His Peace for Your Pieces

Yesterday was "one of those days". It was stressful and tiring; combined with the fact that it had been five months since Melissa Coy went home to heaven. The grief can't help but feel heavier on those monthly markers and I posted a short poem to help the grief escape.

To top it all off, something ironic (and maybe even prophetic) happened as I was leaving the office. I happened to notice something lying on the ground. When I knelt down for a closer look, I realized it was part of one of my favorite necklaces. Feeling about as shattered as those beads, I picked up all the pieces I could find; wondering when and how it had fallen off of my neck without me noticing it. I should have known better than to attempt to wear it. I had had some other instances of it coming off due to a worn out clasp. Now, the cheap two dollar vacation souvenir (the one my Aunt Linda had once fixed for me the first time it got broken), had broken again. An auxiliary lady, who was talking to me outside, suggested that it could probably be remade. I told her I didn't think it was likely, but that regardless if it got remade (or made into something completely different), I would still have the memories with me that couldn't be broken. 

I couldn't help but think about how horribly fitting it was for the day. After gathering the pieces, I went to pick up my son. He also had had a day and was telling me his woes. I told him that no matter how broken and shattered we feel, God meets us in our pain. He is there to heal and renew us. It's never the same as it was before, but whatever comes of the remade or brand new thing is all for a very good purpose (Romans 8:28).  

I think 2025 has been a pretty hard year. There has been a lot of tragedies and losses; everything from the personal and local/community losses to more widely known ones like the hurricanes. I've seen a lot of heartache in my feed this year. Maybe it always seems that way, as one stops to reflect back on the past year, or maybe it really has been a bit heavier. I'm sure it's not just me.

I guess I'm just still trying to "abide" and stay anchored in His love. I've needed that word; because who wants to abide (remain, stay) in the hard stuff? Enduring and weathering out the storm can only be accomplished through Christ (John 15:5, Philippians 4:13). I am SO GLAD that I have Jesus! His faithfulness and comfort is EVERYTHING! Every time I get into 1985 mode, I go to Him instead of that time machine. I tell Him what hurts, surrendering the emotions and brokenness, and I receive His presence and peace in the midst of the pain. Thanking, worshiping, and remembering who He is has been a vital key to emptying the grief from my heart (Philippians 4:6-7).

I don't know what brokenness you've been through this year. I don't know what has shattered you and left you picking up the pieces. But, I think the broken necklace illustrates some important things. First, we have to realize something is broken. Many times, we ignore warning signs (like I did with the faulty clasp). We not only fail in the preventative part, but sometimes we are in denial when things finally do breakdown. We are unaware and we don't see it; or sometimes we do see it and don't do anything about it. Secondly, once we do face it, we don't know how to deal with it. Do we pick up the pieces, discard it, and move on? Do we hold onto it; refusing to let go? Or, do we do a bit of both? It doesn't have to be "all or nothing." The one thing that is certain is that it happened and history cannot be changed. There is no "undo" button.

God has a bigger plan in mind for those broken pieces. He can and will redeem anything (and already did through Christ on the cross)! It won't look like what it did before, but it can look like something that honors and preserves the beautiful part of what was lost while still creating something new. Again, think about how the New Covenant didn't destroy the Old Covenant, but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). My necklace was destroyed, but its memories and purpose was not. If it hadn't broken again, I wouldn't be writing this blog right now. In that regard, I'm almost glad that it broke. I can also see possibilities for how it "might" be remade or repurposed (if I ever get around to it). Though, if all that ever comes of it is being another one of my unfinished ideas/projects, it's ok. I'm at peace with the journey that this cheap souvenir has been on. I've had it for probably close to 20 years...it really did have a good run and truly served a greater purpose than I ever would have thought when I got it in that little shop in Tennessee all those years ago.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I pray that you'll trust Jesus with whatever pieces you need to put into His hands. Let go and forgive yourself of any shame or blame. Whether you could have prevented it or not doesn't matter now. What matters is the healing and restoration He wants to give you. Confess and surrender it all. Forgive yourself; and anyone else that may be involved. Invite God into your mess. He is near to you (Psalm 34:18). Ask Him to show you how He wants to heal and restore you for His glory. He'll give you His peace for your pieces! What better time for healing than Christmastime. Peace on Earth and peace in your heart! God bless you!  

When It's Hard to Find the "Wonderful"

For many people, Christmastime is "the most wonderful time of the year." For others, those song lyrics are the last thing they want to hear because for one reason or another, it's hard to get excited about Christmas. Personally, every time my co-worker mockingly and randomly sings that line to me, I give him a "bah, humbug" kind of look.  It can be a struggle to have the Christmas spirit when you work at the Salvation Army and the "wonderful" time of the year is the most crazy busy time of the year.

As exhausting as all the busyness is, I know it's all worth it. Struggling families will be getting assistance and generous donors are ensuring that I still have a job to do as I process monetary gifts and take care of business. The ministry goes on because of this "wonderful" but busy time of year. God supplies all the strength and endurance I need to persevere through a long December; even with an ongoing cold & cough that is only now starting to taper off. I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Jesus is the one that propels me onward. He keeps me looking forward to the mystery and hope of the upcoming new year as the current one wraps up. What a blessing it is to see the world through "Kingdom" lenses; an eternal perspective. Christ is my confidence! He gives me peace and joy even on the most weary days. 

The only thing that sometimes gets me down is when I become aware of the emptiness and sadness of others. Christmas and New Year's doesn't look bright and shiny to them. Fear has drowned out Hope because they have forgotten (or don't know) His name. The holidays have come at a bad time because they've just lost a job, a home, a loved one, or maybe more than one of those things at once. They may be dealing with a severe illness or injury, an addiction, or financial struggles. They may be a veteran struggling to overcome PTSD and are still fighting a war; the fight for the will to live. Some have buried parents, siblings, and even babies and children. Others have friends and relatives who are incarcerated; whether literally, figuratively, or both. 

The scenarios I mentioned all have names and faces attached to them; most of them are the people I listen to, hug, and pray with when they're coming in for help. You may not know the ones I know, but chances are you know someone who is going through this kind of pain and grief (maybe it's you). It's far too easy for Satan to use these tragedies for his gain; all he has to do is keep the focus on the problems rather than the One who solves them. He cleverly keeps our attention fixed inward rather than upward; on that next fix, hook up, lottery ticket, shopping spree, or alcoholic beverage. It's all about keeping you obsessed with filling the void; returning to empty wells or salt water that can't quench or satisfy. In fact, some of those wells are downright contaminated with poison; yet the compulsion to draw from them remains and the cycle continues. The negative emotions and depression deepens and digs its hooks deeper into your soul; becoming more and more of a stronghold and stumbling block.

The good news is that there IS "good news"; "tidings of great joy" for ALL people (yes, YOU too)! It's the Gospel message and the whole reason this season is truly "wonderful": Jesus. I can vouch for the fact that He is the only One that can rescue and restore a heavy heart and weary soul. He is the key to freedom from those strongholds! I've been to the empty and toxic wells as much as anyone else. Because of my own struggles, I can promise you that Hope really does deliver, because that deliverer's name is Emmanuel; "God with us." He is the way, the truth and the life, who gives us living water. Turn away from the kind of water that isn't good for your soul and turn to the one and only pure water source. Christ's living water is fresh, pure, and sustaining. HE is the answer you seek. Be a wise man (or wise woman) and journey towards the Savior who has come to rescue and restore you! Fall on your knees before the Savior. Humble yourself before the One who humbled Himself as well. Our Creator came to Earth in the very human form in which we ourselves are made. God came to be with us so that He could also die for/deliver us, and then live IN us through the Holy Spirit. He was forsaken so that we would never have to be. In your greatest need and brokenness, He is with you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. You are not alone! What a most wonderful time of year it is indeed! HE makes it wonderful!

Grace and peace to you, my dear friends! Please, pray for those that are seeking, hurting, grieving, and needing to know the hope and joy that the Prince of Peace brings. In this season of giving, look for every opportunity to do the most good. Give spare change to the Salvation Army red kettles (or volunteer to ring the bell!!), adopt a family for Christmas, donate food to the pantry, smile at strangers, visit a nursing home, etc. As John Wesley said: "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." Don't waste a moment to make an impact! Be the hope of Jesus everywhere you go; through your words and actions. Love well! Additionally, if you are reading this and are desperate for the hope and peace I've shared about, please comment or contact me. I would love to listen to your heart, hear your story, and pray for you! God bless you!

Being a Force for Good

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It's also Star Wars Day (may the fourth be with you!). At first, it felt odd and awkward that these two days are sharing the spotlight. After thinking about it, however, I see how it's very fitting.

Every day, we need Jesus more than yesterday. His mercy, grace, joy, and peace are all things that we desperately need; even more than the air we breathe. Without Him, we have no hope...because He IS hope....our "only hope." Ponder these verses from Lamentations 3:22-24:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

 

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

Let that sink in. Because of His unfailing love and compassion, we are not consumed. The dark side of this world can't eat us alive or rob us of the victory that was accomplished on the cross. Every new day is a fresh new display of His faithfulness and goodness. He renews and restores our souls and gives us our portion of grace for the day; whatever that daily bread looks like, He provides it like He did the manna for the Israelites.

We live in a time where it's easy to become discouraged and depressed. We look at the sith lords in power and feel like we'll forever be dominated by greed, power, and war. Yes, tyranny and injustice is hard to witness; but we do not have to be consumed by it. The previous verses remind us of where our hope and joy is found and Psalm 23 tells us who takes care of us. The government doesn't have our backs (and probably never will) but the Lord, our Good Shepherd, always does!

If we truly want to see change, we have to go to the source: our hearts. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the ever popular verse for this day, we see how to do that: 

 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves 

and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, 

then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

Don't just glaze over the words here. There is some HEAVY stuff in it and we won't see change until we're truly putting these commands into practice. We need to HUMBLE ourselves; that means surrendering and laying down our pride. We need to pray; opening our hearts listen and obey as we earnestly seek His face. That means, pursuing Him, knowing Him, and obeying Him and His commands. That's where the next part comes in; turning away from our wicked ways (repentance). Only then can He heal our land when we confess and repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. It doesn't matter what the government makes legal or illegal. What matters is that WE obey God and repent from our own wickedness. If we SEEK Him in prayer and in His Word, we will KNOW what is right and wrong. We will see things change because people will be living according to God's commands even if they're not the "law of the land."

If there's anything that we can learn from Star Wars, it's that there is always going to be evil and conflict in this fallen world. We should keep fighting the good fight until our dying breath (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus already gave us the victory and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Keep your armor on (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stay connected with other believers; no one is meant to fight alone! To battle the darkness around us, and within us, remember 1 John 4:4: 

 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, 

because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

 

This One that is in you, friends, is the Holy Spirit! He's always with you and never leaves you. He is supreme, sovereign, perfect, and REAL! He's beyond anything "the Force" could ever be....and He's living in YOU! Isn't that amazing?! Or, if you have yet to know Him (and would like to invite Him into your heart) please don't wait any longer! Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. Accept and believe in Him as your Savior and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10)! Confess your sins to Him; He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Your name will be recorded in the Book of Life and the Holy Spirit will come to live in your heart right away! He's the deposit guaranteeing what is to come!! You will belong to Jesus and His family! Be sure you contact me (or another strong Christian friend that you know) and tell them about your decision for Christ so that you will have someone to walk with you on your journey and help you take your next steps of faith!

 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! We are a "force" for good in this world when we are living according to the Spirit (Romans 8:3-5). Let's pray hard today, and every day; surrendering ourselves to the will of God as we repent and seek His face! Amen!

 

 

Blessed Peace and Rest

In the past few weeks, I have had some rough moments. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say that emotionally and spiritually, I have felt down. In times like these, I cling to what I know and not to what I feel. Yet, it can be frustrating when you are waiting for your feelings to catch up to your faith.

I’ve had some of my dear friends say prayers over me recently, and each time I felt a renewed sense of peace. One of the many things that I often struggle with is just the personal pressure I unnecessarily put on myself (and my fears of letting others down if I don’t come through for people). Though, as I heard recently during the church service before my friend Jama’s baptism, we are human BEINGS and not human DOINGS. The preacher is absolutely right in that he was saying that we get so caught up in the daily grind of “doing” that we forget how to just “be”. That is one message that I constantly need reminded of! It brings to mind a verse that was shared with me years ago about how we “do and do” and refuse rest. It’s in Isaiah 28:12-13: to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place of repose"—but they would not listen. So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there—so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured. (NIV)

It’s not that our “doings” are bad things. After all, we do have responsibilities as well as serving opportunities. What it all comes down to is that “b” word (that I always find hard to define) which is “balance.” And, as the pastor pointed out, God CHOSE to rest on the seventh day. We must also choose to rest, to recharge, to remember to “be still and know” (Psalm 46:10). Otherwise, we will wear ourselves out and be just like those in that last verse. Overdoing it can definitely cause us to fall backward (rather, backslide) get us injured, snared, and captured (by the enemy). Think about it.

In connection with the “pressure” that I put on myself is usually an accompanying worry and/or condemnation. Of course, I truly know better than that because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1) but nonetheless, I still get attacked with it from time to time. Satan would love nothing more than to try to enslave me back into a shell of low self-worth and self-loathing. However, that’s what prayer is for! My sweet prayer sister and mentor, Kim, asked God to affirm to me what HE thinks of me. In my mind, the phrase was: “I think: I love you.” The response I felt was, “So what am I so afraid of?” (to the tune of that all familiar song by David Cassidy).

That moment wasn’t about the song, but about the concept. Though, remembering the tune is what keeps me singing it back to God any time I start to forget these two key verses:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. - Romans 8:15 (KJV).

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18 (KJV)


Do you know what God thinks of me (and you)? His first thought is “I love you.” If He loves us, why do we fear? That’s what I keep asking myself. As a daughter of the King, I am perfected in love. Grace doesn’t enslave me to fear, it’s what sets me free (Galatians 5:1)! My heavenly Father does not (and will not) condemn me and NOTHING can ever separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39)!

Furthermore, I needn’t try so hard and be “doing and doing“ all the time. The Holy Spirit will do His job and I will be content with whatever role I have. As my brother in Christ prayed for me recently, I felt the Holy Spirit assure me that He does want me. The one thing He said was that I am overcompensating. Often, I go beyond where the Holy Spirit wants to go. The perfect example is of how Mary had Jesus work a miracle before it was time. He even told her that His time had not yet come (in other words, she was rushing Him) but out of love and honor for His mother, He turned the water into wine (John 2:1-11).

I know that I sometimes do too much (and say too much). No doubt most of it is probably good things, but I know that it takes away from what the Holy Spirit wants to do (if I try to do too much of His job or rush His timing). I don’t want to slow down or jump-start whatever process He has in mind by being too eager or impatient. I don’t want to limit Him or others by taking away from it all by being over-involved. All the more reason to remember to “rest” and “be” and to “wait” on the Lord. And if it takes a mild illness (such as I have been battling the last few days) to remind me of that, then it’s been worth it!!

This isn’t the first time I have learned this “lesson” but it seems like it takes repetition of a concept (and often in various forms) before something truly becomes cemented into your heart. I hope that I don’t have to learn it too many more times. ;) I hope that as I think on this more and more, I will become better at being concise with my words and actions and that I will no longer be one who “overcompensates.”

May the grace and peace of our heavenly Father be with you!! God bless you!!

Grace: God's Stain Remover

Have you ever noticed how a stain often gets worse the more you try and clean it? Sometimes it smears, gets ground in, or become even uglier the more you try to clean it up. Even if you can manage to eradicate it, sometimes remnants still remain. You can still see the faint hues of a pasta sauce stain on a white shirt or a red juice spot on the carpet. The mistake lingers in that faint reminder; never fully erased.

I was having some quiet time; trying to pray and have time with the Lord. That’s when I noticed just how “quiet” things really were. It was then that I noticed the lid of Gianna’s plastic vanity seat in the bathroom and it had something all over it. At first, I thought it was Gianna’s hair and that she had found a way to give herself a trim. She was standing on the potty (hair intact) with a wad of toilet paper in her hand. She had colored all over her vanity seat with a black crayon and when she realized how permanent the marks were, she tried to clean it off with toilet paper (and it obviously didn’t work).

I was rather upset. Regrettably, I yelled at her (in fact, quite a bit today). This isn’t the first time she has destroyed something in some way or another (whether it be her own stuff or ours). Though, any other time, I have been able to get marks off the walls or washed off whatever she used to paint her body with (or just lived with the scribbles on some of my books). This time, however, it didn’t come off very well (it’s a little textured, so it was harder to clean). I managed to get most of the crayon marks off with some steel wool, but it is still stained. Unless I can find a better way to clean it, it will never be the way it was; perfectly pink and white. Same thing with all her underwear because even as I was typing this, she decided to poop her pants today! Also, during snack time, she spilled her food on the floor and stained the wall and tablecloth. So, naturally, I am at my “accident” limit today. I am very frustrated because whether they were purposeful or on accident, I am just fed up with the messes! Why does she do this?! Won’t she ever learn?!




It was in these examples, however, that I learned something myself. I was reminded of how years ago, one of our pastors had showed us the same lesson. He had a piece of paper on stage that looked like a thermometer with some black ink representing the sin in our lives bubbling up in that thermometer. He showed us how trying to clean it off ourselves smears it. We can’t purify ourselves. Only the blood of Christ can make us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). He removes the blackness and makes us completely clean and new by giving us a brand new heart (Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 11:19). We aren‘t just a cleaned up old version of ourselves. We have been made brand new (2 Corinthians 5:17)! Praise God! Only Christ can do that! We cannot hide, clean up, or remove our own filth. When we do, it only makes it worse. We end up staining ourselves even more and leaving ourselves with more remnants of what our sins have done. This is why we NEED Christ! Only through Him are our stains removed and we are made new!

I know that like Gianna, we don’t always learn our lessons. Sometimes we make the same mistakes over and over again. Even after suffering the punishment and consequences of our actions we still return to our vomit (Proverbs 26:11, 2 Peter 2:22). Gianna has been punished, talked to, and I have taken her seat away from her (and told her she wouldn’t be coloring for a long time) and she has been sent to her room for a nap (she looks like a sweet, innocent, sleeping angel now lol). I forgive her; even knowing that she may possibly do it again someday. I still love her no matter what she does. I also asked her to forgive me for yelling at her and she very sweetly said she did. I don’t want to be angry at her and I want to be as forgiving and gracious to her as the Lord is to me.



In all of this I am all the more aware and amazed at God’s love, forgiveness, and patience! We all behave just as badly as children. We sin against our perfect Father in heaven and we don’t always learn from our mistakes. However, he loves us anyways and forgives us for our misdeeds. He even lovingly disciplines us and/or allows us to suffer the consequences of our actions so that we might repent and do better next time (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6). He also removes our sins as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more (Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25, Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, Hebrews 10:17). That is beyond gracious! He’s far greater than any of us because who among us can always completely forget even if we learn to forgive? He is so AMAZING!

As frustrated as I have been with all of Gianna’s blunders today, it has also been a strange comfort to me. It was the teachable moment that I needed in order to better receive God’s grace for myself. That’s because yesterday, I really blew it with my eating. I have learned so much from “The Lord’s Table” course (and yesterday’s lesson was even about being vigilant and on guard) and yet I STILL screwed up!! Even as aware and determined as I was to be disciplined in my eating, I still strayed. I feel all the worse because I was aware (and even expected) that I would be faced with some difficult food choices yesterday and I STILL blew it - even after all the reading, praying, and spent time listening to/singing my favorite worship songs to God. It’s frustrating, upsetting, and shameful. Today, the scale reflected a 1.2 pound gain instead of the slight loss I was showing earlier in the week. It’s the obvious consequence of my actions and while I’m disappointed, I am not surprised. Nevertheless, it’s humiliating and it both saddens and sickens me.

That was when God showed me (and assured me) of His forgiveness and grace. As I cleaned up every mess today, God used them to remind me of how He completely cleans me and replaces that which I have destroyed by my own will. He truly forgives, loves, and restores me. I am truly beyond grateful! I really don’t deserve it - not one bit!! Yet, he repairs what I never could and releases me from my immense sin debt that I have accumulated in my lifetime and could never atone for or “clean up”. He takes my guilt and sorrow and uses it for good (Romans 8:28).

I’m glad that I am now more convicted over my food mishaps instead of regularly being so callused and indifferent about it. Gluttony is a sin that breaks His heart just like any other, and I’m glad that I’m finally truly disturbed by it to the point of tears and true remorse. I pray that He will continue breaking my heart as needed. It’s painful and unpleasant, but necessary. Like someone once told me, “When we’re broken we’re teachable.” God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, Isaiah 61:1).

Grace and peace to all of you! I pray that you will find the joy in repentance as the grace of God transforms you from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)! May you experience the wonder of His love and forgiveness as He sets you free from (and erases) every stain and makes you new!! Jesus is the one and only stain remover! ;) Hallelujah! God bless you all!!

He Is...

Just a few days ago, a friend of mine was telling me how Psalm 62 had given her some peace and helped her to deal with her circumstances That’s not surprising considering that the book of Psalms is so encouraging. So, the Lord reminded me of that yesterday and I decided to read what she read.

When I read it, I was comforted with much peace and joy. I was filled with thanksgiving and praise for the Lord as I hung on every word and pondered it deeply. Read it for yourself and let it sink in!! It’s awesome!! Here is what Psalm 62 says:

1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.

7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Verse one reminded me of the peace one gets in the stillness; just waiting on the Lord and being in his presence. I thought of the sermon from a couple weeks ago that continues to stay with me (it was the sermon about the “fig tree”). I just sat and remained still; just concentrating on the goodness of the Lord and all that He is. He is THE GREAT “I AM”; He is everything!!

Verse two…..WOW!! He’s my rock!! He is solid, faithful, and trustworthy. He is my refuge and defender and I will not be shaken. The next two verses describe the reasons why one will not be “moved” or shaken. They talk about the persecution and oppression that all of us face in our lives. Of course, Jesus told us in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." What a blessed comfort it is to know that even in troubling storms, Jesus is there. He is our peace! He has already overcome all evil and therefore, we have the victory in Him!!
I like how verse five says that He is our expectation. Waiting on and trusting in Him is to be our focus. EXPECT great things from God!!

Following that verse is the repeated affirmation that He is our rock and salvation. He is our defense from all that accuse and persecute us. We don’t have to worry. He brings us peace and rest.

Verses seven and eight calm the heart even further by describing God’s provision for us. He provides (and IS!) our salvation, glory, strength, and refuge. When we trust in Him and pour out our heart, He comforts us and builds us up! It’s amazing!! I don’t know what I would do without Him!!

The next verses spoke to me even more; especially when I read “Trust not in oppression.” It hit me like a ton of bricks because sometimes, I focus too much on the trouble and not enough on God. Why trust in the oppression and in my own ability to deal with things? I need to trust in the Lord!! One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 which says: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” I want to trust and acknowledge Him and His sovereignty - in all my “ways” and circumstances. I want HIM to direct my steps. I want to be filled with His wisdom, peace, joy, and all good things. I want to think about and dwell on good Spirit-filled things; not the things that oppress and oppose me. (Philippians 4:8).

The last two verses were the icing on the cake, so to speak. It was the blessed assurance of the fact that God is in control. He takes care of everything, and He takes care of ME! “Power belongeth to God” as well as mercy. He will “renderest to every man according to his work.” I desire God’s power and mercy in my life. I pray that He will render and pour it out on me. I desire it for all of you!! God truly is an awesome God!! May His power and mercy be rendered to you!!

This Psalm spoke grace and peace to me, and I just thought I would share it with all of you in the hope that your heart would be just as blessed!! I pray that everyone will have sweet moments of peace and stillness with God. I pray that every heart will have the reassurance that God is in control and that He is our rock, our defender, our strength, our everything!! Be encouraged!! He has overcome all things and is the “blessed controller” of all things (as I have been reading in a book that I will be blogging about sometime soon!). Grace and peace to you all! I love you!! OXOXO

Two Minutes Under The Fig Tree

**I know this looks long, but it’s worth the read!! The sermon was awesome!!**

Last Friday, Chad and several others left for a mission trip to Guatemala (all prayers for the team, and for the people of that country, are greatly appreciated!). Therefore, someone else got to preach today. That someone was Tony Chaney. Some of you may remember that he used to be one of our lead pastors (and our youth pastor) before he was called to serve elsewhere. He is also the father of Haley Chaney; whom you may remember as the one I was requesting prayers for a few months ago. Haley was in a really bad car accident and had severe injuries (especially to her brain). Though, I am proud to report that Haley is doing phenomenally well!! (PRAISE GOD!!). I even seen her for the first time when I was in the prayer room a few weeks ago. When I saw her, I just hugged her as the tears of awe and joy flowed like rivers down my cheeks. I then took a step back just so I could look at that beautiful smiling face of hers which radiated with the light of Jesus. To see her, and all God has done in her, just blew me away as I beheld the glory of God‘s goodness. I couldn’t help but feel like I had just hugged a walking miracle. If you want to read and see for yourself just how far she has come, check out her online care page (free registration is required in order to view).

Anyways, Tony began the sermon by expressing his immense gratitude for all God has done, and for all the church (and the community) has done to help support his family Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Haley. Your continued prayers are appreciated!

It was so nice to see and hear Tony preach again. He has always had a special gift for communicating God’s truth in such a loving, peaceful, and gentle manner. God’s living water just flows effortlessly from him, and I am one among the many who were just overjoyed and blessed by his sermon today!! I STRONGLY recommend hearing it for yourself when it’s uploaded on the church website!!

The text Tony used comes from John 1:43-51 which reads:

43The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."

44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.

45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.

47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that."

51He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Tony explained this scripture the way that he often does - through his real life experiences. He talked about how he has a “fig tree” just like Nathanael; a place where he goes to get quiet and alone with God. He said that back in April, when he was sitting and praying in his favorite chair, he felt his chair move. He waited to see if it would happen again; it did! He said that the walls seemed to shake as well as everything around him. He realized that he had just experienced a mild earthquake (my fellow Hoosiers might remember this; though I didn’t experience it because I was in South Carolina at the time). He said that because he was quiet, still, and aware, he was able to experience those tremors that rose up from deep within the earth. He said since it was so early in the morning, many people probably slept right through it and didn’t even notice. He expressed his awe at being able to experience that little display of power because it reminded him of how God’s powerful tremors flow directly to us. If we are still, quiet, and open to it, we will notice and experience that power from God. But, if we don’t take the time to have those quiet moments with Him, we are going to miss it!!

That story really resonated with me. It was exactly what I needed to hear because I have always struggled with having quiet and still moments. Though, I have had a friend that has been gently urging me to take just two minutes a day to be still and quiet. No distractions or noises, just two simple minutes to think about absolutely nothing and experience peace and rest. She told me that I would learn to enjoy the quiet more and more and work my way up to longer periods of time. She’s right. I am learning to enjoy it The more I relax in the quiet stillness of God, the more wisdom, understanding, peace, etc. I receive from Him. If I learn how to hear God’s whispers in the stillness first, I will be better able to hear His “still small voice” speak to me in midst of all the noise in my every-day life.

This blessed stillness is what Nathanael had likely been experiencing while under that fig tree. The fig tree was probably his quiet place where he could get alone with God and pray. He might have even been praying about the arrival of the Messiah. During that time period, everyone was anxiously watching and waiting for the Messiah to come. So, Nathanael should have been overjoyed when Philip came to tell him that the one they had been waiting for had been found. However, this wasn’t the case. His immediate reaction was “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nazareth’s reputation wasn’t very good, and so, Nathanael had his doubts. Nazareth wasn’t the kind of place he expected the Messiah to come from. Little did he know that his perspective was about to change!

Nathanael’s doubts were put to rest when Jesus encouraged him with the fact that he knew who he was and that he walking in truth. Nathanael asked, “How do you know me?” Jesus told him that He had seen him while he was STILL under the fig tree. It was right after Jesus said those words that Nathanael openly declared Jesus as the Son of God.

That’s a pretty big change isn’t it? What was it about Jesus’ reply that instantly broke Nathanael and assured him of who Jesus was? It was the fact that Jesus KNEW him and KNEW about his stillness in that quiet place. Who else but the Son of God would know about what he was doing under the fig tree?

Because of Nathanael’s quiet moments, he was able to see God’s revelations. If he didn’t have those timeouts from his busy days, he likely would have missed the things that God was trying to show him.

Tony illustrated that concept with yet another story. It was about how his wife and Haley had gone out to eat after Haley’s rehabilitative therapy. He said that Haley had noticed an older couple praying over their meal at the restaurant. She pointed it out to her Mom who instantly had a prompting from God that she should pay for their meal. Tony said that she wrestled with it for a while, but finally decided that she would obey. She told the waiter to give her the bill, and he seemed surprised. He asked if she knew them and she said no. He seemed perplexed, but he gave her the bill and she paid it. Then, when they were going to pay for their own, he asked her what made her do what she did. Angie’s simple response: “God.” The waiter was clearly amazed. I’m sure that gave him something to ponder for a while!

Next, Tony said a waitress came over to Angie. Apparently, she had been watching them and she said she felt she should give Angie a necklace that she had made (which she was wearing). She took it off and put it around Angie’s neck. Angie asked her why she would do that and amazingly, the waitress had the same answer: “God.”

Tony said that through that experience, Angie felt like God was showing her that listening and being obedient brings God’s blessings. He showed her that He was in control and taking care of her. Isn’t that amazing?

Think about all the lives that were touched because of those simple acts of obedience. God only knows what effects those actions had on that couple or that waiter! Think about how the quiet moments in our own “fig tree” places condition us to listen to God. We learn how to be aware of the opportunities He brings our way when we are sensitive and open to His voice. When we are quiet in His stillness, we learn to hear the whisper and can then hear it even amongst all the noise in our every day lives.

Tony asked us to close our eyes and think of our own “fig tree.” Even if we don’t have a special chair or place, our fig tree can be anywhere we are because God is always there. Like the song we sang today “you never let go….through the calm and through the storms….” We never have to reach very far to be with Jesus because He is already there; already holding us because HE NEVER LETS GO! We may let go of Him, but He NEVER LETS GO OF US!!!

Experience Jesus in your own “fig tree moments” this week; whether in a special place of solitude or even in the midst of waiting in line at the grocery store, doctor‘s office, etc. If quiet is sometimes hard for you, like it is for me, do what my friend suggests and start with just two minutes. Can you spare a mere two minutes of silence per day to just be still, quiet, and put everything out of your mind? Two minutes; that’s all. Think of nothing else but the peace and tranquility of God that fills your heart as you take time to “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). Be still. Be quiet. Just “be.” Just two minutes under the fig tree. Just you wait and see how it makes a difference in your day (and in your life!). Like Nathanael was told that he would see even greater things, so will you!! Just wait and see. Wait…….and see!!!

I pray that all of us will have lots of “fig tree” moments this week (and every week)!! May we all learn, grow, and build from those two minutes!! May our time under the fig tree increase as we learn to cherish those blessed moments of stillness!! Grace and peace to all of you….today, tomorrow, and always!! God bless you all!!

Do You Smell Like Grace And Peace?

Last Sunday, Chad continued the “Colossians” series by talking about these first two verses of the book: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Herein, Chad focused on two particular aspects of these verses: grace and peace.

Paul was always greeting his readers with “grace and peace.” The way Paul said “hello” was beyond that of a standard “hey, how are you?” Paul’s greetings were heartfelt and sincere. He conveyed warmth and joy to his readers with those love saturated words “grace” and “peace.“
So, how deep are the words “grace” and “peace”? Chad described grace as being joy, favor, and acceptance. He also said that peace is the presence of the goodness and fullness of God. So, when Paul was writing “grace and peace” to his readers, what he was essentially saying was something to the effect of “joy, favor, acceptance and the goodness of God’s fullness be to you……may all of these good things be yours.”

Isn’t that beautiful and heartwarming? What would the world be like if we all greeted each other in such a tenderhearted way? How would that change communication and relationships? I think it would make a HUGE difference! Personally, when someone speaks gentleness and love to me, it always softens my heart in some way. One example would be like when we visit Chick-Fil-A. (In case you have never heard of it, it’s a restaurant chain that serves some really good chicken)!! The company is faith and family based, and boy does it ever show in their attitudes!! The restaurants are always the cleanest, the people are always the friendliest, and their customer service is unmatched. Why? It’s because of their humble hearts and attitudes (and because they are Christ-centered!). It even shows in their words when they ask, “how may I serve you?” Think about how that phrase (compared to “how can I help you?”) makes you feel. “Serve” has a humble feel to it; and you know that the person really means it. “Help” is more of a general term, and doesn’t seem to go quite as far as the word “serve.” Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear “how can I serve you?” and then hear them say “it was my pleasure” when you thank them for your food, it just blesses my heart and makes me feel valued and relaxed. In fact, my husband loves hearing it so much that he will gladly go up to the counter multiple times to get a refill (or to order more food) just so he can hear them say those two phrases. (You should see the way Mitch grins from ear to ear - and I do too!! LOL). Those words are truly life-giving words that touch the heart and have the power to transform!

Words that speak from the heart of our heavenly Father always have that effect. It’s no wonder that gentleness and kindness are fruits of His Spirit. When those fruits are present in us, we have a better chance of helping people to know and understand Christ through our tender attitudes and loving hearts. Gentle and tender words really do “massage the soul” as Chad put it.

We all need grace and peace to live. Grace is what saves our souls and brings us eternal life. And, that assurance of eternal life is what brings that peace to our soul. Chad says when we “soak” in that, we just become marinated. To illustrate that point, he held up a nice raw steak (Oh that made me squirm - and he noticed when I turned away too. LOL Yeah,…sorry. I have this thing about touching raw meat). He then proceeded to put it into a special marinade. Next, he put the steak on the steaming grill he had at the back of the stage. He described that even when put to the fires, the grace and peace that we are marinated and soaked in gives off an aroma. He cited Acts 20:22-24 which reads: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Even though Paul’s life was frequently in danger, and he often didn’t know what turmoil awaited him, it was his “grace and peace” attitude that fueled him to keep going. He knew his life wasn’t merely his but God’s. It was for God’s purpose that he persevered and kept spreading the gospel of “grace and peace” - and he gave off that “aroma” to everyone he met!!

So, like Paul (and like that steak) we are to permeate the world around us with that delicious aroma of “grace and peace” that simmers in our hearts. Everyone needs to hear (and see) “grace and peace” from us. That’s when Chad posed the question, “who most needs to hear ‘grace and peace’ from you?” I know we can all think of someone. Often times, it’s usually people within our own homes and families because oddly enough, they are sometimes the ones that get the least “grace and peace” from us. I guess it’s just all too easy to take those closest to us for granted isn‘t it? Chad said he started saying “grace and peace to you” to his kids all last week - he said his kids started getting “freaked out.” LOL So, maybe we don’t always have to say it with words, but we can show it in our actions. Actions speak louder than words anyways.

I pray that we can all soak in the marinade of God’s “grace and peace.” May we all give off that delicious “aroma” so that others will hunger for it. May God’s abundant grace and peace be with each and every one of you!! All good things to you; my brothers and sisters!! I love you!!