. I have seen and shared His harvest with others. So take a hike with God. In the end, it’s not about chasing the unknown it’s about flowing in His Ruach ( Strong’s concordance: Ruach means – Hebrew word for wind, breath, spirit) and being blown where He sees fit.

Psalm 18:30-36 NLT
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. [31] For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? [32] God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. [33] He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. [34] He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. [35] You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. [36] You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

Strong

We live in a dog eat dog world, look at the banking system, the materialism, the constant striving for keeping up with others, is our car status representative of our success? The survival of the fittest is another example, it’s great to be healthy and use our body temple for purpose. Or are we feeling constant comparison to others’ and cursing the body and face created in the image of God?

My reading of 2 Corinthians 10 this morning was so impactful. It made me ponder the world, my community, personal interactions, and even my own walk with Jesus. Paul, shared a message of God, was transformed from persecuting Jesus and His followers to an amazing apostle who led the Gentiles and even fellow Jews to Jesus. Because Paul allowed Jesus to use his life for amazing things, Paul was bold and Holy Spirit filled in his preaching.

2 Corinthians 10:3-8 MSG The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way-never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

7-8] You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can’t see the forest for the trees. If you’re looking for a clear example of someone on Christ’s side, why do you so quickly cut me out? Believe me, I am quite sure of my standing with Christ. You may think I overstate the authority he gave me, but I’m not backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of building you up, after all, not tearing you down.

In the Life Application Study Bible, we are given a narrative background for the times of Paul and the Corinthian culture. Just as in our times, peoples feathers get ruffled when another human speaks boldly and they are not in agreement with the same philosophy. The truth found in the Word can ruffle feathers.

Here is the notes for the Life Application Bible found in 2 Corinthians 10: Verses 1-2 Paul’s opponents were questioning his authority. From verses 7:8-16 we know that the majority of Corinthian believers were siding with Paul; however, a minority continued to slander him, saying that he was bold in his letters but had no authority in person. Second Corinthians 10 through verse 13 is Paul’s response to this charge. Paul used Jesus as a model for being gentle and kind rather than demanding respect.”

Does this description from Paul’s journey feel strangely familiar? I don’t know about you, however, I want to reflect Jesus character with gentleness and kindness over demanding respect. In love, I want to share what the Lord is showing me regarding how to live with Him as my authority.

In love, I want those I love friends, family, even perfect strangers, to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus! But I can’t do it for anyone. If I love like Jesus, speak His truth in love when I feel His prompting, seek forgiveness if I have overstepped in discussion, then maybe others will want to seek Him too!

Love Them Like Jesus also means speaking the truth found in the Bible about complicated issues and being willing to speak the truth even if it’s hard!

Where do you get strong? Is it in the gym or in time spent being built up by the Lord? This workout with God lasts longer than the next time you crave your favorite sweet. Time spent with gaining His wisdom is muscle building for mind, body and soul. As a surfer needs, core strength, focus and tenacity, when we ask the Living Water, God will provide these necessary traits with even more ability to stand in balance no matter what we face.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

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Where’s your hope?

We are His chosen. He looks down at His children with understanding and we are created in His image. How the Father wants our connection!

Psalm 33:12-22 NLT
What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. [13] The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. [14] From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. [15] He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

How many times have you counted on your own strength and lost? Whether it is haywire emotions or a spiritual time of isolation, we can feel drained of all energy, hope and contentment. I used to ponder ‘ is God still with me?’ Then I realized, it’s at these times of exhaustion and perhaps aloneness, I can best hear the message of my Savior. It isn’t a time of punishment but a time to seek to be refreshed by the Living Water that saves and has the best future in store.

15b We can’t count on our strength. We can’t succeed without Him. He wants to guide us to His purpose. We must have reverent awe. Fear with respect for God is understanding. He is our Father.

Fear with respect for God is understanding. This is not meant to cause PTSD, it is meant to bring us to Him in awe, fear with courage attached as we honor and respect our Creator who loves us and knows us individually.

16] The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. [17] Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory- for all its strength, it cannot save you. [18] But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

Our rescue is in Him alone. We must rely on His unfailing love. He is our commander Our Father is our only hope. He is with us in the battle.

19] He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

He is our help and our shield! Our barrier to the evils of life that want to tear down our defenses. The distractions of other idols vey for our heart, mind, and soul to slowly erode our strong tower of defense. We must let God provide His barrier of protection. The Armor of God is full body and mind protection.

20] We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

We can rejoice and trust in His Holy Name! He is worthy of our love and our hand must be in His! He knows the future.

22] Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Choose today, who you will serve: the Holy One, Jesus or your own or another humans’ foolish plan.

Today, I am ending this post with the first part of Psalm 33 positioned last. These words from scripture are a great reminder in our world, trust in Him alone!

Psalm 33:1-11 NLT
Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. [2] Praise the LORD with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. [3] Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. [4] For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. [10] The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. [11] But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Stand in awe, when He spoke the world began! His intentions can not be shaken.

Wisdom: Leader or Follower

The Bible has living wisdom for all generations. They are not stories of old with no relevant message. Those who believe this statement have not been in His Word. How is it possible that the words from Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples could be so relevant today?

Could it be because the Creator of Heaven and Earth, Our Father God knows the end from the beginning? Could it be because He understands the mind of those created in His Image? Of course, He knows His children. He knows our character traits for good and for selfish impulse control issues.

You see our issues of sin have not changed much, since Adam and Eve. We still want our way, don’t want to be told what to do, seek our needs over others, and believe we got it together!!!

I was reading Matthew 16 this morning, and I felt as if the messages were bouncing off the paper. I am not Elohim (the all-Powerful One), I must seek wisdom from the Word of God. You must seek His wisdom for yourself and have your eyes, mind, heart, soul, and spirit opened.

I am so grateful for Biblegateway.com, it is a great resource for a free online Bible. You can choose the version of the Bible that is understandable for your personal walk with Jesus. With one click on the right on their website you can choose your favorite version. For the most part, I use the New Living Translation (NLT), however, there are other times when the Message (MSG), Amplified ( AMP), or New International Version ( NIV) are helpful.

You can also use YouVersion Bible app, it’s free and can be used on your phone.

WISDOM FOR TODAY IN MATTHEW 16:

Jesus shared great wisdom for all generations regarding miracles

Matthew 16 NLT 16 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. ²He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; ³red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! ⁴Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.

Jesus warned: Pharisees and Sadducees preach religion over their relationship with Jesus

⁵Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. ⁶“Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ⁷At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. ⁸Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? ⁹Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? ¹⁰Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? ¹¹Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” ¹²Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Peter shares wisdom from God, Jesus is the Messiah

¹³When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” ¹⁵Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. ¹⁸Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. ¹⁹And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” ²⁰Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus’ description of human versus God perspective

²¹From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead. ²²But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” ²³Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” ²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. ²⁵If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. ²⁸And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

If anyone wants to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross and follow Him. What does that mean? Being willing to choose to walk with Jesus wherever He leads us, may mean leaving our comfort zone, leaving a job we know is not the best for us, leaving a situation that is tearing us apart, stepping away from friends or even family who are set on destroying our minds, hearts, and life.

Gaining the world, materials, or status but being lonely, depressed, or suicidal as we reach for things that are not our path leaves us feeling empty and isolated.

But sticking to our Savior may bring trials of hills and valleys, however, I have learned I have never been alone. He has been with me, and when I let Him, He is guiding my steps.

I have moved cross country and have seen for myself as I trusted God from the near-death rafting experience to currently, I am glad I took the risk. My life was saved as I reached out to God, praying for a new life, and I will not look back.

Will you pick up your cross and follow Him? Take the risk it will be life-changing and may change the trajectory of your steps to an amazing place.

Deuteronomy 10:17, 20-21   “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.  20 You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. 21 He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes.

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“Reflections on Inspiring Light through the Cracks”, my first book is available on Amazon.

It has been a dream of mine to share my writings in a published book with others and share what led me to Jesus! I have been blogging for a few years and as I have accumulated my written blog posts, I have felt growth in my walk with Jesus and His people. I have had trials, joys, challenges, health issues, and heartbroken moments and I have learned more and more about the importance of walking with Jesus. I hope to inspire other people to seek Him for all wisdom and guidance. We are all His beautiful people, created in Christ for a mighty purpose.

This book can be accessed through Amazon. Consider a gift purchase of an ebook on Kindle for your reader family and friends or a paperback option. Many of my own friends do not have a WordPress account. If you purchase the e-book, it is amazing: the digital copy has links to the songs I have used to tell stories in many of my posts. If you feel prompted to buy, thank you so much! If you feel prompted to leave a review on Amazon, thank you. Share the link below with friends.

Regardless, You are a child of God and He wants to know you personally, we must reach out to Him. God bless you! Mary

I am crazy

Call me crazy! However, the more I walk this planet, the more I see some pretty unbelievable circumstances. How about you? Do you feel a little crazy?

The foundation of truth found on the Rock of Ages, the Father, theCreator of heaven and earth is unshakeable. God never changes! His Word is alive and cuts through the bone and marrow. ( Hebrews 4:12)

Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no matter what.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Find out for yourself what truth is as you personally dig deep into the Bible. Then you will understand the crazy people! I am one of them and glad to be in amazing company.

Crazy People, a song by Casting Crowns, is so well written. It is fun loving and yet serious about who some of us crazy people follow. Enjoy this song! And join the circus led by the Amazing RingMaster, Jesus, who loves you!

Crazy People by Casting Crowns

Crazy in love with Jesus is amazing!

Measure of success

Tim Tebow at a conference shared a story of a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer that took a photo of a young African girl who was sick and unable to move. she seemed alone on the dry, desert ground. A vulture was near awaiting her death. The photographer did not touch her or save the girl as he was told she had a contagious disease, instead he shooed the vulture away and took a photo. Even though this photographer won this prestigious award, his life was lacking, and sadly the photographer committed suicide a few months later.

Success is sharing the good news, the gift of Jesus, and life eternal with Him, loving and serving God’s people, this is a success for the present and future with eternity.

It doesn’t match the world’s view of success, status and wealth are fleeting. Material things can break or whither away, as dust on the wind. The status of audiences on social media; or enough likes will not fill the empty space of insecurity. But only connection with the Father who created us will complete us.

By what audience, do you measure success: the world opinion or the Lord? What brings you significance? Is it eternal or temporary? As parents, we are called to teach the truth in God, and we want to leave this legacy of faith in Jesus alone! It will remain after we die physically. we want to give our children gifts for good not evil, hope over despair, joy over anger /fear, and a future with Jesus!

Significance in what…. Having success is not outward appearance it’s serving Jesus, bowing before Him every morning asking Him where or who you can tell about His message of hope, to love like Jesus without stopping! That is a success by the Lord’s standard, sharing the gift of Christ to guys and girls even if you are afraid to be mocked. (Psalm 23) Fear no one but God. This is a success!!💜

Confess your sins to Jesus, Repent and turn away from them, believe He is your Savior, seek Jesus to full measure, get yourself in the Bible, and ask Him to show you the way to success. Listen for His still voice.

God is the carpenter of your life, He has the measure for success, He is the answer!

Silence

His Light shines in darkness: photo by Gloria Flores

Whatever you are walking through today, Jesus promises to walk with you. Jesus is in the Sonrise!!! He is the Bright Morning Star! Call on Him for peace, hope, love, and His angel armies are at the ready!

Revelation 22:16-17 AMP
"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star." [17] The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost.

So many attempts by the enemy to unsettle our connection to our Savior Jesus. Our individual fears and worries for self, family, health and provision are places the enemy tries to bring doubt and fear of God, His love and His provision!

The enemy tries to enter the door of our mind and heart bringing boatloads of fear and negative thoughts. He can be relentless but Our Creator is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Stand with Jesus!

Silence is a new worship song by JWLKRS worship. It touched my heart deeply the first time I was blessed to see the music video. Such sweet lyrics that encompass any life circumstance, great lyrics bring a reminder to seek the God who promises to be with you and never leave you.

As a Breast Cancer Overcomer who also survived a near death white water rafting experience, I am in awe of the many times looking back over my life of the goodness of God, His Provision and His protection.

May you feel His Peace and Presence today, He is just a Name away, Jesus, You are our only hope.