True today. True tomorrow.

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.

Our 9-year-old grandson memorized this verse for school.

It struck me how succinct and complete it was.

Fifteen words that have massive significance.

Everything in Scripture is true. It’s timeless. It’s not fresh one day and then rots the next. It’s applicable to our current situation and will be again years from now.

We can trust what God does. What He does cannot counter Who God is – His character. He is for you. He alone is worthy. He thinks about You constantly and longs for a relationship with you.

He never promises everything that happens in this world will make sense to us. It will not always be logical. We may have wanted (prayed for) another route or solution to the problem.

If the word of the Lord holds true, then we can trust everything He does. It is consistent with His character. What do we have to worry about? (Matthew 6:25-34) We can cast our cares on Him because He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7) He is the Shepherd and is guiding us! (Psalm 23) No hair falls from our head that He doesn’t know about! (Matthew 10:30) He has redeemed our lives from the pit and sets us firmly on a rock! (Psalm 40:2)

Hallelujah!

How Many Rocks Do You Carry?

In one of my small group seasons, a leader was discussing forgiveness. I didn’t think I needed this lesson because I was sure I was not harboring any bad feelings toward anyone. It didn’t take me long to discover, however, that once again, I was wrong.

She began by describing offense as the bait used by the enemy to lure us into bondage.

My interest was piqued. I definitely don’t like giving the enemy any ground and do not want to exist in bondage. I want to live in freedom.

She said forgiveness was not minimizing what happened or even forgetting what happened. I really thought it was to forgive and forget. I thought that made me more spiritual. (Roll eyes here.)

Forgiveness allows us to remember the event without reliving the pain associated with the event. That was a big statement because there is some pretty big pain in this world.

Forgiveness also isn’t reconciliation. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You can only control you. You cannot control the other person. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you as to whether to even attempt reconciliation.

Some of my group members had to leave the relationship. Others reconciled. Still others are living with daily, constant, reoccurring pain because the offender is still in their life. The Holy Spirit leads and not everyone is led to the same decision.

Towards the end of our group time, my leader brought out a bag of rocks. She instructed us to take rocks equal to the number of people we needed to forgive in our lives. We were to carry that bag with us every where we went.

Pulling out that bag of rocks from my purse when I needed my wallet was fun. Oh, the looks I got! The weight of it lightened every time I chose to forgive someone and threw away the rock.

I recently revisited this object lesson. But instead of a bag of rocks, I chose a small pebble. It’s not a smooth river rock. It has multiple sharp edges. I put it in my sock.

At first, it was very uncomfortable. It jabbed me even when I wasn’t walking.

However, within a short amount of time, I became used to it and didn’t feel it anymore. It just was something to carry with me, like extra baggage.

When we don’t forgive others, it can become part of our identity. We don’t even realize the damage or heaviness. It attaches to us and if we don’t address it, becomes a brick in the wall that surrounds our heart. It may keep us from getting hurt – but also keeps up from being loved and known.

That little pebble left its mark – whether I felt the pain or not. It left an indentation on my foot. I’m sure eventually, it would have cut the skin.

Living with unforgiveness leaves a mark. We can become numb to the pain quite quickly and distracted by other things. However, left unaddressed, it will rob us of our joy, our hope and our confidence. We won’t trust people from the start.

When we choose to forgive them, we release that person from a yoke. This yoke is only around our own necks. We are freed from the weight we are carrying. We begin to walk in freedom.

Dear friend, take a moment and think about who you need to forgive. Have an open and honest conversation with God. Tell Him what happened. Give Him your pain. Tell Him of your desire to forgive the person. Choose to forgive – say it, out loud. Choices lead – feelings follow.

However – if you decide you do NOT want to forgive this person, find a rock and carry it around. Or put a sharp pebble in your sock. The Lord wants your rocks. But He’ll let you carry them as long as you want to. Then it will be yours to manage.

Never Alone

There have been many times where I have felt completely alone.

When I had to put my first dog down. When I had to put my second dog down.

When I needed to move the washer and dryer just an inch or two and I couldn’t make it budge.

When I moved to Florida. When I moved back to Alabama.

Have you ever felt alone? I’m sure everyone has at one time or another. It’s one of the great lies the enemy likes to tell us. You know the voice, the whisper.

You need to make this decision by yourself. There is no one to help you – so help yourself. You have no friends so you need to start acting this way so they want to be your friend. No one cares about you.

I cringed on that last one. How many times have I believed that? How many times did I feel like God had abandoned me so I turned to my sin for comfort? Or I retreated from everything and everyone to protect myself?

But the truth is that God never leaves us. He is always with us. “He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 3:16)

Here is how I want to live each day and approach life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Speak truth over yourself everyday. Remind the enemy (and yourself) of who your God is.

Lord, I need you today. Please help. I need direction. Show me what You want me to do. I know You are here. I am not alone. I do not understand but, I trust in You.

Have questions? Ask God. Need help? Ask God. He wants to help and guide and love and heal and protect you.

You never have to do anything by yourself.

The Timing of Obedience

“Karen, when I ask you to do something, I mean now!”

I grew up hearing those words from parents, teachers, bosses. And they meant it – stop what you are doing and do as I said!

Where is my sense of immediacy when it comes to what God tells me to do?

Just this morning (not unlike other mornings), my Father asked me to write. I heard Him. I understood the assignment. I have the necessary skills and resources.

But, I needed to clean the cat box. It is trash day. I needed to pull weeds because, it’s trash day. Then I needed to do some laundry. You know – just because it was there. Then I needed to vacuum because I hadn’t in a while.

All the while I was having a discussion in my head. Was that really You, Lord? Was it my voice or Yours? You wouldn’t really want me to put the vacuum down and leave the job unfinished, would You? That wouldn’t make any sense.

I saw my daughter in law texted and asked me to call her. My lawn guy said he was coming tomorrow. These things needed acknowledgment!

And then there was work I had to follow up on. It’s been over two hours since the initial direction was given. And I’m just now being obedient.

Lord, please forgive me. I repent for the 100th time – for the same thing. For disobedience. Which ultimately is the result of me not trusting You. Thank you for your patience.

And yes, I see that post it note on my monitor. And now I can answer, yes!

My Idol of Comfort

I love my comfort.

My easy commute from the bedroom to my home office. My food in the pantry and fridge. My easy chair. My hot showers. My schedule. My car. Myself in the driver’s seat.

That last one speaks to my overall need for control. I like to know what is happening, when it is happening and what is expected from me when ‘it’ does happen. This provides immense comfort.

My husband’s workplace provided an opportunity to forgo all of the above in an effort to serve other people in Peru. I did not want to go at first. But, the more I realized I had an idol of comfort, the more I understood that the Lord wanted me to go. I needed to lay down my idol.

It has been several years since I have traveled by plane and several more since I had been outside the country. But again, I needed to go.

Tim and I traveled with 7 others to Pucallpa, Peru. I knew some of the group but not all. Someone else made the travel arrangements. Overnight travel in a sardine can. We flew into Lima first. There must have been a million people in that airport. It was quite chaotic.

The flight to Pucallpa was uneventful and we disembarked on the tarmac. It was hot and humid. Not Alabama humidity – but jungle humidity. Our hosts met us and we traveled by car to our home away from home.

Traffic was nuts! Most drove motorkars which is a motorcycle with a cart on the back. There were regular motorcycles too dodging in and out of the lanes. Stop signs were suggestions. And there were people and street dogs everywhere.

We drove into a gated area that reminded me of summer camp. There were a few homes, a work shop, the laundry, dining hall and dormitories. We shared the upstairs accommodations with another couple. We were on the lake and it was beautiful. At least one tarantula had a home nearby.

On Sunday, we walked down a few blocks of dirt streets to a community church. Fewer people were seen on Sunday morning but there were plenty of street dogs. Everyone was quite friendly with wonderful smiles. I recognized the first song we sang (Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord.)

That’s when it hit me. God is big. We were thousands of miles from Alabama. Different people. Different language. Different habits. Different food. Different life. Same God.

I didn’t always understand the language. I couldn’t hear the interpreter to understand the message. But we were reading from the same scriptures and worshipping the same God.

God is big.

And that provided a comfort to me unlike any other. Thank you, Lord, for opening the eyes of my heart. You are so very loving.

Not always obvious

When I was a police officer, I was a trained observer.

Now, Tim has to point out the bright orange flashing construction lights to me because I have become much less aware of my surroundings.

From behind my closed bedroom door, I heard the unmistakable sound of Batman, the cat, purging himself. It’s not a pleasant sound, to say the least.

I knew it was close to my bedroom but I couldn’t find it. The rugs could hide it with the mix of yellow, blue and beige designs. I looked in my office. The rug isn’t as busy but still, it wasn’t obvious where Batman had picked a spot. I eventually moved on to something else.

When I re-entered the office, there it was, in plain sight. I’m not sure how I missed it the first time but I was extremely grateful I didn’t walk through it. (It wouldn’t have been my first time.)

Sometimes our temptations are exceptionally obvious. From the big green “Hot Now” sign advertising the deliciously glazed pastry to the neon signs of “Girls Girls Girls!” These are obvious and not usually missed.

But what about the quiet lure of conversation in the church commons area that leads to gossip? What about the game on your phone that leads you away from your family into another world and away from your loved ones? What about volunteering at church so much that you enjoy the recognition and start to find your identity through that?

Conversation, games and serving at church are not necessarily bad or wrong but they can be the doorway to destruction and sin.

We have an enemy who wants to destroy us. He is a liar and can only speak lies. He is crafty and cunning. He is very real.

But so is the God who created us, who made a way for us to be forgiven, restored and redeemed. And He promises to be with us and provide a way out of temptation. He loves us so very much.

It’s not always obvious when people are struggling with temptation. But you know when you are. The way out is simple but not always easy.

Constant prayer – help me, Lord! Run to the Father – again and again and again!

From favor to falling (nearly)

Today, I asked for favor. I received exceptional favor.

I had to visit a worldwide phone business. I had already been in a loop with the online chat option for 45 minutes. I had been batted back and forth to various people to no avail. So I thought I would visit in person. I prayed before I entered. I am not the most tech savvy person and was afraid I wouldn’t understand what they were saying.

There were plenty of people working and plenty of customers receiving help. I did not have to wait very long.

I told manager David what the issue was and he promptly started to give me a direct number to the same people I had been in a chat loop with earlier. He understood and made a call.

Then he got transferred to the loop people. But, this guy helped.

He listened. Understood what I needed. Made the change and then…lowered my monthly bill by $80 or so. So much favor!

I was quite thankful and left with a spring in my step.

I told God of my gratefulness and proceeded to my next errand. Where I promptly wanted to celebrate with some chocolate.

Why do I keep trying to get on the same merry go round?

Now hear me, people. Is there anything immoral or wrong or sinful about chocolate? No, chocolate is marvelous and is on earth to be enjoyed.

But, the Lord has shown me (multiple times because, well, I don’t always listen) that chocolate is not going to satisfy my cravings. My cravings are sometimes my idols. I want to be satisfied by God and by God alone. By His word and not my fleshly desires.

So I nearly fell into the snare that the enemy had laid for me. But, I resisted and prayed and reminded myself that the Lord has good things for me. I can trust in Him.

Earlier this year, I participated in a 40-day Sugar Fast and read the book of the same name by Wendy Speake. I’ll write more about this at a later date.

I made it to the check out line with out chocolate. The Lord is good. He is my portion.

Because I love you…

We all know that we use the word love with a variety of meanings.

I love finding the perfect parking spot. I love clean sheets. I love Xena, the wonder dog. I love my kids/grands and Tim.

I also love God.

Why is it so easy for me to do things for Tim/kids/grands – even Xena because of my love for them but, not so easy for me to do things for God. *OUCH*

Obedience is one way to show God that I love Him. Not because I think he will punish me if I don’t. But because I love Him, I will do what He asks. I know that in my head. Please, Lord, let it penetrate my heart and my will.

Scripture is loaded with reminders of obedience and love.

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love….

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say.”

Obedience can be defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. I want to be fully submitted to the authority of God. He has created me (and you) on purpose and for a purpose. He has good plans and can be trusted. Why do I continue to disobey – or in other words, why do I rebel?

Let’s go back to scripture.

Luke 6:46 – “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

1 Samuel 15:23 – Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

Egad!

Lord, once again, I’m convicted of my rebellion and stubbornness. Thank you, Lord, that there is NO CONDEMNATION! Thank you for your forgiveness. Change my heart, Lord. Remind me again and again that YOU alone are worthy. YOU can be trusted. I don’t have to understand. I just need to trust.

Happy?!? Not really.

Today was Mother’s Day. It is not always happy.

I remember choosing not to go to church on this day many times. It was hard.

I think about my friends whose lives have not turned out the way they planned. No children. No husband. Today is another reminder of what they don’t have.

I think about my friends who long for children. I hurt for them because it’s not natural nor easy for them.

I think about those who have had to bury their children. I can’t even imagine the pain.

I think about those who aren’t celebrated and are belittled even for thinking they should be.

I think about friends who had a great relationship with their mom’s but they cannot hug them anymore.

I think about those who had an awful mother and wonder what there is to be happy about.

I think about step moms who may not ever get a thank you let alone a whole celebration.

Mother’s Day is hard for so many reasons.

But, please know that you are seen and are truly loved. Your Creator knows your heart, your joy, and your pain.

Resetting expectations of this day and your current life situation starts with thinking truth on purpose. Remind yourself that God is a good Father. He chose you. He had something to be done (a purpose) and then created you to fulfill that purpose. Trust Him to do immeasurably more than you can ask. He is a good Father. Choose to think this way and your feelings will follow.

Tell Him. Cry out to Him. Be amazed at how He comforts You. And it’s not something to do just for this Mother’s Day. It’s for everyday and for every situation.

Once again…

New year. New month. New week. New day.

We like new. Like a fresh sheet of paper wanting to be inscribed. Like warm baked bread inviting cozy conversations and soup. Like a new blanket of snow waiting for the first footprints of man or animal.

Wait…that last one. Snow….Let me rethink that.

We were promised snow. We got ice. I’m thankful for weather people but, they are not in charge.

Still, it was pretty to look at. Everything stopped. It was quiet and peaceful. This was day one.

After a few days with very cold temperatures (one day they matched temperatures in Alaska), it wasn’t so lovely anymore. People wanted out. Being still was for day one – not for day three.

It’s amazing how people (including myself) react when freedoms are suddenly limited. Anyone remember 2020?

One thing I noticed was the amount of complaining! The roads weren’t clear. Someone didn’t say if their road was open or closed. People driving around barricades. The city, the mayor, the state weren’t doing enough. Banks weren’t open. My dog won’t go outside to use the bathroom. (My Xena – the Wonder Dog – had no issue with this. Thankfully.)

I’m trying to approach each new day, new struggle, new unknown with the simple thought of, “What does this make possible?”

This ‘delay’ gave some the opportunity to reorganize their cabinets, read a book, clean their bathtub. Others got some fun sledding and ice skating experiences.

An ice storm makes me again appreciate the first responders (including wrecker drivers) who were so exhausted after day one but kept doing what they were asked to do. Local 4×4 owners coordinated getting people (including hospital workers) to work and then home. Area restaurants who were able to open served others with limited staff.

It gave me an opportunity to thank the cashier at Publix. She was one of two during an open few hours some were able to venture out. She was tired and in need of a break. I couldn’t give her that but I could give her a kind word and sincere appreciation. Some in the line didn’t speak to her. I guess they just wanted to get their groceries and get home. I understand that. Who know what they were dealing with?

But I can smile and appreciate and speak with kind words.

And it wasn’t just because my dog will use the bathroom outside.