About life in general, and life with God specifically.
For the longest time, I would believe that things in my life were so hard because of a drink or drug. I thought that was the only thing that was causing my life to be terrible. One thing I have learned in sobriety- take away the drink and drug, And life still is hard!
It has always fascinated me how our sense of smell can evoke the most fantastic imagery and can allow our minds to transport us in that moment to places remote in our memory. Such was the case with me just a few Saturdays ago while perusing the aisles of the local home improvement store. The moment became an opportunity for God to speak to me, and enrich my soul.
“If not now then when? If not me then who?” – John E. Lewis
It amazes me when I look at how far we are into this year already. We are more than halfway through 2019. Time literally waits for no one. The pace of life is speeding up and so should we. Especially when we are constantly delaying that which God has called us to do.
We all enjoy talking about the joys of our lives. Whether that is welcoming a new child into our family or celebrating a big breakthrough. You are full of excitement, joy, and anxious to spread the good news. But, why do we hesitate to spread the news of our troubles and disappointments? Fear of rejection? Fear of displaying our weakness?
In light of current events and the culture in which we are living, it just isn’t the time to sit in our comfortable pews and think we are doing all we can. YES, scripture is clear that in the last days we will see a moral decay BUT it is also clear that we are to stay diligent in His service and work!
“If I chose to keep my scars, you can, too.”
Jesus whispered those words into my spirit as I was lying in bed one night—thinking too much about things past and wishing they’d just go away. I was a little stunned when He said those words but also comforted. Comforted by the fact that He said “scars” and not “wounds,” meaning healing really is possible; but also, a little uneasy because scars are still visible, and they come with a process and with stories.
Often, I find that I am one of the most impatient women I know. I tend to be high energy and want things done right now and in a minute is too late. “Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” But who is to say, when “tomorrow” is?
The family “pack mule” is somehow indicative of being a mother. The children off-load their hats, jackets, sweaters, and toys with a hearty “Here Mom!”, and husbands hand off their keys, sunglasses, and wallets for you to mind. While maybe not officially in our job description, moms everywhere are given the task of carrying things.
A large portion of my life has been spent battling insecurity. I spent years listening to the voices that told me I was unlovable. That I wasn’t enough, that I was too much; that I was dumb and ugly, too soft and not worthy. The list could go on and on. I was told so many times who I was by others that, after a while, I started to believe them.
Daniel 3:18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Didn’t get that promotion you wanted? Did not receive the news you wanted to receive at your last doctor’s visit? This passage from Daniel reminds me of so many things and times something “did not” go my way, or the way I thought it should have gone. Although it is not always easy to understand “why not” or “did not.” But one thing is that God is still good.