Roots go down

What is that old idiom, “Can you- not see the forest through the trees?”

What does this mean? Merriam-Webster describes: not understanding or appreciate a larger situation, problem, etc. because one is considering only a few parts of it.

We may not have a full picture of any situation, but many times we have to make our best guess. Scary proposition!!

Where are you looking for guidance? Is it built on taking steps through the forest without direction? We have to consider where we place our trust. Are our roots of wisdom found in seeking the Living water that provides nourishment to our soul and sustenance to grow our faith?

Photo by Mary Mesikapp

Just as a tree needs a good soil environment, we as humans, and as parents, need solid Godly teaching and love. If you have not had a compassionate, loving Christlike personal experience, I am so sorry. In this day and age, you can access church messages online to consider whether their instruction aligns with the Bible. It can feel like a risk to take a step into a church, I remember the fear after relocating to a different state and feeling uncertain. I asked the Lord to give me peace or show me the next option. He did, and after a few visits to different churches, I was able to choose and was blessed with sisters who were like-minded in Christ. Even though we may feel ill-prepared to parent, if we seek God to give us wisdom, He will share it.

So where do we need to place our minds, and trust to grow into the best wisdom? There is no better place than the Creator of the universe. This is a powerful scripture, Colossians 2, it has been helpful to me as a sister, mom, wife, and friend. Paul was talking to the Laodicean church, he was encouraging them to be strong in love. There are steps to grow roots of wisdom and understand God’s mysterious plan. It is not a quick process but a slow meaningful time well spent.

Colossians 2:1 - 10       I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Just as nature is built by Him, our lives can be molded by Him. Don’t let empty philosophies and loud voices distract you from the still small voice of God. Christ is the head ruler and authority over all things. In the end, what we put into our time with Jesus will be a great reward to our lives and for generations. We can break the generational habits that bind us to unhealthy responses and actions, with God all things are possible. I am more grateful with each passing year, God is good and His treasures are priceless.

Football Play by Play #55

Football is a visual of offense and defensive strategy. It can easily be a metaphor for life. Quick responses to offensive and defensive actions can impact the game and our lives. Who is our coach?

During the playoff games, Logan Wilson, number 55, is the Cincinnati Bengals player who knocked down the ball at a crucial time. Wilson loves Jesus (A personal friend shared this truth, she is a relative of Wilson). The final minutes of the game can be exciting and life-changing. This weekend, Wilson’s defensive play caused the opponent to lose the game. One team won and the other team lost.

Our decisions in life can be played in a similar way. Are we receiving the pass of temptation with open hands or deflecting the pass for better things? Are we being led into impulsive sin by pride, anger, or bitterness or are we deflecting those prompts for a better response? Do we allow the audible of the still small voice of God to penetrate the roar of the crowd? It really is a matter of seeking wisdom to direct our steps for a long journey, not just one game.

The future is not in our hands at the end of the game. But where we put our trust matters. Seeking Jesus first, not being afraid to share His love with others matters, and being willing to listen to His instruction takes effort and we can be amazed at the results.

In the strength of God, we can knock down the enemy’s attempts to bring loss and an uncertain future. We get the choice of victory in life. This victory isn’t only physical like success on a sports field, it’s emotional in providing a sound mind, peace, and clear direction. It is in a spiritual connection to the Master Quarterback on the field, Jesus! He really has the best insight. It can guide us into eternal peace and relationship.

The Lord has plans, however, we must be discerning in the game of life, to be patient with the plays called. We must be on the offense and the defense with the Word of God as our playbook. We must seek like-minded teammates that hold us accountable to the Word. We want to get to the endzone and celebrate a heavenly touchdown. Think of the family of God all together whooping it up. Think of the roar of the crowd in the heavens, with angels and saints making a joyful sound, it will probably blow our minds.

Just as Logan Wilson had to fix his eyes on the prize at the time, the football, we must fix our eyes on Jesus! No longer do we have to be spectators in life. See an opportunity to receive the pass of salvation. Get real with Jesus!

Colossians 3:1-4 MSG
So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ-that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. [3-4] Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life-even though invisible to spectators-is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too-the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

Step into a New Life

Every day is an opportunity to toss off old habits and begin a new path for a better life.

I used to think our God as a judging punishing unforgiving God. However, my time digging deep into His Word has opened my eyes, heart and soul for amazing wisdom.

We may have had a religious experience from a parent or person in authority that was not following Christ. We must seek God on a one on one personal relationship. He wants to reveal the hidden wisdom.

How do we imitate God when we don’t know what He says? Just as a new sport or hobby requires instruction from someone who excels in its results. It is even more valuable to seek our Father God and His priceless, timeless instruction.

Ephesians 5 has many great nuggets of wisdom. I am breaking it down to show manageable steps. I found it helpful for today. I think you will too.

Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Key warnings from scripture:

3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.
4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

If you have past or present sin that feels like a conviction as you read verses 3-4, pause now and talk to Jesus, ask forgiveness, repent (He will help you turn from these habits if you let Him rule in your life). Speak gratitude to Him for this amazing gift and wisdom.

Why do we need conviction for our sins over condemnation? Conviction is a heart poke to insight a reflection of our choices with the purpose of drawing us back to our Savior Jesus and His plans. Condemnation or shame is a tool the enemy uses to keep us afraid to reach out and stuck from a loving God.

5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don’t participate in the things these people do.

When we worship things or people in this world, it is sin. Our God is a jealous God for a reason. If other things are an idol, He is not first in our life. You may ask, how can I be a child of the Light of Christ? We make the step of faith to Him. Step into His Light of grace, mercy, and truth. We do not have to stay in the dark.

8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Our commitment to walk with Jesus as Lord gives us the tools for a better future and a life walking in life over death (separation from God and limited life). If we are parents, we are called to direct our kids to Jesus. My walk with Him has deepened as I have led and made mistakes in the process but return to the only place for wisdom. Our kids can grow with us.

10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

Our time in His Word, the Bible and with His like minded people can change the trajectory of our life. Individually though, we can find His steps for a growing life with God, awake O sleeper:

14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

This is a wake up call! Do you hear the alarm? It is for our benefit to heed the advice.

15] So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

17] Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Begin today, if for the first time, or return now to the Jesus of your youth, He is the best friend you will ever have. Jesus will not ghost you. He wants to share His best.

What is the value of truth?

I was mindlessly channel surfing on my car radio this morning, Chuck Swindoll, a well known Christian writer, pastor was discussing the value of truth. I had just discussed this topic with someone I love. I turned up the volume and share this 2023 pearl of wisdom.

We have so many potential sources of truth being thrown at us daily. Whether we listen to liberal or conservative ideas, pop culture, music or the latest trends on YouTube or TikTok. It can feel like a tornado or sound like a freight train with wind blowing smoke into our conscious and unconscious minds.

So what is the value of truth? According to Mr. Swindoll, there are 4 points to consider, they all point to the absolute truth in the Bible:

1. If we’re led by the truth, we don’t let feelings rule us but instead we go to God‘s truth.
2. Absolute truth of the Word stabilizes us in times of testing. No matter the trial when we seek Him first, the wisdom is there.
3. We can handle the Bible correctly because we discover where to look in scripture for the wisdom.
4. Truth of God equips us to detect and confront error. It could be error in the way someone else speaks,it could be just as feeling that we get when we know what someone is saying is not the same as the Word of God. We base our truth on what aligns with God’s Word.

We need truth to live, to survive, to share with those we love.

Truth never changes as the Word is unwavering. When Moses was gathering the tablets of stone to direct the Israelites. God encouraged Moses.

Exodus 34:6 AMP
Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);

We are not passive in our seeking truth, we listen or read truth and then we must obey the commands of our Creator God for our best lives. The Lord shared more directions in the scriptures that follow.

Exodus 34:7-10 AMP
“keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].” [8] Moses bowed to the earth immediately and worshiped [the Lord]. [9] And he said, “If now I have found favor and lovingkindness in Your sight, O Lord, let the Lord, please, go in our midst, though it is a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your possession.” [10] Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will do wondrous works (miracles) such as have not been created or produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live shall see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful and awesome thing that I am going to do with you.

If we choose to ignore or blind our eyes, ears and minds from the wisdom of God, we are held accountable even done through our children’s and their children’s generations. God is loving and just.

There have been crazy weather patterns across the country. This past week we had sleet, snow, subzero temperatures, more snow, and fog so thick you couldn’t see far ahead of the car. Trusting God and His wisdom is like continuing to drive through fog so thick you have to trust what is on the other side. It is a straight stable road when your trust is in Him. There is light on the other side and wisdom for the journey.

So where is the value of truth? It is where it has always been with the Lord. We must give all authority to Him, He will never betray or leave us. New year new steps to His truth, one step at a time!

Matthew 6:33 NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Life is a test

“You can do it!” photo courtesy of Pexel.com

Do you remember the midterms and finals of your high school years? It’s been a while for me however watching my youngest tackle a load of classes, organizational techniques, develop her tribe, and handle the emotional stress is something.

I am so glad my school testing years are behind me. I don’t know how I would measure up to the current academic standards. I find myself glancing over her course syllabus and assignments and thinking, “wow, I didn’t learn that until college.” By the way, this is no snub to our current teachers and expectations.

In this fast-paced world, computers excelled in bringing us to another quantum level. The hard part is the individual is assessed on their capacity to keep up and perhaps not as much on the internal compass of kindness, compassion, and stillness with Christlike moral compass instead it seems the push is in taking on the world.

“In our need for speed” on many levels, our youth and young adults can be so overstimulated, overstressed, and overwhelmed on the midterm and final test day. Every day is a test.

Tests of character traits of integrity and compassion for our fellow man will bring more potential to future success than a cutthroat mentality of dog-eat-dog.

God’s way is perfect. He enables us to stand on mountain heights. He gives us opportunities for success that reflect His character and love. Even in our challenges when we feel a failure, we can grow in our faith. No one wants to fail. We can allow those times to remind us in the testing God is not through with us yet!

Psalm 18:30-35 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.

We do need to put forth effort in gaining knowledge to study and retain information. We do need to seek wisdom from wise, compassionate, eager teachers, and we do need to not expect a good grade if we are lazy. In the end, reflecting a Christlike character is a sign of success. We can be an example for Jesus regardless of the final test results. The Lord will direct our lives and develop our gifts when we allow ourselves to learn. Who is with me?

Testing one, two, three. The bell has rung. Time to get in your seat, the teacher is ready to place the final exam on your desk. Are you ready? Have you prepared?

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The cool thing is our Teacher, Jesus, the best friend of the disciples, the good, good Father already accepts us. He loves us regardless of the final grade. Wisdom comes from above. So take a deep breath and smile at the Teacher. He believes in you.

Septic or Manure

Today was an interesting day. We live in the country with a septic system instead of the standard home plumbing system.

There are times when the frozen winter temperatures cause ice/ paper/toilet garbage to form in the pipes from home to the septic tank buried in our front field. Perhaps, the use of low flow toilets does not always provide enough water to flush contents down and out of the pipes. Maybe it’s the use of too much toilet paper.

Regardless, there are days when the pipes get clogged, the pressure increases and the sinks / toilet overflow into our home.

Are you shoveling manure? photo by Mary Mesikapp

Todays’ septic event provided a disgusting predicament. As I resolved the inner house mess, I pondered our latest relational challenge. It sure does stink. The situation feels a bit much, yet it just needs to be processed and cleaned up. Thank you to my husband the outside septic access was dug up and he cleared the pipes. Glad it was him not me.

Instead of looking at an uncomfortable challenge as a pile of manure, I am seeing an opportunity for a workout. Just as cleaning up the septic mess in my basement was an unplanned detour, I still need to get rid of relational or heart messes.

Slowly but surely, I sopped up the liquids, cleaned up the cement along with the unfinished basement and bathroom area. The sink in the shop was scrubbed. Next, I scrubbed the floors with a bleach cleaner and air dried. The stench disappeared and the area was clean again.

Our hearts can be unclean and filled with bitterness, the stench that can keep people away. The loneliness deepens and love seems an unreachable option.

I can choose pressure and to be filled up with manure or septic garbage, or I can choose to put in the effort necessary to clean up the attitude and my heart mess.

Jesus wants His children to be open to His love, His ways, His plans but we have to clear out the garbage that blocks our hearts and minds.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP

No bleach needed, just an open heart and mind so get ready to shine.

Let’s Pray:
Create in me a clean heart, Lord, show me the attitudes, responses and actions that push Jesus, friends or family away. Instead, I want a shiny new heart that is open to blessing, love and filled with encouragement. These character flaws need to go. I want my thoughts to reflect a new life and a greater love that comes from seeking You.

Time to move

The Byrds are remembered for a song, “Turn, turn, turn” that includes a message from words found in Ecclesiastes 3 regarding time. Time can not stand still, there is love and hate, war and peace, and a time for forgiveness and grace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11,14-15 NLT

[1] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. [2] A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. [3] A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. [4] A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. [5] A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. [6] A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. [7] A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. [8] A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. [11] Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. [14] And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. [15] What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

Every day can be a time to do our own personal reset in our lives, words, and actions. People in positions of power across the world seem to forget the principle of taking time to move for humanity. Before it is too late.

However, I think these moments in history both in the world and within our own communities can give us time to ponder our own reactions. I am learning that I must not hold onto anything that is not in my control to change. I am learning that Jesus can have it all. But I must say the words out loud ” Jesus Have it all!” and then I must leave my concerns in His hands.

This is not an easy task. In fact, I can find myself turning my gaze behind me reconsidering, and picking up the situation. But when I get in the way of the Lord’s plan, I mess up the future and my faith in the unseen future is wrecked again. Can you relate?

Proverbs 16: 1 - 3
1 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.

Jeremy Riddle, a Christian musician, and his amazing band recently released an album. It is so filled with the feeling of the Presence of God. This song is amazing, “Jesus Have It All” is my absolute favorite reminder of giving all my worries, fears, and concerns to the One who has better plans. Thank you to the person who put this song into a lyric video less than 24 hours ago. God bless you.

Time is in the Lord’s Hands! He knows the end to the beginning. He is the Alpha and Omega! Rest in His arms. Listen to the Peace that comes when you hand Him your life, all of it!!!

Beauty for ashes

Pain can be overwhelming, and emotions can heighten our belief that we can’t conquer the beast. No matter what life brings we have to turn our eyes to Jesus. Fix our minds on what Jesus says about us.

I just want to let you know there’s only love at the cross of Christ! So no matter what you’re going through Jesus waits to love you.

Shame is the devil’s tool to keep you from God‘s purpose in your life. It is a huge wall that the enemy tries to put between you and your Savior Jesus!

Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. [2] He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. [3] To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

There’s only love in the heart of Jesus! Sometimes circumstances beyond our control, our own personal choices, can lead to experiences that try to destroy us. But God wants to break through all of that. And He wants you to come to the Father!

A friend shared this song by Zach Williams, the “Heart of God”. Someone I love is struggling right now, however, the message of God‘s promises in the song is true. So go to the arms of God!

Isaiah 61:8-9 NLT
“For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. [9] Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”

Commit my Heart?

What our heart treasures shows where we are committed. Today, I felt drawn to the heart and commitment. Just yesterday, I was sharing with my teen the difference between feelings and faith in God. The raw hormones of a teen guy or gal can feel like truth. But when we step back and breathe we can learn the heart is an impulsive organ.

Scripture shares multiple examples of this process. Mediate on what God says about the heart. It may provide a new instruction and it will be truth.

Numbers 6:24-26 AMP

The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; [25] The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; [26] The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’

Deuteronomy 4:29-31 NLT

But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. [30] “In the distant future, when you are suffering all these things, you will finally return to the LORD your God and listen to what he tells you. [31] For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NLT

“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. [5] And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. [6] And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. [7] Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. [8] Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. [9] Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Matthew 5:5 AMP

“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 6:19-24 AMP

“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; [21] for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. [22] “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. [23] But if your eye is bad [spiritually blind], your whole body will be full of darkness [devoid of God’s precepts]. So if the [very] light inside you [your inner self, your heart, your conscience] is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness!

There is great wisdom in each of these scriptures. Wisdom to share with family and friends. Take a deep breath and gain a new heart rhythm set on Jesus!

Matthew 6:24. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Search for The Lord with all your heart, body, mind and soul and be renewed. Set a new trajectory of purpose for your life and your family,maybe generational curses can be broken. Set your heart and commit to know the wisdom of the Heart of God. You can’t serve two Masters! You can be changed as your heart beats with the Father.

Mountains

Majestic mountains stand across the planet. Their massive rock foundations can reach for the sky, and the highest mountain is Mount Everest, at 29,032 feet, its located in the Himalayas. Everest is thought to be 50 to 60 million years old. Multiple Millions of years old, it has gone through transformation by weather patterns and erosion. Erosion has left grooves and cracks as winds, ice, and glaciers with water flow to further etch this massive mountain.

Our own individual mountain of self is formed by those in our life; family, friends, etc. If we consider our lives as a mountain, we may ponder the life experiences that can bring us a sense of purpose, our mind is a powerful foundation for our future. Words of affirmation from some parents can build up the inside voices of optimism. These words can be just what we need to remember on days when the world outside our home chips away like a rocky erosion at our sense of worth.

Sadly, not everyone has been raised with encouraging words. Even on the best days, parents can speak without thinking and hurl hurtful words. I have had to seek my kids’ and families’ forgiveness for careless speech. By asking forgiveness, I give my child an opportunity to see grace and mercy in action too.

For those raised in a verbally abusive environment, their minds can be filled with words of cruelty, such as”you are so stupid, you will never succeed, I am so disappointed in you, why try?” We are a product of our upbringing. Some words improve our inner dialog, giving us a sense of purpose and setting foundation. While other words are set to destroy our optimistic inner dialogue and negative support can cause our actions to self sabotage our futures.

Negative words etch and chip away at our belief we can achieve success. This negativity of mind can drain us from a life of hope. Words can come from family, friends, employers, coworkers, or even teachers. It could be as a high schooler struggling in Algebra, English perhaps any subject. Encouraging teachers can increase our confidence. Teachers with impatience or an inability to share concepts from viewpoints other than their usual learning process; kinesthetic, auditory, visuals, or words, can stunt a students growth. Parents, teachers, or any human can miss the opportunity to guide a child to success and a Godly inner dialogue.

I can visualize a preschooler’s hands tightly pressed across their ears, yelling, ” Lala La” so he can drown out the Peanuts’ parent voice. ” Wa Wa Wa Wa.” Maybe there is something to this childish action. What do you think, is it socially acceptable as an adult to plug your ears?

The world will do its best to increase our insecurity and negative mindset. We have to actively seek a Godly perspective for ourselves and share with it with our kids.

We need to open our ears and minds to THE Rock, the voice of God. and plug our ears from those humans that are not helpful. It takes practice to drown out the world and realize we can really open our ears to the Rock. It says in scripture our Creator God delights in the praises of His creation. Can you visualize the mountains bursting in song? I would love to hear that sound.

Isaiah 55:3 -13

3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
    Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
    I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
    I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
    and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
    Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
    and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
    Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
    and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
    producing seed for the farmer
    and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
    and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
12 You will live in joy and peace.
    The mountains and hills will burst into song,
    and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
    Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;
    they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”

God is unfailing in love. His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways. His Word can fill our minds with optimism that can prompt our steps, and His hope that can drown out the babbling of an unhealthy voice. Our God is bigger than Mount Everest. Our mindset needs to be set on Him. “Speak to the Mountain”, is an awesome song by Chris McClarney. I play and sing it loud!!

Powerful Lyrics remind us God is Faithful. His Promises are True. Speak to The Mountain, He is Greater than our feelings and He already knows our needs. There is no mountain too high for His plans to succeed. Speak to Him. He is greater, Stronger than even Everest!