What about the Gamers who we love and are lost in their World

2 Cor. 10:3 “ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.’

 The number of sons, in particular, living out their lives playing video games is staggering. I have honestly lost track of how many moms I have met over the years with the same story. Daughters too are not exempt; it just seems to afflict boys more than girls.

 In addition to the gaming addiction, often there is layered on top an addiction to marijuana and a struggle with depression as well. It is generally the same story, and the mother stands before me brokenhearted, not knowing what to do. There is not a simple answer, but I do know where I would start.

 I was at a pastors’ conference, and I heard about a very cool ministry, certainly not one God is calling me into. There are these 2 pastors who live online gaming and meet these very same young people from all over the world. They build a relationship with the kids and when the opportunity is right, they share Christ. It is remarkable what they are doing, and I am very grateful for what they do.

 I asked them what advice they would have for parents of these kids, and they said “Just love them and try to understand their world. Maybe learn about the games they play”.

 Honestly, while that may be good advice, it falls short to this mother’s heart. I told them I would rather pray my loved one out of the basement and out of that pretend world. They said that “I was not being realistic. “

 They do not know my story.

 I know that if God could rescue my son out of the world of addictions, He is big enough to rescue these beloved sons from the addiction which has captured them. Why would we doubt Him? Did He not hang the stars in place and give us life?  Has He not come specifically to set the captives free?  Does He not heal us?  Surely, He is big enough to rescue these ones as well.  

 One of my favorite Bible verses will forever be “ The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He anointed me to preach good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. “ Isaiah 61:1

 I read this and think, “Why would I settle for anything less than what our Lord has promised us?” How do we start? With prayer.  We must earnestly lean into God through prayer, day after day, until the battle is won.

 We fought in prayer for years for our son and then the battle was won. We thank God for the power of prayer and for His intervention.

Dear Jesus,

 Thank you that You are indeed big enough to rescue my loved one, to come and intervene. Bring the light of Your presence and set my loved one free. Heal and restore their life Jesus. My hope is in You. Give me wisdom as I am in desperate need of it. Thank you,

 In Jesus’ Name,

 Amen

 P.S. If you have a loved one who is captive to something, please consider the devotional Bill and I wrote called Hope for an Unwanted Journey. Each week is based on something God taught us in the valley. Perhaps it would be helpful to you or someone you know. It is available through us (email me at donnaleadyck@gmail.com) or Indigo online, Barnes and Noble. Amazon sells it but they are asking way too much money, I would not go with them.

The Hidden Life and the Light

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:11-14

I have the tendency to be a sneaky little rascal. Although I don’t have an addiction to any one particular thing, I struggle with wanting to keep my sin hidden away. I know that Christ calls me to live in the light and not to keep anything hidden, and I know that sin, when kept in the dark, damages my soul and my relationships. Romans 7:15 reads “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” I strongly resonate with Paul when he says, “I don’t understand what I do”, because although I know exactly what I’m doing, I really don’t comprehend why I continue to sin, and then hide it. Lately, I have been working through that ‘why’ with Jesus – why is it that I choose to keep my sin hidden in the shadows?

What has become clear to me is that I have created an image of myself that I both desire and feel obligated, to maintain for the sake of myself and others. When I fail to live up to the standard I hold myself to, rather than confessing it, I think: “Don’t tell anyone. Hopefully over time it will go away. I need everyone to believe that everything is fine and dandy here”. Jesus has been revealing to me the truth behind my sneaky tendencies. My deepest character flaws are not actually the sins that I am hiding, but that I am hiding them! This, my friends, is pride. Pride is far more concerned about looking righteous than about being righteous. Righteousness can only come from being forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus, and we can only be forgiven when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).

Two things that are true for all people is that we have each been created with a deep desire to be known, and to be accepted. However, when we look to people to fulfill those desires, we are often left feeling rejected and/or alone. If I am completely vulnerable with someone in every area of my life because I want to be known, there is a real possibility I won’t be accepted. If I truly want to be accepted, I might only allow people to know the acceptable parts of my life, but then again, I won’t be known. How then can I be known and accepted? My simple conclusion is this: Jesus already does! Jesus died to have a relationship with you while knowing everything about you. There is no one that can love you deeper, and no one that can know you better than God. Having God’s approval must matter to me more than the fear of being rejected by people.

God desires that each of us will have life to the fullest, fully satisfied in Him, and a crucial part we play in that is allowing a community of believers to see the real version of us. Once our need for approval and being known is first met in Jesus, vulnerability with people (though the risks of rejection still exist) is then possible for us! The way in which people see us and define us will no longer have the same power over us when the words of Jesus who says that we are known and loved and seen and accepted by him are the foundation on which our identity and worth are built. Darkness only has power in the dark, but once it’s in the light it becomes a testimony to the goodness of God.

The Beauty of Remembering and the Smile that Follows

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil 1:3

I was standing in my kitchen the other day, debating what to make for supper. I looked over my favorite online resources and nothing really resonated. I thought, why not look through my recipe box. I have had this thing since I got married in 1983 and have recipes from many dear friends and their precious moms who have long since passed. Some are from family members who mean the world to me.

 I want to share how special it was going through the various sections, seeing the names of all these dear people. Some recipes are not so popular anymore, but that does not mean they are not good.

 While online is wonderful and I will for sure go back to it and look up stuff that is not in my recipe box, but it is different, I have no relationship with the creator of the recipe. There is something very special about finding an old recipe written by my own mothers’ handwritting and reading it over. Memories, precious memories come flooding in.

 I also have a few cookbooks from churches I have been a part of or associated with over the years. They used to share recipes and put their names by their recipe. I know many of these names, some remain dear friends, some they have gone on to glory, but their recipe is still here. I love that. Call me nostalgic, but it is a special way to collect recipes and treasure memories.

 One thing I will say about having a recipe box and the recipes I have gathered there, is simply this, I know which ones are great and how they will turn out. While it is nice to experiment and I do love that, it is equally great to make something I can be confident in as well. There are already enough uncertainties some days!

 I wonder if you have a recipe box or would want to start one? It is so nice to have this unique way to remember those we have walked through life with.

 Dear Father,

Thank you for those who have been special to me over the years. I feel so blessed today. Thank you for your love and constant presence with me. Thank you for the gift of remembering!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

7 Tips to help us to know if a dream is from God or not

Acts 2:17 “ In the last days God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy and your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

 I have had many people ask me this question over the years. Some of us hear things - “words” from God or we dream dreams and wonder was this from God?

 How can we know when something is indeed from God and not just a wish from our heart? Or a dream that is my subconscious working overtime?

 1.     A word from God or a dream will never contradict God’s Word.

2.     Anything from God will have a settled peace about it, even if the dream was truly frightening by nature. God’s peace still rests in it.

3.     Anything that comes from God - does not condemn.

4.     Remember the fruit of the Spirit laid out in Galatians 5:22, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness...” If a “word from God” evokes anything other than this, it is not from Him.

5.     God can give warnings in dreams especially, but even in that, there is a sense of His presence.

6.     Beware of the fruit of confusion and disunity or hopelessness. When a word or a dream produces this, it is not from God.

7.     “So is my word that Goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the  purpose for which I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:11  God will do what He shows or says He will do even if it is not the next day or month. At His time, He will fulfill what He has indicated. We must wait for His timing.

 I have had various prophetic type dreams and visions for many years. It was a great relief to me when someone took a few moments to help me discern whether what I see, hear, or dream is from God or not.

 The most helpful was simply that there is peace and not confusion or fear when it is from God. All the others are so important but for me, the aforementioned is what I needed to hear at that time.

 When there is a dream that I am quite sure is from Him, I pray, and so does my husband, for understanding and clarity so that we respond in a way that is pleasing to Him.

 I have had many very wonderful dreams too! But that is all they were. The ones that come from God feel different. It is like when you are in a conversation and lots is being said and all of a sudden one person is speaking and you hear in your head. “pay attention, this is important.”

 Dear Jesus,

I pray that you will give me wisdom and clarity to discern when I dream or hear something spoken. Give me the understanding to know what is from you and what is not. Thank you for your speaking voice.

 n Jesus’ Name,

 Amen

Prayer and Puppies

“They gave Moses this account. ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is the fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.” Numbers 13:27-28

 God’s people were promised a new land and while they saw the beauty of the land, yet they quickly moved to fear. 

 When we face things, which we don’t know or can’t see concretely, perhaps obstacles that stand in our way, fear can rise very quickly. Everything that can go wrong begins to flash in front of us.  We can so quickly see all that looks impossible, hurdles that are too big to navigate.

 For me, sometimes I will be wise and go straight to prayer and truly give it over to God before it gets to the fear factor. Most often though, I stress and try to figure out how I am going to deal with whatever is before me. 

 We have a guardian dog, named Penny.  She has been due to go into heat right when I have a 5-day commitment to speak at a camp. I kept picturing Penny going into heat and me trying to get her to the vet to be bred, which I hear is like 4 visits, and then driving back to camp, speaking, and doing this all over again. My stress level rises just typing this out! 

 Well, I have never prayed for a dog to go into heat at a good time - a time that works well for me, but I did this time. Guess what? She went into heat a few days ago. She is about 4 weeks early. The timing works SO much better! To make things even better, the breeder said we will wait until the next time as Penny is not 2 years old yet! Such relief.

 My point is, some of you may roll your eyes that I would pray about such a small thing while being surrounded by much greater suffering and stress’ of people very dear to me. Here is the truth, even these small issues matter to God. He invites all of us to be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6) which includes the big stuff and the small stuff. 

 The Israelites forgot that God was giving them the land in the story of Numbers 13. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, “It is the same with my word, I send it out and it always produces fruit. I it will accomplish all I want it to and will prosper where I send it.” 

 God says He is with us, and He is. He promises us He is big enough and cares for what is keeping us awake at night. Take your cares and worries to God today. He loves you and sees you. What you are dealing with today is not a surprise for Him and it is not too hard for Him. 

 Dear Father,

 Thank you we are invited to bring any burden to you no matter how big or small.. You are not surprised by it, and you do not roll your eyes. You receive our burdens and will lead us and take care of the deta. Thank you for your presence.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

Two very unpopular topics

Matthew 24: 30 “ And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. : (NLT)

 The two the most unpopular topics anyone talks about is hell and the second coming of Jesus. I was talking to someone last week and asked them what they thought about the second coming because this is what my bible study was about that week. He said he never thought about it and he hopes Jesus is not coming any time soon. To be honest I have not thought a lot about it lately.

 I have had a few dreams about the Lord’s return many years ago. Frankly, Jesus’ return is not on many people’s lips though if you read the entire passage of Matthew 24, perhaps it should be.

 I asked God about Jesus second coming this past Wednesday. I asked Him if He had something to say to me about it. At that time, there was silence. Yesterday was Thursday and I was just coming down my street with my dog Penny. I saw and heard a guy singing a song, it sounded to me like a made-up song. I stopped dead in my tracks when I heard the words to his tune, “Jesus is coming back, thank you Lord.” That was the sum of his song. It was so strange. I have never heard a song sung by anyone  walking down our street and I have lived here for 29 years. This is the song I hear.

 There was a movie made about the end of the world called  “Don’t look up”. It is about a meteor that would be coming in 6 months and destroy the entire world. I would not call it a life-giving movie, but it is a poignant concept. Everyone knew it was coming, but most people lived in complete denial that it was true. So, they kept living just as they had all along.

 Jesus is coming back, though we don’t know when. We just know the scriptures teach that He is. My prayer is that when He does come, He will find His people doing what He has called them to do.

 His return should inspire hope and not fear. The days of suffering will end, and tears will be wiped away and the books will be opened. A new heaven and a new earth will follow. It is hard to imagine but what a thought for the day.

 Dear Jesus,

 I thank you that you are coming back. I pray that I will be found doing what you have asked of me. I thank you for the hope that is mine as I think about you coming in all your glory. Every eye will see and there will be no doubt on that day.

 In Jesus’ Name,

 Amen

Freedom to Move Forward

“ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us.” Hebrews 12:1

 I was thinking about this verse today. It reminded me – regardless of how tightly we may find this entanglement, it is hard to put your hand on the plow (Luke 9:62) and not be tripping each step of the way. Life is like that some days for all of us.

 As I was praying over this today, I asked God “What is it in my life that is hindering me or entangling me?” Perhaps some of these same things are what you find yourself tripping over.

 1.     People who disappoint me or make me feel set aside. When I heard this, I wanted to argue but I knew it was true. I asked God to heal my heart as once again I put my list of people before Him and left them there.

 2.     The need for approval from people when God’s approval is really what I ought to seek and rest in.

 3.     Fear - the unknown, the what if’s of life. I took the ones that came to mind and left them with God.

 4.     Distraction: phones and to-do lists are my downfalls. I asked God to forgive me. I seek Him first.

 5.     Believing lies - this is an ever-changing list and the only way to deal with them is to recognize their sneaky presence and the whispering in my head.  John 8:32 declares, “…the truth shall set you free.”

 Though these may not be new, we need reminders.  Actually dealing with the entanglements and whatever is hindering us needs to happen daily. It makes a difference. It is sure a less frustrating and tiring way to live.

 May God open your eyes to see what is tripping you up today. May you have the courage to let all of it go.

 Dear Father,

 You have marked out for me a path I am to follow but you also see what is hindering me today. I ask that You reveal it to me so I can offer it to You. Give me the wisdom and courage to do what I ought today.

 In Jesus’ Name,

 Amen

Mirror Wars

Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well”.

 I have read this Psalm likely 100’s of times and have agreed with it wholeheartedly through all these years.  When I get to this verse though, I struggle. I know that every life is a miracle as is mine. That is not the problem. When I read the words describing the “wonderfully made” part, I tend to think of several improvements I wish God would have made when knitting me together in my mother’s womb.  I struggle with the lies that have clung to me for years like a bad stain – stains that no amount of scrubbing can remove.

 I have been reading a book called “ Weight is Not Your Problem” by Lyndi Cohen. It has shaken me, to be honest. She talks about diet culture and body image. I am 63 years old and still think that people will love me better if I am size 10 and even more when I am size 8  and in great shape and don’t look old. I don’t feel old, but I do get seniors discounts on Thursdays if I go to some stores. So, I must be a little old.

 Bill was talking to me at supper and said I need to ask God “When did all this crazy thinking start?”  So I thought about what the lies are. I easily made a list of them; all the lies that people said to me over the years which I believed. It took all of 5 minutes. It is seared into my brain.

 Bill said I should ask God - what is the root? “Am I the only one, God, who has this ridiculous thinking?” Sometimes people have told me to stop thinking like that – but that’s not really helpful.  I need God to heal the place in me that allows lies to find fertile ground such that they grow and have their sick way in my mind.

 When I was growing up, to be thin was to be beautiful. I was thin. That was not enough. In my generation - thin, and blonde was a good look.  Well... I am not blonde. Well built? No - I was anemic as a kid because life was pretty tough in my house and my stomach was in a knot most of the time.

 The root… Honestly, all I can think of is not having one memory of being told I was beautiful. Not one, until I met my husband, and I did not believe him. My mom told me “Donna, you can do anything you put your mind to”. But ‘beautiful...’? No. And I don’t think it is because mom or my dad did not think that, but when I grew up, telling your kids that was not a common practice… at least not in my house.

 If you can identify with me, I invite you to join me as I pray and ask God to heal my heart and mind; may He do the same to you.

 Dear Father,

 I know the truth of Your Word that says You make us beautiful. You even sing over us, according to the Scriptures. Thank you. You are my healer and I come to You today in Jesus’ Name and ask that You would heal my mind - go into those rooms where these lies have been stored and cover them with Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name bring peace and healing to these places. I lay every lie before You and ask that You would replace them all with Your truth. May I rest in Your good work and be at peace with what I see in the mirror and how You made me.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen

Finding Courage for Complicated Decisions

1 John 4: 18 “ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

 Finding ourselves in that valley of indecision because of the decision(s) we are facing is difficult and often messy. Perhaps people we care about will be hurt or disappointed. Whatever it is, there is a way forward.

 Everyone has had the feeling of standing in the middle of a forest with seemingly no evident pathways out of the forest. One thing that will keep us locked into that place of indecision is fear. A curious thing about fear - it feeds confusion which leads us to stay in the same place.

 There is an issue of timing as well. Though the right decision has been made clear to you, the timing of that decision is a big deal. Panic and anger can take the right decision and make the implementation of it a very negative thing.  Fear and confusion and their many companions are poor leaders.

 Jesus promises us that He casts out fear with His love which is perfect. We need to receive that perfect love and all the beauty that comes with it. That perfect love calls us to trust Him in faith that He can sort out what we cannot. He sees a path out of the forest that is currently hidden from you. True faith according to Hebrews 11:1 says, “ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.

 Take some time right now to be quiet and ask God that question that has been nagging you. Receive from Him that perfect love that is yours as his child and thank Him for it. Ask Him, what is next? What is the next right step in this, Father?

 Dear Father,

 You see my confusion.  You know my fears. I ask you to lead me in this moment. Give me the wisdom to know what is right and patience if you are calling me to wait. I ask that you would meet me in that waiting room. Chase out confusion and fear and replace them with your perfect love.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen.

One key truth to remember when life seems stuck in a valley.

It is common to feel like life is stuck in a valley, even when the sun is shining outside your window. If you have ever battled an illness or walked with a loved one through a time of prolonged suffering, whether self-inflicted or otherwise, you will know exactly what I am talking about. You do not need to read an article on how to maintain discouragement or frustration in the valley. We do that quite adequately all by ourselves… at least I do.

 When our son was struggling with addictions, I learned this one truth that consistently ushered me out of that valley each time. I do confess however, some days I had to do it multiple times.

 We are talking about giving thanks to God. When we attach thanksgiving to each of your prayer requests, the Holy Spirit uses it to boost our faith. How thankful you are actually feeling at that moment is irrelevant. It is something we must do out of obedience.

 There were times when the valley was so dark, I had to start with music. I would play worship songs that spoke for me, and I would play it repeatedly. My favorite was Matt Redman’s song, 10,000 Reasons. Even if I felt nothing as I turned it on, God used it to move me from despair to hope.

 As we think about going to God to lay our cares down at his feet, remember to, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

 As we give thanks, we are obedient to what God asks of us, but we also acknowledge that he has heard us, and he is able! Both truths, lead us to a better place.

 I know this is not new to many of you, but it is a precious reminder of whatever you may be facing today.

The Difference being heard makes!

Have you ever sat among friends telling them what is going on in your life, only to be met with blank stares? I know I have sat in my share of coffee shops with a friend and poured out my heart and they may be nodding, but I can tell, I have lost them along the way.

 When we have a child who is struggling deeply with something, and you are trying to explain, it only adds to the stress when you feel like they don’t get it as much as they would like to.

 In the Old Testament there is a story that is told about Ishmael and his mom, Hagar. In Genesis 21 we meet two very distraught mothers. Sara wants Hagar and Ishmael to leave the camp as they are mocking Isaac.  This is not going over well. God is present to this difficult situation and brings comfort to both women.  He not only hears but speaks and provides what is needed in each situation.

 As you go before God with your dearest requests, you can know that He hears you.  This is a great comfort to us.  Prayer is never a waste of our time.

 When God sees us coming and finally sitting before Him, He is pleased. Our requests are not a surprise to God, nor is He panicking because the request is too big or complicated. Remember, He knows you and knows your heart and the situation you are describing to Him. He sees all and knows all.

 1 John 5: 14(NLT) “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. “

 To be heard and understood every day by the One who has the power to help, can bring to us peace, even in the middle of the unresolved. I pray that today, you will experience His peace as you lay your requests - each one of them before the God who loves you.

The Beauty of Forgiving Others

No one needs to take a course on how to hold onto resentment or grudges. We do that quite naturally, all by ourselves. Forgiving others, however, is another matter entirely. The magnitude of the offense can make it more difficult to offer up forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It can sometimes be more difficult to extend forgiveness to the ones we love the most. The hurts they inflict land on the tender places of the heart, especially if we must forgive repeatedly.

 The first time I had to work through forgiveness in any significant measure happened for me when I was a kid. My dad had chosen to leave us. My mom gave him the choice between booze or his family, and the booze won. I learned early that I had to forgive my dad and it took many conversations with God over the collection of disappointments and hurts he alone contributed to my young life.

 When I started to attend Sunday school, that was the first time I learned about God wanting me to forgive people, even my dad. It took time, but I did it.

 Life marches on and there have been countless opportunities to forgive, from family, church people, and friends. As long as we live and relate to people, we will find we have the opportunity to be offended by others and the little seed of resentment begins its growth. Left unattended, it matures and turns into bitterness.

 Bitterness is a curious thing. We all know about it and don’t always recognize it in our own lives, but we can sure see its symptoms in other people.

 We are wise to check ourselves. Only we have the ability to forgive others who have offended us. No one else can do that for us.

Why would we want to forgive you wonder? Do you have any idea what terrible thing they did? How can I possibly forgive them? Forgiveness does not excuse the offender or say, “no problem.” It does not mean it’s forgotten the memory or the wound may fade. The consequences may remain. The difference is that once forgiveness is extended – regardless of whether it is received or not, a burden is lifted. Unforgiveness is a burden. It fuels anger and that steals joy.

 When Jesus’ disciples asked him how many times we must forgive? Jesus says in Matthew 18:22” No not seven times, but seventy times seven”. Nowhere in this passage does Jesus say, “Except when…”.

 Forgiveness, when extended, offers freedom and opportunity for a measure of peace for the giver. You can’t buy peace. You can’t conjure it up. It arises from a soul at peace as well from the Author of peace.

 May God give you the courage to see where, in your life, you ought to forgive. May he grant you the grace and courage to do it. We have opportunities every day to forgive and offering that forgiveness removes the seeds of resentment and overcomes the growth of bitterness.

5 Things That Can Cause Us to take on Battles that belong to God.

In some battles, we prefer to stand by and simply offer prayer. In others, especially when it concerns our children or those of someone else, we love deeply, praying and waiting as we watch the battle unfold before us. This is a different matter than the first.

 Here are 5 reasons we enter into a battle that is often not ours to control:

 1.     Our fear of what we see happening prompts us to work out a solution.

2.     Anger can move us into action.

3.     We are in a hurry and lack the patience to see a battle resolve in a way that does not involve our meddling.

4.     Pride can lead us to intervene inappropriately and without instruction.

5.     Assumption can lead us. Sometimes we can see that there is only a single solution and we in our wisdom know exactly what it is.

 What are the consequences of our intervening for any of the above reasons in a battle that belongs to God?

 1.     We can cause confusion.

2.     We can bring harm.

3.     We can destroy or damage a relationship.

4.     We can divert a person’s attention from God because, at the end of the day, he or she has us.

5.     We walk out of sync with God.

 What should we do?

 It is hard to stand by and do nothing. God does give us some pretty clear instructions. Movement, however, should not precede waiting on Him. He is consistent in the way He leads His people. Consider these verses.

 Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and AFTER you have done everything to stand.”

 We are called to stand, simply to stand our ground.  Let what movement you make flow out His instruction and having waited on Him.

 Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”

God does not always expect us to stay silent and do nothing, but He does want us to look to Him for instructions. He sees what we do not. Remember, God is not panicked. He cares and invites us to ask Him. He is not always quick to respond, though sometimes He is! Sometimes, we have to calm ourselves down and wait, trusting Him to work out in the unseen world that He is doing what He chooses to do.

Clearly, there are times we simply act. When a life is in danger and a car is coming, we don’t wait on God or take a video! We utter a quick prayer of “help God!” and we do what we are required to do in the moment.

 Wisdom needs to be applied and that wisdom comes from the God who is all wise.

3 Lies that are easy to believe in the valley.

1.     We are alone. We believe no one sees us or cares.

2.     We start to believe this situation is hopeless.

3.     This is forever.

 Perhaps your list is a bit different. These are the ones I have struggled with when I have found myself in a valley, either because of something happening to me or someone I love. What we believe in a valley matters as it helps determine how long you will be there.

 Even in a valley, there is beauty, we just have no eyes or perhaps, the capacity to see it. The last summer my son was drinking, I was definitely in this valley. I was exhausted and felt like I could not go on. We had gone up to our summer place and then I went for a walk alone. I found a quiet place by the water and listened.

 I could hear the birds sing and the waves of the lake moving back and forth as they always do. I noticed the wildflowers blooming all around me. Life was going on and I was not seeing it before this moment. I had allowed my sorrow to consume me. I felt lonely and I guess I can see why. I was not exactly a magnet for people. I had nothing to give.

 That was the summer I began to write out the scripture verses which spoke of faith. I don’t think it would have mattered what the topic of the verses would have been. It was this practice that God used to usher hope back into my life though nothing had changed with our boy.

 One of my favorite verses that speaks comfort to me is this; Lamentations 3:23-26 “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this; The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never end! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’ The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. “

 The beautiful thing you will notice in these verses, there is no mention of “except when”. His mercy is new every single morning no matter what we are facing. His faithfulness endures no matter what. Nothing is overwhelming to God. He can manage whatever you are facing. You will never hear God say - “ I am sorry, this is just too hard for me. I have no idea what I can do.”

That is good news for all of us! Our hope is not in the circumstance/loved one that got us into the valley – our hope is in God. He will help us and show us the way forward. He loves you and sees you. He is there with you, and you are not alone, not even for one moment. He does not abandon his own.

For those who love someone who is on the road to destruction/suffering

 When our son was in the thick of his battle with addiction, I was confronted by my tendency to pray in worry form. I would tell myself I was praying for my boy, but I wasn’t. I was worrying while speaking to God in circles. One does not need someone to be struggling with addictions to have experienced this, you just need someone you love and are helpless to deliver from what is tormenting them.

 I was reading this evening from Isaiah 41:10 “ Fear not, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, For I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “

As I read this a sigh of relief washes over me, but I am on the other side of that horrific battle. Yet, let me tell you, I have a default to worry and do it sometimes while I pray. We need this reminder again and again. God’s call to us to not give into that gripping fear simply because the One who is big enough for the present struggle that is gripping your heart, is present. He promises us that He will not stand idly by but rather, He promises to give us the needed strength. Fear, true fear drains us. Strength is needed and all the positive thinking of this world is not going to cut it. We need a source that is outside of ourselves, and it must be bigger and able to tinker in our hearts in ways that are beyond us or anyone we know.

 Not only is strength offered but help. Perhaps it will come in the form of wisdom to see a pathway through. God is creative and knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I have never found God early in His help, but He is not late.

 God has very large hands, and He promises to hold us up, through the storm. That is a very inviting promise and one I receive today in Jesus’ Name, and I encourage you too as well.

 We do not walk through the valleys of this life alone. He is with us and has important promises He wants us to receive. As we receive this, we are finally able to truly pray and leave these heavy heart burdens at God’s throne. Then, give thanks as now we are able to receive the peace that comes when we acknowledge really who God is and how much He cares for us and our loved ones, whatever they are going through.

Never Out of Reach

I have a bit of an obsession with prodigals. I pray for a bunch of them every week. I find it curious the pictures I see as I pray for them. Last week when I was praying through my list, this is what I saw. It encouraged my heart, and perhaps yours as well if you love a prodigal or two.

 Once again, I was reading and reflecting on the 23rd Psalm. I quote this Psalm probably once every night. If I struggle to sleep, which is often, this is my go-to Psalm. As I prayed, thinking about one particular prodigal, I could see them.

 They are definitely not living for God. If you imagine with me a huge, lush pasture. I am hanging out with the “fold”, and I suspect you are as well!  The Good Shepherd is very nearby. He is always watching these prodigals, and listening for his sheep just in case they call. He is a very busy Shepherd, very capable, and not given to panic.

 Then there are these prodigals- you would assume they are, for sure, in the pasture with all the dead grass on the other side of the fence, doing their own thing and completely ignoring the Shephard. Well, they are ignoring the Shepherd.  They are rubbing up against the fencing all around the Shepherd’s lush pasture but they are on this side of the fence, not the other. Whether they like it or not, these sheep were dedicated to the Good Shepherd at birth, and He considers each one His very own. They are His and they are in His fold.

 Regardless, these prodigals stick their head through the fence and choose to chew on the dead grass on the other side of the fence. They are never out of reach of the Shepherds staff. In fact, it seems to me, that staff seems magical, as it looks like grows whenever He wants it to. He is watching for the ones caught in the thicket, he is never turned off by how dirty their coat has become. He is only loving and longing to save them and set them free.

 Some of the prodigals I pray for were never raised in the church, but their parents came to Christ later in life; everyone has a story. As I was praying for one young man, I could see him. Not on the lush pasture rubbing against the fence- but my goodness, so close to it. Well within the view of the Good Shepherd who is eager to rescue them as soon as they turn and call to him.

 I am simply reminded of one of my favorite verses in Scripture: Isaiah 59:1 “ Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.”

 Never give up praying. No one is too far or too hardened. God is strong enough and loves all the sheep, in His pasture and beyond.

Friday's Friendly Reminder!

If you think about a shepherd working with their sheep, if he was a good shepherd, he would not be silent. When danger approaches, he would NOT just jump up and down and say nothing! Nor would he amble over to a tree and read a book thinking the sheep can handle this one on their own. A crumby shepherd would do that! Not a shepherd who loves his sheep.

A Good Shepherd, speaks, guides, and loves. His eyes are locked on his sheep. It doesn’t mean suffering will never befall his sheep, but He knows they will learn things that can’t be taught on sunny perfect days. Some paths are steep and slippery, He is teaching his sheep to call to him, and ask him for help. He is helping them to learn to persevere and not give up. This is another quality that is not learned on the level paths.

Then, there are the paths that seem hidden from view entirely. One step at a time is this path revealed. It is frustrating for the sheep as they are not known for their patience. They like to see what is coming so they can plan their route, but the sheep are powerless to do that. They can set goals until the sun sets, but that will not help this time. The Good Shepherd needs to clear the path and he is not in a rush. The sheep gives all kinds of advice to the Good Shepherd, but it does not make him rush. He does not see the urgency, he sees the opportunity for his sheep to learn to trust and relinquish their never-ending urge to control. Finally, the sheep stops and waits and listens for the Shepherd to speak and instruct.

John 10:3 “ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out”.

Wherever you find yourself today my friend, the Good Shepherd sees you and hears you. I pray that you will have ears to hear Him speak and eyes to see what He is doing.

The Gift of Friendship

I was reminded very recently of the very great gift of a friend who is a “ kindred Spirit” It is a precious gift and at least in my experience, not an everyday gift. I also love that you can have more than one!

 One of my all-time favorite books is Ann of Green Gables. Ann had her very best friend named Diane. They understand each other and value deeply similar ideals. They laugh, they talk and have no end of adventures. They were comfortable in their own skin when they were in each other’s presence.

 For me, much of this was easier when I was younger. Life changes, kindred spirits move far away, or I move. We change but when you see this friend again, you pick up where you left off. I love that.

  love that friend who knows just what you need to hear in the right moment and has the courage to say it. The words are gentle and there is no judgement. There is great power in the word that is spoken at just the right time. Proverbs 25:11 says it well” A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

 I hope you have your own “ kindred spirits” in your life. They are precious and worth spending that effort to reach out.

 May a great word of encouragement comes to you today! We can all use that!

My Secret Addiction

I have become a pretty good baker over the years. I have had lots of people who are happy to eat it. Baking is my happy place. It is also where I get defeated.

 I can hear cookies calling me from the freezer. I know some people who keep them in their car which is parked down the street. That is next level. I have never thought of that trick. Knowing me, that would not deter me. Cookies, here I come. Only two … ok, maybe three.

 This Fall I started to fast every Tuesday. My husband Bill is an expert faster if someone can be that. He has done it for years.

 I discovered when I was done with my day of no food, I would have an apple, Bill had told me to eat fruit first. So, I followed his advice and a few cookies also. After all, I had not eaten all day. I even made my love for cookies and things with sugar in them a matter of prayer as it has been quietly bugging me. Every Tuesday would end in defeat.

 There is nothing wrong with cookies or sugar, but for me, I was using it as my comfort and the thing I would run to for satisfaction. I have said many times. I could do a Chocolate chip cookie diet as two cookies could keep me feeling fake full for hours.  I have noticed the last few years I would sit nodding off all afternoon or evening. Now, I think I know why.

 This past Tuesday I asked the Lord “what kind of fast should I do?’ I was surprised when he said, “a sugar fast”. He reminded me that this is what defeats me on a daily basis and like I said, my comfort.

  I could not believe how much better I felt with no sugar!! I was not tired or hungry. I had some simple healthy food, made a decent supper, and had an apple for dessert. That is the first time in my living memory I have had an apple for dessert! And I enjoyed it!!

 I liked having no sugar and was talking to a friend. She told me about a book by Wendy Speake called the 40-Day sugar fast and has lent it to me. I am on Day 4 of 40 days. One day at a time and with my focus not on sugar but on Jesus, I plan on succeeding. After 40 days, I will let you know how it goes. This is a first for me and so far, so good. She gave a list of suggestions of what you should rid your house of. I chose not to do that. I want to make a conscious effort to choose otherwise. And I have Bill here who loves my cookies. I want to be able to live in a world where there are sweets, and they are not my ruler or my comfort. Jesus is my comfort, not sugar.

 n the daily reading, she mentions a verse that has stuck out to me, I have honestly never noticed it before. It is funny how that happens! Psalm 107:9 says, “ For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things”. 

 Perhaps you feel like you could have written this whole blog just as easily. Join me, for whatever is manageable for you! Let’s let God be the one we run to not the pantry!

Storms and Parenting

If there is one thing we learned from many years of backwoods camping, it is how to prepare for storms. We have endured some pretty impressive storms over the years!

I do remember, the way you paddle the canoe in rough water is not the same as a calm day. As the waves build and the wind picks up, you have to face the storm, dig in and paddle hard. There is no resting.

Sometimes we could out-paddle a storm, but not often, they can move very quickly.

When I think of the years of parenting, the image of those storms we lived through in the outback is somewhat similar. Both require wisdom and action.

However, in parenting, the first step is to call out to God for wisdom. You need to understand the nature of the storm you are facing, What is its source? Is there something we could do or … or should not do?

You cannot navigate the storms that come to you as a parent, without a healthy dose of wisdom. It is hard to act wisely when you are panicked.

Proverbs 2:6 says this” For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

Sometimes all we have time for is that quick prayer and we find ourselves trusting God that our response is helpful. None of us get it right 100% of the time. We have had to apologize to our kids many times over the years. If we have the luxury of time, we can ask God and wait to see how he leads us. This has helped us many times when our kids were all home and we were in the thick of parenting.

It is easy to believe that “all I can do is pray”. and feel frustrated. Prayer is a powerful thing. God can move the mountains and He can tinker in hearts. We cannot.

As I look back, I can tell you this, God is not always quick to tell us what is next, we had to keep leaning into prayer and seek Him for wisdom. He loves you and your kids, more than you can imagine. You are important to Him and so are your kids.

One last thing… don’t forget, storms do not last forever.