What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Squirrel”? Is it a cute, red-furred animal that frustrates your dog by taunting from a tree? Does the word, squirrel, bring up visions of Doug, the awkward, friendly dog from the Disney movie, “UP”?
Perhaps, it’s my recent trip to Disney World? I feel like Doug the distracted dog with multiple voices calling in my head. The voices say, “conflict in relationships, it’s your fault… you are unreasonable, just a judgemental Christian. is that true Lord? If so, I repent. Family is joy and trial but must I be quiet, keep the peace? My thoughts detour to wars waged across the world, sadness, and despair for the family of God in harm’s way. Frustrations for decisions by those you love may cause health issues or even death, do I speak up as a nurse?”
These are just a few thoughts swirling in my mind. Distractions of news, social media, and just plain life make me feel poked to limit time with God, or drop a quick prayer and walk along my way. Do my prayers matter or are they useless? However, prayers do matter.
James 5: 16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Prayer is a way to battle in the heavenly spaces. It matters when I take time to praise the Lord, putting the praise music loud in my home and singing along are action steps of faith even when I feel spent and weary.Can you relate?
Psalm 103 : 1- 5
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
Squirrel!!! There it goes again, the voice in my head, I feel the distraction coming again. Hey, wait a minute, God created that amazing animal, he is shy, yet motivated, he is free to run, and climb trees and fences. He may taunt my pets but He brings joy as he chatters loudly.
God listens to me as I chatter, ah there now I feel better, the same God that made me has made the squirrel. He has a purpose as do I. Let me sing a new song to the Creator God, and let me spend time climbing (in my mind) onto the lap of my Father. Let me imagine the joy of time spent with Himas He renews my strength as a youth.
Breathing deep, I feel calmer and I hope you do too. Blessed when I seek more connection with the Lord. Peace is coming even if temporary.
So the next time you feel the call of the Squirrel, pause, and chatter with the Creator. Find the joy again even in the midst of a chaotic time.
Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
We pray for our brothers and sisters across the world especially those in harm’s way. The Shepherd knows His sheep. It is heart-wrenching to see people on their knees, praying for their country as the bombs were coming. What inspiration to see people return to fight and mothers praying on media proclaiming their faith in Jesus. Or to see Russians protesting the war and praying for a cease-fire, we are all sheep of His pasture.
Genesis, the first book of the Bible talks about Adam and Eve and their first offspring. Ever since the first family, Cain and Abel there have been clashing sin relationships. Ishmael the first son of Abraham was born by Hagar, his maidservant who was told by God, Ishmael would be a man in conflict. However, God also said he would bless Ishmael, as the sins of Abram and Sarah were not his fault. Ishmael reaped the consequence of Abraham and Sarah’s impatience to go ahead of God’s plan for a child. Hagar was a servant and slept with Abram with the result, Ishmael.
What happens when we forge ahead of the Lord’s plan? When we must have our way, we choose disobedience instead of being still and awaiting better plans. We are seeing the battle of pride, getting its own way regardless of the human lives destroyed, lost, and changed forever. It is a selfish, deadly, evil position. When we consider human life as meaningless. When we choose to bomb as refugees are attempting to flee, we are evil.
The Lord sees all of this, however, we wonder if He hears the cries of His people. We pray for continued endurance and safety as the people continue to seek Jesus. Lord strengthen Your people.
We do sense many are considering the end of the world now. The time seems to be shortening, where do you stand? Is it with the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord God Almighty, or with the enemy of your soul, the evil one? The time is now, choose whom you will serve.
Joshua 24:15,17 NLT
[15] But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." [17] For the LORD our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors ... He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us.
Meditating on what we see in the world and how it aligns with battles written in scripture is eye-opening. It has made me ponder my own walk of faith over fear and considering from where the battles come. Who can predict tomorrow? Only the Lord knows the number of our days. Fear is addressed in many places in the Bible and meditating on the truth, He is with us in the battles can strengthen our faith.
Isaiah 43:5-13 NLT
[5] "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. [6] I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. [7] Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.'" [8] Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. [9] Gather the nations together! Assemble the peoples of the world! Which of their idols has ever foretold such things? Which can predict what will happen tomorrow? Where are the witnesses of such predictions? Who can verify that they spoke the truth? [10] "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God- there never has been, and there never will be. [11] I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. [12] First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. [13] "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."
When I watch the Ukrainian people and their willingness to bear arms, women, and men willing to die for their country. Russian people are willing to protest, go to jail, and maybe be persecuted for their stance for a cease-fire and no war, we see fearlessness and strength. We can click on a newsreel or personal accounts at the moment our fellow humans; brothers and sisters, trying to survive the chaos and feel deep in our souls the heart of mothers as they comfort children, care for their parents, or see fathers leaving their family at transportation stations. We see strangers join the fight for humanity.
Those in the war zone are like Daniel and the guys in the fiery furnace. They are warriors for peace, amid potential death. They are strengthened by the Lord how else can the war of David against Goliath continue unless the Lord and His angels are engaged in this battle.
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
[17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. [18] But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."
People from multiple countries are choosing to serve the people in crisis, neighboring countries are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Serving others is serving His people.
Psalm 46:1-11 NLT
[1] God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2] So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. [3] Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude [4] A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. [5] God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. [6] The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! [7] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude [8] Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. [9] He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." [11] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Who can know the mind of God? No one! His ways are above our ways. These times have brought me, and I am sure many, to their knees. I heard a podcast from Pastor Tony Evans, his insight has stayed with me. “Faith is the key. God has enough for each of us. It isn’t material it is eternal. “
We only see or hear what the media wants to represent. What is true or what is not? God is enough for us. We see evil on all sides, yet we also see the strength of people who proclaim their faith in Jesus. Warriors for their families and nation. Both sides are children of God. Both sides need prayer.
Our Creator God sees and hears, He waits for all His children to repent and come to the Father, how it must grieve Him to see the destruction. Human understanding is not the wisdom of God.
2 Peter 3:8-10 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
He waits for all His sheep to return to the fold. Will they return? Will justice be done on earth as it is in heaven? Even the disciples asked Jesus during his time on earth, how they should pray? Jesus responded in Matthew 6: 7 – 13.
Matthew 6:7-13 NLT
[7] "When you pray, don't babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. [8] Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!
[9] 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.
Action step: Who are we to give an opinion? We are called to pray for our family, the brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm and not give up. They are not alone, the Heavenly armies fight for them. We are called to a deeper prayer of the supernatural calling the angel of heavens armies to come to save His people, in the Name of Jesus?
The battle is not flesh and blood but against the evil ones, the Battle is the Lord's. What can we do as His people, we can battle by prayer for all people in crisis, may His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, in the Name of Jesus!
As we watch the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we must take a deep breath and breathe in the Breathe of Life, our Creator God!!! From the beginning of time, the Bible shares in the first book Genesis: the creation of the earth, water, the sky, animals, birds of the air, ocean creatures, and the human in the physical forms of Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:7 7 Then the Lord God formed a man[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
At these times of uncertainty in the world or even in our personal lives, our first reaction is to freak out and isolate hold or decrease our breathing. Our body is an amazing thing that needs the breath of oxygen and the exchange with carbon dioxide. We don’t even think about this physical exchange, it happens naturally. Our body needs the balance of these two elements.
When we are anxious, in fear or anger, we may tighten our chest, breathe more shallow and become more anxious, fearful, or angry. This sure doesn’t help our circumstances. With less oxygen circulating and less carbon dioxide exchanged, our minds are less clear and we freak out even further.
What would happen if we remembered to Breathe in with the Lord? With every deep breath, meditate on the fact, the Lord is your creator and He is filling you with Life. What awe, what truth, amazing!!!
I was blessed to hear this song from Maverick City Music, “Breathe”, is so filled my mind with hope, lessened my anxious thoughts on world events, and brought me to my Savior again.
Breathe in the Lord! Don’t hold your breath instead Praise the Lord! I believe you will sway with the music and receive the blessings of a moment of peace.
This is a reblog of my first post. It feels so relevant for current times. May it encourage and remind you we all have broken parts. The world seems to be fracturing between nations. We all need peace and unity with our Creator. Our cracks can be healed and patched up by time meditating on His Word. Let Jesus provide the glue and wisdom.
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I am inspired to share wisdom from the challenges in life. I went to an adoption group meeting last week, one of the leaders spoke about an ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi.
This Japanese art mends broken pottery with gold lacquer making the repaired piece more beautiful for having been broken. The message of using our broken stories, mistakes, trials and pains, for good, resonated with me.
Why do I see broken experiences as loss? Why do I see mistakes as failures? Why do I see trials as punishment? Do these broken stories mean I am forever broken? Who gave me this pessimistic thought? Should I stay in the negative or choose instead to see the other side? That is the choice I must make no matter which road I choose to journey.
As I purposely broke the creme colored china tea cup, I pondered the long list of my challenges with myself, and others. I pondered the mindset of the negative. I thought back to how in my infertility I found God. I thought in the stress and fears of adoption, awaiting God’s blessing, I felt His presence again. I thought, how each one of my children came to my husband and I at just the right time, God’s time, His Presence, His blessings to me. Why is that surprising and yet inspiring? The trials brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus. I had to trust Him with the unknown.
As I watch each stage in my children’s life, I am reminded yet again, God is refining me as the epoxy and gold flakes reconnected the broken pieces of my china tea cup. The bond of strength in this cup is stronger, the gold shimmering edges of the cracked pieces are more luminous. The beauty of the creme colored tea cup is changed and more meaningful to me now than if the tea cup hadn’t been broken.
As I was breaking the tea cup, I thought in the back of my mind how amazing it would be if there was a small irreparable opening. I reflected if that opening appeared it would be a reminder of how the Lord God Himself has shown Himself through the cracks of my life. It would remind me I am not meant to go through repair without His Light.
Interesting enough, the small opening in my creme colored tea cup did appear, I carefully dabbed on gold dusted epoxy in the opening. Surely I will remember He is steadfast in all trials, joys and the steps of life. May I be the example to those who watch the step by step journey of His Light shining through the cracks. Refined, remade, richer and Luminous!!!
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Today is Valentine’s Day, a day when those with love interests and those without are deeply effected. We all want to feel loved. It is the most important connection to our human race. It defines our need to fit in and feel a sense of worth. Our Creator made us in His image, Jesus loves you!
Love crosses every human relationship: family, friends, besties, team mates, and then, the more obvious on Valentine’s Day, the romantic relationship.
God gives a template for how to really love another human. The key character traits are found in 1 Corinthians 13, I have found over a few decades of marriage these traits are not always easy but they are mandatory.
Grace, mercy and forgiveness in relationships is a choice. These are the same character examples given to us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can’t use these love actions without knowing Him and wanting to reflect Jesus to those we love. It is not in our strength it is in asking Jesus to help us be a loving example. On my own, my responses tend to be selfish, self serving, impulsive, prideful and pretty much it’s “my way”.
So on those days, you feel anger, disappointment or sadness related to a miscommunication in your life, seek Jesus first and be amazed as your response is more like Him.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT. [4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. [6] It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love in Action exercise: Reread 1 Corinthians 13 and replace your name in every place of you see love.
As you say aloud: ——— is patient, ——— is kind, etc. you may reevaluate your responses and deep breathe as you exchange your actions in love Jesus way. It isn’t easy however it will be worth it.
People come and go but friends can impact each other in one moment or for a lifetime.
As I open the door to my favorite coffee shop, the brisk, frigid winter air swirls subzero for a moment. I am warmed by the smiling friendly faces of my breakfast buddies; the two baristas.
I am welcomed by the sweet voice of the two women baristas. We share morning greetings. I am humbled as we have moved past pleasantries as long as the customers are not behind me. As time has progressed, the lovely ladies see me coming and have my favorite coffee drink ready to go.
The coffee shop is my writing environment. I anticipate my reserved table after school drop-off. I seek the Lord for His pearls of wisdom to flow from my fingers onto the computer page.
These young women and I have begun to share personal stories. One single mom and barista is blessed with an elementary school daughter. I have been asking the Lord if he wants our friendship to deepen.
Recently, she revealed being raised in a Christian home but stepping away from her parents’ religion. I truly understood this path. I reminded her Jesus loves you, always has, and always will. I said, “He will use every life step for a new graceful loving relationship but we have to seek Him, Jesus is grace-filled and loving”. She responded, ” Yes, I think you are right, I wasn’t raised to a relationship with Jesus, just religion. “
Psalm 25:12-14 NLT
[12] Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. [13] They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. [14] The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.
Friends join our lives in many ways and from many environments. Sometimes, they are friends of friends or being a mom whose kids are in extracurricular activities or sports, a coworker with common interests, or even a stranger who becomes a little sister such as the barista at the coffee shop!!
Thank you, Lord, for expanding my friend group. Today’s conversation was seasoned in love as we shared a common experience as moms in a crazy worldview time.
May the three-stranded cord of our relationship with Jesus grow into a rich mentorship. We can learn from others even those generations removed. In fact, I feel blessed that I am allowed to speak any words to this sweet young mama. May my words be good advice and encourage her as the Lord encourages me.There may be someone whose path you cross that may need a friend. Ask the Lord to help you take a step of faith, your life journey can bring hope to another.
Proverbs 12:26 NLT
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
Proverbs 17:17 NLT
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
The Big C-word (Cancer) has a way of stopping a person in their tracks, your breath stops, your mind is blank and you are standing on the precipice of mortality.
Will cancer be my undoing or will I have faith in God as I tackle the necessary doctor-designed treatments and care?It is an independent reflective time, no one can take the process from you.
How will I be changed? Will my body be forever damaged? Will my emotions, psychological outlook, my spiritual walk be in trusting God or in anger to this potential future?
It is a dichotomy of thoughts. It is life and death in balance. It is knowing family and friends watch your faith in action or your questioning of faith. (It is ok, God understands.)
It is a time to let friends and family help, pray for you, and serve your needs. I am a giver and not the best receiver. However, as I went through this process, I was humbled and felt the love and support of many. God and his people were with me. I am a breast cancer survivor for two years. I reflect on my past and I celebrate the completion of my dear friends’ cancer treatments today. Praise the Lord!
I share this song by Kristene DiMarco today, It is Well. I love her rendition. It flows in such a way you will feel empowered, or should I say Him Powered!!
No matter the trial, choose to hold onto Jesus, It is Well with Him.
Times of testing continue as each day begins. The pinkish-orange hues of a morning sunrise break forth a beautiful new day.
Each day when new joys and challenges are the norms especially with COVID and WW3 on the horizon, sunrises remind me a new day dawns. The sounds of a rooster crowing, a dog barks, a cat yells to be let outside. Do you need this visual reminder as another day begins?
Being a support to family, friends, and our own children at this time is imperative. However, where do you get your wisdom? Is your wisdom gained from the mindless scrolling of news, social media, or gossip from the smartest person you know?
Or is your truth found when you take time to plug into the source of wisdom, the Bible? It is found in the New Testament, it is the second half of the Christian Bible. It deals with the life and teachings of Jesus along with documented stories and letters from the early Christian church.
James is toward the end of the New Testament. I have loved the book of James because it is so easy to read. It doesn’t matter the generation, it is wise and poignant no matter your station in life. As a single, married, childless, or current mom, friend, or family, or in joy and trial, it is the place to discover wisdom.
James was the biological half-brother of Jesus. He was Mary and Joseph’s son. He hated and misunderstood his big bro, Jesus. He probably was jealous of all the attention Jesus gained until his death on the cross. Then, James had time for introspection and perhaps regret his past relationship with Jesus. He writes to the reader as one who has learned to trust God and put aside his human need to be right.
James 1: 2 - 6 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.
Our endurance is being grown by our circumstances. Our loyalty must be with God alone, He never wavers or changes. If you struggle with divided loyalty, such as trying to control things on your own over trusting God. You are not alone so did James.A new sunrise, a new day can bring a new response. make it a good one.
I really appreciate the wisdom I have found from Kari Kampakis. I have two of her books. If you have a preteen, teenager or even young adult kids, you will benefit from her consistent, transparent, God given wisdom.
I am blessed to reblog this post “10 ways to Love a Teenager”. I am sure it will be a great resource. God bless you as a mentor, parent, friend, human. 😉 Mary
More love, less fear — Photo by Jasmine Carter ( Pexels,com)
1 John 4:11-21 NLT [11] Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. [12] No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
The challenges of the COVID years have brought more fear, less love. Fear of the unknown causes some to isolate, to put up not only their mask but in a sense a fence across their lives.
Fear is a tool of the enemy meant to devour peace, joy and love. Fear can cause divisions in families when people conflict in their understanding of truth. The culture further isolates by fear mongering and continuous barrages of emergency notices. It causes overloaded emotions. feelings and emotions are intense, griping and exhausting however they are not truth. Emotions that run wild cause us to devour and destroy our relationships. Having a relationship with Jesus brings truth and faith over fear.
God calls us not to fear. God calls us to love. I love 1 John : 4. Let me share more gold nuggets of faith in verses 15 – 19.
15] All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. [16] We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. [17] And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
[18] Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. [19] We love each other because he loved us first.
Love is an anecdote to fear. God is love, He wants you to throw out the fear and choose a perfect love. When you choose God ( Jesus) you choose to listen to Him not feelings.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 