SETTLING... Saturday 2/14/15

Devotional for 2/14/15                                                                            

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 3:13b, 14  (NIV)

     We all like the familiar, the secure, and the safe.  It is difficult for most of us to step out into unknown territory to explore the new, the creative, the untried, and the untested.

     Some behaviors, like habits, take time and work to be established.  The problem is, many times we choose the comfortable and 'settle' for what we are and have, rather than choosing God's 'best' for us.

      Life is a process in which we constantly change.  God does not want to leave us in a comfortable position which just settles for the old.  He wants us to strive toward the prize of being the best He intends each of us to be.  It isn't easy.  It is work and it takes effort on our part.

   Which would you rather have -- the old you which just stays mediocre or the blue ribbon you which is God's very best?  Don't settle -- strive.

written by Carol Steficek

God and Goals... Friday

Devotional for 2/13/15

Proverbs 16:3 The Message (MSG)

Put God in charge of your work,

then what you’ve planned will take place.

I have never ever been good at setting goals, following through on things or completing projects for myself.  Now when it comes to things that my sons would have to complete that was something different.  I could and would do anything, absolutely anything to help them succeed.  I have always done very well at providing for them and making sure they had everything they needed, but it was more of a day by day process to get by.  Looking back it was a really fun time, even though challenging quite a bit of the time and I know I worried about everything, as that is what I do.  I would not change the time we shared for anything!!  

I have found myself over the past few years struggling with the “Empty Nest Syndrome”, and therefore made some bad choices that were a temporary fix for me to fill the void of being alone with myself; adjusting to having no one that needs a daily help from mom.  I kept getting myself deeper into a rut of depression and trying to escape reality by avoiding responsibilities with excuses such as, “It will make me even more depressed to deal with it”….and etc.  For quite a time I was doing the bare minimum to get by.  Merely existing, dragging myself out of bed, and dragging through the day trying to not cry; continually feeling sorry for myself and angry at God for me being stuck.

2 John 1:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for,

but may win a full reward.

A funny and beautiful thing happened when I turned my thought process away from my negative self talk to talking to God about my life, along with giving away my worries, fear and tears to Him.  As simple as that….asking Him for help!  Every time I would get upset I would remember to let it go….to pray in Jesus’ name to take away the problem I was having.  Before I knew it I was seeing the sunshine, feeling the love and being grateful again.  I was able to confront the reality of what I had been avoiding, along with that, I was able to set goals to pay off some bills, make some plans to treat myself along the way as I reach some significant milestones.  He has taken such a heavy load off of my back.  I feel amazing and am loving life again.  Let me tell you Sisters, all we ever have to do is ask Him!!  Whatever our burden or challenge, He is always right here for us!!   He never ever turns His back to us, and never will.  Our main job is to remember to never turn away from Him!  Praise you Father, for you have made me joyous and free!  Amen

Proverbs 15:22 The Message (MSG)

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail;
    take good counsel and watch them succeed.

written by Kelly Dobyns

Song: Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) by Chris Tomlin

Somewhere Over the Rainbow......Monday

Rainbows are a fascinating piece of natural phenomenon. When sunlight hits water droplets in the atmosphere, the sunlight refracts and creates a beautiful arch of color. Heading out to run errands I see a huge array of colors spreading across miles of sky.

"Dear Lord, if Elaine goes out today, please let her see this rainbow and be reminded of Your promise."

I blink back my tears feeling numb and overly aware at the same time. I seem to notice everything, yet I am in a bubble and can't hear anything. I can't stop thinking of my friends. I blink again.

"Sir, a vehicle registered in your name has been involved in an accident." 

Every mutual friend I run into expresses their surprise and sympathy. They want to reach out; offer help and comfort. In their own sorrow they quickly admit they can only imagine how difficult this tragedy is for the family.

"I already miss you so very much little brother."

Turning a corner I see the rainbow is still there, brighter than ever. As I watch, it slowly fades little by little until it is no more.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 NIV

To become a parent is to experience a depth and intensity of sweetness and love that we may never have known before. In that moment it is possible for us to have a glimpse of understanding of the cost of God's greatest sacrifice:

For God loved the world so much, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT

Towards the end of his time on earth Jesus told the disciples not to fear his going away because they would see him again:

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 ESV

Dear Lord, please help us all to remember to embrace the gift of today and the promise of eternal life. Please help this family and all of us who are surrounding them with our love to remember that You loved this precious young man and that he is with You. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Jeremy Camp performs "There Will Be a Day"

GOOD VS EVIL... Sunday

Devotional for 2/8/15

Sometimes it seems as though those who are deceitful come out on top of those who are honest.  When that occurs it can create great distress and anger on the part of those who are taking the high road and trying to be honorable.  

There was once a little girl who was abused repeatedly.  She stuffed that memory deep inside, so deep that she denied it even occurred.  But stuffing all that emotion for years had it's side effects. As an adult she began having great difficulty with her relationship with God.  Those stuffed memories started eating their way to the surface, coming back in fractured flashbacks,  transporting her back as that young girl again and was really there, reliving those terrifying events.  

She sought out counseling several times in her adult life.  At one point she found a new counselor she thought would be helpful.  But instead she was repeatedly re-traumatized by this so called professional by being led to relive the terror in that office over and over.  After several sessions of therapy with this therapist, she moved on to another counselor who was a much better match for her.  As things progressed, she learned that the prior therapist had done things incorrectly on many counts, which had caused her a severe set back. So she decided something needed to be done to keep the prior therapist from hurting others.  

This woman decided to submit a complaint against the prior therapist.  When they held a hearing about the complaint, she poured out her heart to them in tears, but the prior counselor denied it all and lied.  They believed the lies and dismissed the complaint, causing the woman great distress and anger as she once again felt violated.  Is this what God intends to happen to those who are trying to stand up for what is right in order to help others?

Psalm 109: 1-2  "O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues." 

But it is not God who causes bad things to happen to good people, it is Satan.  And it is because of humankind's fall into sin that Satan is free to roam this earth.  It is our free will that allows evil to persist in this world.  Because we are not puppets, we are free to choose good or evil.  Those of us who try to choose the right path must try not to stoop to their level to pay evil people back.  Continue to pursue righteousness, leave vengeance to God.  Just because we do not see God's punishment, does not mean it is not occurring or will not occur in the future.  But we must also remember that if they are truly sorry for what they have done and ask for mercy from God, they too will receive it.  While this may seem unfair on the surface, we must be thankful that God forgives, or else we too would be held accountable for everything we did wrong.  And we all sin daily and need forgiveness.

Psalm 37:1-4, 7-9 (NIV)  "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.  Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil.  For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."

written by Jan Andersen

HOMESICKNESS... Saturday

Devotional for 2/7/15

"...the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven..." -- Colossians 1:5a

     Have you ever been somewhere and been homesick?  I have, even as an adult.  The saying goes, "There is no place like home."

     God designed us to desire Him and long for our home in heaven.  Everything here is purely temporary.  Life, even if lived to the age of 100, goes by quickly.

     Each of us has a different path to follow in life.  God has designed each of us as His children with talents and gifts to serve Him and other people.  All the pathways through life, however, only lead us to one place -- we are on the way to our heavenly home.

     Some days I am more homesick for heaven than on others.  I am homesick for my beloved mother and so many friends and family members who are already home.  When I face difficulties on earth I am homesick for a place where all will be perfect and I will live in total health and peace and love.

  I've discovered it is normal to have some homesickness in life.  We're not home yet.

Written by Carol Steficek

Inhaling Faith... Friday

Devotional for 2/6/15

I have been literally taking in every bit of faith I can possibly get my hands on.  I have been an emotional wreck the last week.  (Not a new thing for me, but, reoccurring.)   I have really had a very hard time with the Empty Nest, which really took me by surprise.  So anyway, fighting and masking the emotions has not been a good thing for me.  I was sick with  a cold/cough, not feeling too bad yet, I decided to take a few bags of things to the thrift store for donations.  I guess I was thirteen minutes past the time they accept donations.  I started to cry.  The poor young man must have seen the look on my face as he said so sweetly, "I can't take the Halloween item, but, I will take the bag of clothes.  It will be our little secret."  God bless that young man!!  He blessed me.  I couldn't be angry, I couldn't say anything except Thank you so much!!  I still cried when I got back in my pick up, but, I was also so amazed at how God puts these little blessings in our lives that prove to be huge. 

I spend most of my spare time taking in all the faith thoughts and words that I can.  I need them to help me carry on through each day.  It is a real challenge for me to get things done these days.  I feel like I live in too much clutter, and don't know where to begin.  I then realized that I had already begun.  I had those two bags of clothing and household items to give away.  I was overly blessed by a complete stranger when I did that....and I have started a new project of purging and shredding the old papers that I have hidden in drawers and closets.  Also, a new bag of "thrift store blessings" to add to as I find things around my house that need to be moved on to bless someone else in their home.
Thank you, my dear wonderful and ever so loving Father for placing that wonderful young man in my Saturday, through the tears you brought me, you also brought me more of a blessing, knowledge and your amazing peace to my heart by showing me that I am not suppose to do everything in one day.  When I inhale your faith I am able to see the blessings through the tears and the trees, as well as know that I can and will get all things done within your time with your will, not mine.


I love you, Father and I want you in every breathe and every word and every action of all my days.

Express Gratitude Daily!!

Written by Kelly Dobyns

A Good Salt Lick and a Will to Live

The will to survive and the lack thereof are two completely contrary phenomena that baffle the mind.  At least they baffle my mind.  I’ve never found myself in a situation where either one of these two overcame me.  I would like to believe that I would have the will to survive in a life or death situation.  It comes across as noble, but under certain circumstances it appears impossible.  There are some things that I hear or read about and I’m amazed that a person could survive it.  Where does that will come from?  I think to myself that if it were me I would have given up. 

Just as unbelievable is someone who believes that they have nothing to live for.  So they end it all.  I’ve always been told that suicide is selfish.  I believe it to be so.  But I’ve never felt that desperation.  How difficult is it to walk in someone else’s shoes?

The truth is, I’ve never known of a person who ended it all without a single one mourning their loss.  There’s always someone to live for.  That’s why it confuses me.  That’s why I believe it to be selfish.  However, many would argue that someone in that frame of mind is not thinking of hurting others.  They’re only trying to escape their misery.  Yet, what in the world would cause someone to lose such a will?  A matter of the heart?  A battle in the mind?  An empty spot in their soul? 

I’ve read tons of testimonies and even spoken to some who claim they had died and willed themselves back into their body because of someone or many “someones” that they loved and who needed them to stay.  On the other hand, there are countless stories of abandoned babies surviving deadly elements.  They wouldn’t be thinking of the ones they’re leaving behind, yet they have a will to live.  It must be inherent.  In fact, the will to live is so inherent, it’s programmed into our bodies.  We have countless physical mechanisms to assist us in surviving. 

I understand coming to the end of a long lived life, having all your loved ones say good-bye, and then stepping over the threshold of eternity into the arms of Jesus.  What I don’t understand is that thing that purposely ends your life too soon by your own hand.  Like I said, I think to myself that I’ve never walked in their shoes, so how could I know.  How could I know what it’s like to lose your children?  I haven’t.  How could I know what it’s like to not be loved?  I am.  How can I know?  How can I know?  How can I know? 

No matter how many times I ask that question, I can’t stop thinking of the word “selfish”.  No matter how depressed a person becomes, I just can’t buy that they can’t think of at least one person who still loves them.  Of course, the obvious phrase that comes to mind is, “If only they knew how much Jesus loves them.”  But that becomes even more confusing when you know without a doubt that even that much they knew. 

Here, I’ve been going about my days striving to not “mumble and grumble” and looking for little “pleasures and treasures” to put a smile on my face when in actuality I’m so completely blessed.  I have so much to be thankful for especially when I hear of so many who are suffering.  Maybe it’s something I read in the news, a prayer request that breaks my heart, or a friend going through unbearable health problems. 

I know there’s nothing wrong with looking for the little things.  I’m glad they’re there.  I’m so giddy to find a missing black high heel shoe.  I’m so touched by my son giving my grandma the pictures of himself that his girlfriend gave back.  And for the last few days, I’ve just been relieved that there are sunflower seeds and pickles in my kitchen because sometimes at the end of the day, you just need a good salt lick.  I know that may not make sense to some, and yet a lot of sense to others.  A good salt lick is definitely a pleasure that I treasure.  It’s just that it feels shallow to sit down and write about such things when I know so much about the problems others are facing. 

My "twenty something" year old daughter recently lost a good friend to suicide.  It’s been very difficult helping her through this time.  When she finally became angry with him, I told her it was OK to be angry.  After all, suicide is a selfish thing to do.  I remember when a close friend of mine almost took her life, I told her that very thing.  I told her I was angry that she was about to take her life away from me.  She had not thought about it that way until I said it, so it just might be that those in that frame of mind need to be told such things…if it’s possible to do so before it’s too late. 

I guess what really has me baffled is that at the same time that this whole tragedy has occurred in my daughter’s life, I’m reading a book about someone with an amazing will to live.  As a home schooling mom, I will sometimes read with my children a piece of literature to help them understand a moment in history.  As they’ve become older, the subject of the reading material has become difficult…not just for them, but for me.  The latest has been a book called, “The Auschwitz Escape”.  It’s an historical fiction of a young man surviving the atrocities of the most infamous death camp during the holocaust. 

Even though it’s fiction, “The Auschwitz Escape” is of course based on actual events.  There truly were plenty who survived this evil moment in history.  The details are so horrendous, you wonder how they had the will to survive…yet amazingly many did.  The author did thorough research and studied many real life accounts written down by these survivors including what was going through their minds.  What caught me by surprise was the main character feeling guilty that he should have been thinking of how to help others, but instead he was only thinking about how he himself could survive and it made him feel selfish.  Selfish?  Really?

He had a will to survive, and even more baffling is that he had no one to survive for.  Everyone he ever knew and loved had already died, but he still had a determination to survive this nightmare.  And he thought he was being selfish?  Well it is true that giving up your own life to save another is the greatest sacrifice.  But I don’t think he was being selfish.  He was recognizing a true treasure, his own life.  It was obviously inherent inside of him.  He didn’t know Jesus.  He wasn’t close to God.   However, he was determined to hold onto something that God had given to him…life. 

I read how in the midst of his suffering, he would look up and admire the blue sky or the colors of the blooming flowers off in the distance.  Somehow, amidst the stench of burning flesh, he would sense the sweet smell of green grass touched by fresh rain.  After standing at attention for hours on end, he would finally get a few hours of sleep and drift off to sleep smiling at the hope of his own escape.  Those are definitely pleasures that he completely treasured.  But it wasn’t those treasures that kept him going, it was his will to hold onto life. 

Our creator gave us life.  We live first in this life and then forever in another after.  It’s so precious that He gave His own so we would live in that “after” with Him and not apart from Him.  It’s so precious that He programmed it into us to keep hold of it even if we don’t know why we have that will to.  It’s so powerful that the enemy must go to the greatest lengths to lie to us to convince us to give it up.  That evil enemy is determined to do this because even he knows how precious it is.  It truly is the greatest treasure.

I have so many wonderful, precious things in my life that I treasure.  I think about them all the time.  In fact, I often feel guilty for how blessed I am.  Though I know God does not desire for me to feel guilt because of my blessings.  He wants me to enjoy them…the big things like my health…my loved ones…the life He gave me.  But it’s OK to smile at the little things too…like the salty Tostitos with the hint of lime that I’m munching on right now.  (I ran out of sunflower seeds and pickles, and you know, sometimes at the end of the day you just need a good salt lick.)

Amie Spruiell 2/4/15