A word of thanks, a little recognition
Many times I have shared that it is the little things, the things that you may see as insignificant, that affect people’s lives in ways you cannot imagine. These last two days, I had the opportunity to witness, recognize, and say thanks for a few of those little things. Little things that not only directly impacted me, but so many others. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6, NIV). This week, I am overflowing with thankfulness for these amazing people that God has put in my life. People that are selfless and not self serving. People who live faithful lives that in turn enable them to encourage others. People who have built their foundation in our Father, overcoming all the storms thrown at them by trusting God. So today, I want to give a word of thanks, and a little recognition.
Capture that thought
I don’t know if this ever happens to you, but I have some nights where I not only struggle to fall asleep, but I wake up multiple times during the night and find it difficult to go back to sleep. I had one of those nights last night. I played out conversations in my head over and over again, tweaking one thing or another to get my point across-all in my mind. I started spinning on one small potential data point and going down a dark path of what if’s and could be’s. All of this robbing me of much needed sleep and peace. I shared that I pray for God’s guidance and discernment daily, but last night, I felt to my core that God was trying to tell me something. Then the light of day came and I recognize that God would not steal my sleep, God would not give me these dark thoughts nor pull me away from trusting Him and pushing me to “take control”-that’s not God’s direction for me. Even knowing that logically, I still could not get out of my own head. So, I sought prayerful support from my wonderful community of believers…and boy, did they come out strong.
Tell your story
I have had a few encounters in recent months where a meal conversation has turned into a deeper level of sharing than I would have anticipated. I know most people would think I am a very open person because I write this blog or share my testimony, but I would define myself as a very private person. In fact, I would say I even have family members that wish I would share more when I am struggling verses what they may define as “internalizing” while I remain outwardly focused on helping others. On these two occasions, I began to share parts of my story, my testimony. Each time, the stories I shared connected me with the person across from me in a way that was completely unexpected. That was God creating a connection. Jesus reminded us that we “will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). God wants us to share our stories. God wants us to create and grow this community of Christ followers.
Darkness turns to Light
I love the way God brings people into your life just when you need it. They often don’t even realize they are the messengers of much needed words. I received one of these notes today. “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalms 18:28, NIV). Not only was it the perfect verse, it was a much needed devotional. It reminded me that although things may not yet look different, that light is about to break forth. It was a reminder that things will come in God’s time and that favor will then come through much more than I ever imagined. My dear friend doesn’t send me daily devotionals-we do check ins every now and then. What are the odds that this exact devotional would have come to her today and that she would think to send it to me? Godwink.
If you remain in me…
I have mentioned that I have been working on intentional prayer. Although I have shared in previous blogs that I am in the midst of a season of abundance, I am, like many of us, in the midst of spiritual battles as well. I don’t think that, as believers, we are ever free from a constant pull to move away from God. The enemy does not want us to draw nearer to God, instead he wants to pepper us with lies and doubts so that we turn away from God and dwell in darkness. Some days are easier than others. Yesterday was not one of my easy days. I recognized an anger below the surface that I could not trace its origins. I felt, well, off. So as I went to bed last night, I ended the day in intentional prayer that my anger be removed and that I would have the scales removed from my eyes and my ears opened to God’s truth and nothing else. Then, I woke up this morning in intentional prayer again. The first affirmation today was a shared memory via text associated with a verse, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:17, NIV). Then, I heard a song that reminding me to not be afraid and that “This is for my Glory”-I need to “choose to listen and believe.”
An ending and a beginning
It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to celebrate a life well lived on the same day that you get to celebrate the joining of two lives and a new beginning. This weekend I had the chance to do just that-what a blessing. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10, NIV) is the verse that resonated with me on both occasions. The devotion and dedication to a life well lived was evident in the morning’s service. A hero, a warrior, father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend. As I sat there listening to the service he had planned for the last three years, each verse seemed fitting, each memory shared illustrating his humble leadership and sincere care for others above self. A man with high standards but well respected. His impact on those of us that remain was evident by the heartfelt words that expressed the deep sense of loss and grief while remaining joyful and grateful for the time we shared while he was on this earth.
God knows what you need…
Today has been one of those days of continuous reminders that God knows exactly what we need. I love Psalms 91:9 reminding us that “The Lord is my refuge” but I love the following verses more. He reminds us that “no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike you foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent” (Psalms 91:11-13, NIV). In recent days, I have felt the weight of the world on my heart. Today, that weight was lifted by the angels that God put in my path.
In all things-glorify God
I start each day in prayer and on the rare occasions when it is not the first thing I do, I remedy it the first chance I get. Each day starts with a prayer of thanks. I say aloud prayers of praise and thanksgiving, even on the days it may not feel like I have much to praise (there is always something!) I then pray for protection, discernment, and guidance in all that I do. I pray that in every encounter that I listen to God’s direction. “if anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11, NIV). Lately, I have been even more intentional. Just as it states in the verse, I pray that God not only give me discernment, but that He give me the right words to speak and lead all my actions. How is that for admitting we cannot control anything? It is not in our hands, but God’s hands.
Quit trying to steal the pen
I had an amazing weekend at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in North Carolina. This place is and has always been mine and Rob’s special place. We always joke as we drive through the gates that we can queue the turkeys, deer, and bear along with blooming mountain laurels and amazing landscape regardless of the season. It is truly a special place on earth where you can feel God’s presence as you are surrounded by all that He created. We try to come here at least once a year for our military marriage retreats or personal spiritual retreats. It’s a special place where we can sit in quiet and open our ears to hear God and each other. I highly recommend a visit!
Victory to those anointed
I have a dear friend that reminded me once to speak prayers of praise and thanksgiving, to speak glory into being. I shared that once with a friend in need, and her prayers were answered three times over. I sat back and thought through so many of my blog posts and the stories of survival, perseverance, and miracles. God is and continues to be present in our everyday lives, and for that I am thankful. It is so easy to dwell in the darkness and become overwhelmed with all the chaos that goes on around us, but God is still present. I used to read miraculous stories in the Bible, but I never thought there could still be miracles today…until I was healed, until I saw others healed. We are not so different than the Israelites that wandered for forty years. They saw miracle after miracle yet still struggled to obey and believe. How thankful are we that God gave us Jesus so that our sins may be forgiven, so that we have hope in Him.