Fear and panic are two kissing cousins I’ve wrestled with long and hard. But God. Jesus whispers… I’m with you as you turn your back on fear and panic. I know the junk that flies your way. Nothing slips by me. That’s why I’m here to settle you as you turn from life’s heart-racing pace that fires up raw emotions in you. Let’s catch those joy-thieves and stop fear in its tracks! Let my Holy Spirit envelop you and replace the raging tide with my peace that passes understanding. Watch me settle over your soul and bring rest like I’ve …
Missing Peace?
This morning while reading an email from a friend, the Lord distinctly dropped these words into my heart. I believe they’re also for you. “When I say ‘do not be anxious about anything,’ I mean anything. You need to cast aside regret about things you wish you had done differently. To regret something in the past is to be anxious about it. Instead, you need to commit those unnecessary burdens to Me so I can take care of them. As you pray and petition Me with thanksgiving, fully entrusting your burdens and requests to Me, I will establish peace in …
The Freedom Challenge
What do wayward children, difficult coworkers, and emotionally distant relatives have in common? The true simple answer: Each one of these needs our prayers, understanding, and kindness. (But the true simple fact is: we can’t love one of them even one iota without God’s help.) Our freedom cost Christ His life. Doesn’t it make sense that we now follow the call and bring freedom to others? That’s why I invite you to join me in taking the freedom challenge. I promise it’s better than the coca-cola challenge and the ice bucket challenge, and you’ll feel a lot warmer. To be …
He Knows Better
Ask “I LOVE when you ask me questions.” God slips this in my spirit like sweet chocolate; and for a second, I wish my husband would say this too, but oh well. He isn’t God, my first love, and I’m glad. “Asking questions shows you trust Me with answers. It keeps us close.” Father, you’re as refreshing as a glass of ice water. You know I want to be close. “Drink deep of My wisdom. It’s your open invitation.” Lord, I love Your wisdom. May my family and I never be like Eve who saw the dangling fruit as a …
Falling Down Safe
Sometimes in the pruning, little homes get toppled. Creature comforts get turned upside down. Fear. Sometimes warm hands reaching out feel cold and foreign. Sometimes they just want to love. Sometimes we need to climb higher. Have a holy huddle. Sometimes we need to see down times as opportunities for more closeness. Sometimes loving touches speak louder than words. Sometimes we’re blessed to make a new friend. We can taste and see the goodness of God. In everything. Everything can be a learning experience… When we’re open and brave… …
Raging Seas
Shaken Heart Waves ride high, licking the sides of your boat, toppling inside. Water deepens, clawing tightness in your chest. Jesus had snatched this boat at the end of a long, crowd-saturated day, so he could reach the other side of the sea. With Jesus asleep now, you feel abandoned. Must you and your friends battle this storm by yourselves? In a howling gust, your boat couldn’t be more tossed and you know you’re going to drown. What in the world? Shouldn’t Jesus at least see this mess he threw you into? Winds roar so loud you can hardly hear …
And The Lord Says…
I awaken in the middle of the night, fear-struck and wondering, “How will I finish this task when it’s so much bigger than I am?” And the Lord says, “Nothing is bigger than I AM.” Hovering close, His feathery Spirit slips truth into my worry-weighted one. In healing waves, He pours Himself, freely. So what can I do but freely receive… [box] My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9[/box] Lord, it’s a battle, this worry habit. After so many years of practice, I wonder if I’m too good at it. “Practice letting …
Goodbye Fear, Goodbye Yaps
“Fear hangs out right next to whatever it is you’re most called to do. That means the closer you get to your calling, the louder fear sounds. Keep going – fear is a chihuahua that sounds like a Doberman.” — You’re Made for a God-sized Dream My chihuahua is “Yaps” because he never shuts up. Well, I have a few words for ol’ Yaps – if y’all don’t mind the accent. (I just got back from da South and dis one ‘ere kinda stuck wid me.) Yaps, we’re through. It’s ova! Ya had me going fer a while, wid all …
Good Morning Thinking
I wake up early. Too early I think. My brain’s still trying to unravel my dream, separate the uglies from reality. No, my husband doesn’t have a problem with that any more. And yes, he still loves me. But ok, I’ll say a quick prayer for his strengthening. I watch him under the glow of the digital clock, his chest rising and falling, his snores gentle for once. Why am I awake? I feel the pull of the Spirit. In the same way hunger awakens me after a workout, some part of me, my spirit I think, starts to hunger …
Redeeming Sensitivity
Susan Delaney was mad at herself. After a misunderstanding with her coworker, she willed her voice and face to stay intact. But she lost the battle. As she stood in his office, her eyes misted and her lips quivered. With no turning back, she wondered, will he understand? In light of his knowledge about her current stress, she guessed yes. When she first got the job, Dan reminded her of a father-like figure. A whole lot better than her father, actually. “Are you trying to manipulate me?” The question jolted her, cutting deeper. She last heard it from the lips …
Why Read the Bible?
My child, I’m with you, waiting to lighten your day with Truth. Open yourself to freedom, joy, hope, health, & soul rest. Bathe in My pages that spear each test. Lean on Me when you can’t see. I’ll help you over-stand. Soak in grace. I was poured in your place! Truth seeps in the secret places, mending, brightening. I stumbled through wrath to make your path secure. Tiptoe close. Absorb My sweet-somethings in your ear. As the flower turns to the sun, or the dog to his master, so the soul turns to God. – William Temple To him who …
Tired of Liking Worry?
Tossing and turning, I’m tired of being gentle on worry, tired of claiming something as mine that Christ clearly came to take. What is it about the human psyche that insists on sifting through crud? Are we that controlling, untrusting and forgetful? Can be. I admit I am sometimes. Even today. In my down, unguarded moments. A friend of worry. Sorry, Lord. I choose to trust you today. Here I am. Remembering who You are. Abba, Daddy, Doctor, Counselor, teacher, eternal best friend… Do you hear me, God? I said I’m tired of worry. I know you hate it too …
De-stressing
If anyone had reason to worry or panic it was holocaust survivor, Corrie ten Boom; but she held her peace because she needed it to face her impossible challenges. So do we. Life is hard, time is short, people need us. We need peace. Worry’s tough to kick because it clings under the pretense that it’s actually doing something (other than leaching our strength.) People spend big bucks on stress management, but Jesus gives us the keys: Be eternity-minded. Adjust your perception to match Mine. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… My yoke is easy, and My …
I AM with You
I squeeze this verse for comfort. Fear’s a menace to my mind. I’m no stranger to its power; Fierce, it lies me down half-bind. I’m no stranger to My Savior, whose right hand upholds me tight. As I grope for hope, half-doubting, trusted Love remakes me light. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? … Put your hope in God” Psalm 42:11 Talked to your soul, lately? David needed to remind himself that his loving, Sovereign God was with him. God wants you to know He’s with you too: I’m with you on the operating table. I’m with you in …
Business, Busyness, & Big, Brave Dreams!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Divine Presence
In whirlwinds of confusion when cold questions press you tight, ask Me close and I will hold you by a love surpassing sight. You’re my treasure, bright with promise, and I live to see you reign. As we cross this bridge together, I will lead you through your pain.