Tag: christianity

New week – New focus

It’s Holy Week and I have a new focus.

I have definitely been looking inward and had forgotten some things. But this week, my focus has shifted.

Holy Week begins with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and ends with the triumphant resurrection of His earthly body.

But in between – there were some hard things. Betrayal, pain, rejection, hurt, more pain and rejection. Death.

I wonder how Jesus’ mother Mary felt watching this unfold. I wonder how Mary Magdalene felt. And Peter…. Whew – from ‘I’ll never leave you’ to ‘I have no idea who that man is’ in a matter of hours.

Jesus died for them. Jesus died for me. And Jesus died for you.

And we don’t have to get cleaned up and ‘right’ first. “…God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)

He took the penalty of all sins – past, present and future – in order to have a relationship with us. We don’t have to pay for our sins – it is finished.

We just need to believe and confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Continue to surrender every area of your life. I tend to surrender and then go back and collect it again and again.

And every time, I surrender, confess, and repent, He is there. Loving me and welcoming me back.

Is something missing in your life? Do you need peace and hope? Jesus has that and more. He is there. Loving you and welcoming you as His child.

Duplicity

According to Mirriam-Webster, the definition of duplicity is “contradictory doubleness of thought speech or action.”

I feel like this defines my life right now. I know it’s not good or healthy.

I work but am extremely lazy.

I believe in Christ but have doubts.

I am a writer but succumb to the lure of the tube.

I want a tidy home but will step over the piles in my office.

I want to be healthy but will eat candy like I drink water.

I want to be an adult and be mature but sometimes it’s only my gray that shows maturity.

I want to establish routines but I fall apart after a day or two.

I want to be a woman of prayer but start scrolling after the Bible reading.

I set a daily work schedule and then don’t care when I don’t even do the first item.

I want to be excellent in all but am very content (and excellent) in mediocrity.

The apostle Paul knew about this life too.

In Romans 7:15 he wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Am I just a lazy Christian? Am I lukewarm? Am I a non-believer? Do I not love Jesus enough? Sigh….

Currently looking for a counselor that can help me figure out what all of this means and where it stems from. I have grown very apathetic.

It’s not a good place to be. But sometimes “known bondage is more comfortable than unknown freedom.”

Stolen Blessings

Sometimes I think I am making things easier. But, occasionally that has unexpected results.

I was scheduled to have surgery on a Thursday. I had to be there mid-day and needed a ride because Tim was in a class all week and was unavailable.

I asked our daughter in law. She readily accepted. She always is willing to help and especially loves to help family.

Well, as the date grew nearer, I changed things. I asked a friend who lived closer and had a more flexible schedule. So I canceled with my daughter in law and didn’t think a thing about it.

Until after the surgery.

Our family was blessed with meals and gift cards for a week. I had told them not to worry about it but it was indeed something we needed and were blessed because of their generosity.

And they were happy to do it. They also received a blessing knowing they helped us too.

And that’s when it clicked. I had stolen that blessing from our daughter in law.

I called to apologize and she was very gracious. She even said that someone else may have needed the blessing to help.

Friends, as the body of Christ, we are to be in community – to help and to receive help. I am a recovering independent boob who is continuing to learn to reach out and ask and to accept.

A friend I haven’t seen in months texted last night. Her mother is in surgery this morning. I’m so thankful she asked for prayer. I was pleased to do it. And to continue to do it.

My encouragement to you today – reach out. Ask. Let people help. Let people know how to pray for you. Let people inside the muck that is your life. God is moving. He is always working.

Sometimes He uses ordinary people like us.

First Time

I wanted this to happen when I was a kid- much younger than I am now.

I thought I would get some attention, some sympathy and maybe a pass on some chores.

It never happened. That is, not until last Saturday.

I broke my arm in spectacular fashion.

Xena, the wonder dog, and I were walking along the greenway. It was a beautiful day. A bit windy but, full of sun.

Under a bridge, there is a concrete pad that disappears into the creek. Sometimes Xena likes to get a drink so I got her to the water. She was not thirsty.

As I took my next step, my legs were suddenly airborne and in front of me. I instinctively put my arms out behind me and landed on my rear end. And my left arm.

I sat there for a few minutes and assessed myself. I dropped the leash but Xena didn’t wander. I also didn’t throw up from the pain. Thankful.

I called my friend who was on the same greenway. She immediately prayed and walked quickly to her car.

I’m still on the ground. Thankfully, not in the water. But it’s mossy and muddy. I was a bit timid to try to stand by myself. Finally, someone was coming closer.

I called out and asked if she could help me. She said sorry and pointed to her cell phone near her ear. Mmmm. I’m going to choose to believe she was intimidated by my German Shepherd mix who was off leash and standing alert by my side.

I got myself turned over and on my feet with a lot of prayer.

I slowly walked to the nearby school where Jill was going to pick me up. Tim was working 30 miles away but I managed to call him too. Jill and I headed for my house to grab my purse, leave Xena, update mom and then to her place to drop her dogs.

She continued to pray for favor. We were in the ER for just over an hour. It was amazing. I got in to see the doctor at SportsMed on Monday. Thankful!

I didn’t get the hard cast that I had wanted when I was a kid. No, I was told surgery was needed because the radius was broken in two places. I was in shock!

But, while I was waiting for them to replace the ER cast, I was able to wash my arm. That felt really good. It still had mud on it.

I am very grateful to usually have two good working arms and it is amazing how quickly you adapt when necessary. I never cracked an egg with one hand before. But now I have. It only took two days for my eggs not to have shells.

I have not yet mastered the art of putting my hair in a ponytail. It’s just going to stay down.

Asking for help is not a strong skill of mine but, I’m learning. Mom cuts up food like I am a child again. But, I am grateful to have bite sized chicken and apples.

I guess I am getting attention, sympathy and a pass on chores that require two hands. I definitely try to make it happen though. Lots of laughter ensues.

Friends are driving me to surgery and bringing us food. Tim has been cooking. Mom has been cleaning.

Thankful for the body of Christ to be His hands (and mine!)

Adulting

Yes, I started this post with slang.

Adulting is an informal term to describe behavior that is seen as responsible and grown-up, if mundane and unpleasant—like bills and chores, according to Dictionary.com.

I’ve been above the age of 21 for sometime now. I should be used to it. I should be thriving in adulthood.

And sometimes, I am.

But then there are days like today. I just don’t want to (insert anything here.)

There are bills to pay, dishes to wash, dog hair to vacuum and a lot of clutter to clear. But I don’t want to.

But, I know it’s better for me if I do. It’s better for this household also.

The Apostle Paul states in Romans 7:11, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (ESV)

I don’t like being lazy. I don’t like wasting time. But I still do.

Shift my focus!

Everything I have comes from God. Everything I need comes from Him too.

Should I ask the Lord to help me clear the clutter? Absolutely!

Should I ask the Lord to help focus me on the mundane tasks? Yes!

All with a thankful heart! Thankful that we were able to seek and receive medical attention when we needed it. Thankful that we have the dishes to serve the food that is in our refrigerator. Thankful for the clothes we have and a machine that washes them. Thankful for the dog that brings me so much joy. Thankful that I can serve Him where I am with what I have.

Have you ever thought about that? Everything we have to worship God with – our minds, bodies, voices, hands, etc. – everything we have, came from Him.

And He has more for us. So be faithful in taking care of what He has given you today. He has more for us.

Let’s get started! Are you moving yet? Here I go!

(Originally posted May 15, 2025. But every bit relevant on this day too. Lord, please redeem this day!)

Busy Day

Hello, 2026! Woo hoo!

My once blank calendar is being filled with appointments. I have the mundane and also have things to look forward to.

Today is one of those days when there is a lot to do. I need to…I want to. How to fit it all into the day?

Our church begins each year with 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. During the week, service starts at 6am and on Saturday it’s at 9am. Building a habit to read scripture and to pray takes time. But it is so beautiful to see the line of cars pulling into the church so early in the morning.

It’s a great way to start the day. But if I am not careful, it will be just that one hour. I will leave the service and immediately start to think, “Ok, that’s done. What’s next?”

God doesn’t just want the first hour of my day. He wants my heart.

He doesn’t want to just be on my to-do list. He wants my heart.

As I was praying this morning, I was reminded that His Spirit lives in me. I carry Him with me throughout my day.

When I constantly surrender myself to Him, I hear His voice. He will tell me which way to go.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him….

In all your ways – everything you do, trust Him, don’t try to figure everything out. Submit to Him.

You want to stop being confused? Stop trying to figure everything out. Trust Him.

The verses from Proverbs 3 also come with a promise.

…and He will make your paths straight.

I have always wanted God to just give me the outline of the next year, month or day of my life. So I know what to expect. So I know how to prepare. Basically, so I can control.

But He wants me to trust Him. To submit, to surrender. To abandon my life – in all areas to Him.

And He promises to guide and direct me. He doesn’t leave me! He also promises an abundant life. His ways are higher and better.

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Grow my faith and trust. I give You this day and my agenda. Help me to hear your voice.

Please join us for these prayer services. Live or on demand. Let me know if you do. (https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/)


All Things New

Happy New Year!

The freshness of a new year – a blank slate – a fresh start – a new beginning.

That sounds good. But unless you deal with the old – thoughts, habits, attitudes, words – you are just bringing them with you into a new year.

Dealing with these things requires focus, intentional reflection and heaping amounts of courage. Some of us have been operating with this norm for so very long that it has become like a comfortable shoe.

“Known bondage is easier than unknown freedom.” I love this quote from Kristi McLelland. (https://www.instagram.com/kristimclelland)

Notice it says easier. Not better. Not more desirous. Not more helpful. Just easier.

I know it’s been said that when you get sick of yourself, that’s when you change.

And we don’t have to wait until the new year to start. Every new week, day, hour and moment begins with a choice. Do you want to remain in the same comfortable shoe of bondage?

Or do you want to experience the new norm of freedom, intimacy with God, purpose for your life, vision and wholeness?

What changes will you make to your routine? Let’s start small.

Stop saying words like – This is just who I am. I’m not going to change. There is no hope.

Words have power! Speak life over yourself. Talk with God about who He created you to be! Ask Spirit what He wants you to do today and what changes need to be made. He’ll tell you.

Remember you are not alone. Holy Spirit lives in you and will guide you.

The enemy can’t steal your soul if you belong to Jesus. He can only make you ineffective and mediocre in your life.

Jesus came that you might have an abundant life. Choose!

Protection

Have you ever had a near miss with a baseball, flying hockey puck or a car?

I have – all three.

I was protected and, in those instances, was not harmed.

Even last night, Tim and I were awakened by something falling. (Notice that it did not seem to bother Xena, the wonder dog.) Tim got up and walked around but didn’t notice anything.

We tried to sleep and I got some but Tim was out of bed before 3am.

Finally, I rolled out of bed and turned the light on. It wasn’t until then that I saw what had fallen. My canvas print of a Van Gogh masterpiece had leaped from the wall. Fortunately, the headboard caught it before it hit our heads.

That certainly wouldn’t have injured us. However, we definitely could have been hurt by the startling and jerking movements if it had hit our heads.

Once again, we were protected.

Sometimes when we pray, we thank God for what we don’t see. For the late start to the traffic which keeps us from being involved in an accident. For the ‘nudge’ to go into this store rather than that one that keeps us from overspending-overeating.

He protects His children.

Does that mean we are never harmed or hurt? Of course not. There will be (and is) trouble in this world.

There is much we do not see. But we can catch a glimpse of it if we keep our eyes fixed on what we know to be true.

Thank Him for the protection you do see and for what you don’t.

Think on Purpose

Anyone an over thinker? Both of my hands are raised.

Anyone run down various rabbit trails in your mind? Again, both hands are raised.

I started my card business on September 1 (http://goGoddesigns.myshopify.com) and was very focused for about 10 days.

But then life happened – nationally, locally, within family – and I became distracted and quite sullen.

I found myself escaping to the lure of the scroll. I told myself I was learning. But I was actually escaping and avoiding.

I was asking the big questions – why, how, what, who…. But I wasn’t talking to the One who knows the answers. I was avoiding Him too.

I was invited to a worship night. I didn’t want to go. I had enough of people. But I knew I needed to.

I reminded myself that worship wasn’t about how I was feeling. Worship was about who my God is.

And He is worthy.

After making my joyful noises and listening to others speak of Jesus, I was refreshed. I spent time in His presence. He held my hand.

A couple of nights later, it was small group time. Again, I didn’t want to go. But I knew I needed to.

Being around people who are like minded and who are discussing Jesus is exactly what I needed. Time and time again, we said we need to focus our thoughts (think on purpose), determine what lies we are believing, and replace those with God’s truth.

How many times have I believed the lie that I can do things alone. I’m better off without people. I don’t need anyone. Or, I’m not good enough for God to love me so why talk with Him?

Stupid defeated enemy. He knows he can’t keep me out of heaven. His goal, however, is to make me ineffective here on earth.

When you find yourself escaping or avoiding, stop! Think on purpose! What lies are you believing? What truth do you need to remind yourself of?

Run TO Him – not away from Him. He is the Comforter. He is the Truth.

Choices lead and feelings follow. Choose to read, hear and accept His Word and His Truth.

Think on purpose!

Lies. All lies.

The devil, our enemy, has one goal. Since he knows our salvation is secure, his goal is to make us ineffective while we are alive. If we don’t promote the Gospel and point people to Christ…if we aren’t unapologetically enthusiastic about Jesus and what He has done for us through the cross…if we aren’t seen as different from the world…the enemy has won the battle. (He still loses the big one.)

His mission is to kill, steal and destroy. He does this through lies. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44.) I know this to be true. And yet, I have believed the lies for many years.

I had friends throughout school and college but when I moved, I didn’t really keep in touch. I am an introvert and used that to agree with the enemy that I didn’t need relationships. I was okay on my own. (Lie #1)

I married Tim and three teenagers. I rarely spoke life over them because I was convinced that I didn’t know what I was saying (#2) because I didn’t have any biological children.

When we would attend church, I would walk quickly by people with my head down. I would busy myself with tasks and not engage. I had nothing to offer people. (#3)

If people knew me and knew what I had done (or didn’t do) or what I said or what music I listened to or what cuss word I said, they wouldn’t want to know me. (#4) This was my lot in life – to be mediocre (#4) and to work through the condemnation (#5) that God had for me.

At our first small group in Highlands, people were hugging each other and smiling. I hated small talk and would disappear or busy myself with my phone. I could always appear pious with a Bible in my hand.

I asked one of the ladies in the group if I was going to have to become a hugger to stay in the group. I don’t like that, I said. That’s not me. She came very close to my face (all up in my personal space) and said, “I will pray for you.” Oh my goodness! I wanted to run far far away.

But I know that she did. Things didn’t shift overnight. But they did shift.

The Lord revealed to me the lies that I had believed. I found who I was in Christ and who He created me to be. Here is the truth.

I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10) I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2) I am created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) I have a future that is good and was planned by my Creator. (Jeremiah 29:11) And another BIG one – Jesus came so that I (and you) could have life – an abundant, amazing life. Or, as The Message paraphrase states, more and better life than (I) ever dreamed of. (John 10:10)

Think on purpose the TRUTH about who you are in Christ. In Him is your confidence. This is truth. And the truth will set you free. (John 8:32.)

(originally posted August 2022)