A Lurking Enemy

On my morning run, out of nowhere two dogs chased after me, barking and growling. In a split moment I was sure they meant me great harm, I screamed and jumping nearly out of my skin. I quickly recognized the threat was the same two cute fenced-in dogs that have chased after me 50 times before on this exact same route.

I was embarrassed and looked around to see if anyone noticed my dance moves and screams. How could I fall for this yet again! This has happened enough that I should be totally prepared for their attention. But sometimes I get so deep into my thoughts I forget about them being there protecting their territory.

The same is true as we run life! We are often running outside our comfort in serving Christ, areas we cannot thrive on our own without His mighty power. This is the position where we can see God’s power work through us the most. This is also where our faithful enemy lurks. We can be aware of his expected attacks, not being caught off guard but taking a stand!

⁸Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

This week I met a deadline for a ministry project that felt larger than my area of giftedness and stretched me outside of my comfort. The moment I hit sent on my email I began to feel vulnerable. I began to think thoughts like, “It’s not good enough.” “It’s too simple.” “They will be disappointed.” “You’re not smart enough.” “Who do you think you are?” I hosted those thoughts just long enough to recognize they were an attack from my enemy. I then admitted to the Lord, “On my own, I’m not good enough. Thank you Lord that I’m not acting on my own. You are my strength and hope. I’m leaning on you.”

Are you currently experiencing a battle? Recognize the enemy for the liar he is and take your stand in Christ!

Manure in Our Marriage!

My morning quiet time reminded me of the smell of manure. I worked on a horse farm growing up in Ohio. I cleaned out a lot of stalls and became very familiar with the deep ammonia smell of manure that can burn the hairs out of your nose.

It’s Not Just My Problem!

Another Monday morning approached and I was preparing to head out for work. As I considered the week ahead, I was curious what problems awaited.

Then I received the following statement in an email:

“Do you ever wish you could have one day at work without problems? I know everybody wishes that — but I’d like to explain why you should embrace those problems. Many of the challenges you encounter aren’t just a hindrance to your job, they are your job. And your ability to tackle them not only gives you more experience, but it qualifies your fitness for the position you hold.” Michael Hyatt

Peace Rules My Heart!

I am leaving the world issues behind as I head off for a diagnostic colonoscopy. I realize this is more information than most of you need and I don’t want to alarm or present this as more than it may be but I want to share my experience of complete peace as I face this day.

Here comes Monday!

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I worship my Savior with my husband, chew on a message from God’s powerful life-changing Word, hang out with some incredible people and there is often a nap involved. I just don’t want the day to come to an end. If you don’t attend church you may be missing out on your best day of the week.

I don’t usually dread Monday until a recent experience. I had an overwhelming feeling of dread on a particular Monday. I wasn’t looking forward to some of the responsibilities of that week. As I always do, I started my morning reading the Bible. The words of Psalm 16 brought an overwhelming sense of contentment that warmed my soul and reminded me of God’s providential arrangements placed on my life:

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6

The words are a poetic reference to the “boundary lines” of the Promised Land which climaxed the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people. “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

I can pack my lunch on a Monday morning with confidence in facing the days ahead. I can count on my faithful God to fulfill His promises over my life. My feelings don’t always offer a tremendous amount of support on Monday and I may need a little extra coffee but my mind can rest assured in confidence knowing the steps of today are part of His plan for my life!

Which of God’s promises are you counting on today?

“Business Concept, Business Man Feeling Tired On Monday. Illustration” by aechan from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Muddy Marriage Is More Than I Deserve!

Last week as we left church, Steve told me, “Wait here while I go get the truck.” He had parked in the baseball field and it was slightly muddy. I thought, “Oh that’s so sweet. What a great guy. He’s looking out for me and doesn’t want my shoes to get muddy” Since I was wearing flats instead of heals I said, “That’s okay. I can walk.” He then informed me, “No, wait here because I don’t want you to get mud in my truck.” It turns out he was more concerned with his truck than my designer shoes. It made me laugh and was a funny way to end our time together at church.

Because an hour prior I stood beside him in worship and together sang, “Oh what a gift You gave, Oh what a price You paid, more than I deserve, more than I deserve” Steve’s deep voice drew my attention. When young children sit in front of us they will often turn around and look up at him because of his deep voice. As I glanced over with tear-stained eyes I admired the man that God placed in the pew next to me so many years ago. Our marriage is a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming work. He redeemed that which was broken and together we invest to reap the fruit of something truly more than we deserve.

We may go from worship or passion one hour to being easily offended the next. It’s certainly not all roses, chocolate covered strawberries and John Mayer love songs. But God’s grace meets us where we are and is more than I deserve! Since it is clearly true, I don’t deserve the price He paid I will be forever grateful that He chose to die on the cross that I could have life and that I could have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Seeing His abundance in my marriage brings satisfaction to my soul and makes me want to worship him all the more!

Take a moment to consider the areas of your own life where you see God’s abundance!

In His grace
His provision
In your child(ren)/grandchildren
In your profession
In your home
In a particular relationship
Your health
Hope
Peace in the midst of hardship

What could you add to the list?

The Last Lick of the Ice Cream Cone

He offered her the last lick of his ice cream cone but she didn’t want it!

Meet my parents, Arnold & Norma Brewer! They are celebrating their 58^th Wedding Anniversary today. We took them to dinner to celebrate and I later asked them the following questions!

What has been your favorite season of marriage?

Dad: “1958 through 2016. Each day is a gift from God. Enjoy it!”
Mom: “Each season is continually changing and new.”

I love that they did not reflect back on the “good old days” but choose to live engaged in the present season looking for ways to love today and make this their favorite season! What are you sowing into your marriage today to reep your favorite season tomorrow?

What advice would you give a young couple starting out?

Dad: “Be ye kind one to another.” Eph. 4:32
When I asked which of them has been more kind over the years, mom said “Dad.”

Someone has to lead the way in kindness. Why not step up and be the one.

Any other advice you would offer?

Dad said, “Tell them you love them every day.”
Mom added, “He’s convinced me he loves me. Christ in the relationship makes all the difference. You don’t know how to love until you get the love of God in your heart. The love of Christ makes you appreciate what love is all about. God’s love is a sacrificial, self-denial love.”

Both of them live lives of love! They love the Lord their God with their all. They love & live by His Word. They love on His people! If they know YOU they love you!

What individuals have influenced or encouraged you in your own marriage?

They both answered: “Mom and dad loved one another.”
Dad: “I never heard them argue.”

Parents, the way we love one another has an amazing impact on our children. Let’s be committed to setting the example of loving well so they may follow the example to love well. It’s a lesson that goes deep into 58 years of marriage!

Dad’s closing comment before we called it a night: “I hope it lasts for 58 more!”

Learning to Love My Husband

My husband has taken it upon himself to be my breath police because sometimes I struggle with halitosis. When in public he may warn me: “Baby, your breath is really strong. Be careful when talking to people.” Isn’t he so nice and helpful?

I’ve tried many products over the years. The latest winner comes with a dual pour spout that allows the 2 solutions from separate sides to mix as poured. My only complaint was that EVERY time I used it, I would spill it all over the place. I kept threatening to reach out to the manufacturer, “Can’t you design a bottle that doesn’t spill all over the place?”

Apparently it was really working because I have not received even one citation from the breath police since using this product.

So one day, he said “I think I’m going to give your mouth wash a try.” Before I could warn him about the flaw in the bottle he had already started pouring. I noticed he poured it different than me and I was quick to let him know, “You’re doing that wrong.” But as the words were coming out I was also realizing he didn’t have any spillage. Because he was doing it right. I had been pouring it backwards all along.

The malfunction was not in the design of the product. The malfunction was in the user! It was so simple! Why had I not realized I was pouring it backwards? Why had I suffered through it so many times without thinking about flipping the bottle around to pour from the other angle?

Sometimes we just need someone to show us how it is done.

My husband adores me yet sometimes I find myself wanting to complain to the manufacturer: “God, there is something wrong with him.” We sometimes have leakage problems. Instead of love pouring out it looks more like sin in the form of anger, bitterness, or selfishness.

Titus 2 says the older women are to teach the young women the following :

…to love their husbands
…to love their children
…to be discreet
…to be chaste
…to be homemakers
…to be good
…to be obedient to their own husbands

If the older women are to teach the younger women the above behaviors then clearly they are learned behaviors. Perhaps like me, you are in need of further development in one or two of the above. I’m closely watching the older (more mature in their faith) women to learn.

Sometimes all we need is having someone go before us and show us how the mouthwash is to be poured!

Who do you have in your life to watch and learn such behaviors?

“Beautiful Girl Using Mouthwash. Isolated On White” from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Someone IS Watching You!

Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? I made myself get back out there running after time off from toe surgery. There may have been more than a few weeks of laziness mixed in there too! Two and a half miles into my route I was suddenly passed by a graceful female runner. Her pace was impressive. Her style was impeccable and I’m not just referring to her adorable attire. She made running look so effortless. Anyone who runs knows the discipline required to achieve such status. I was tempted to yell, “Girl, you are amazing!” But we all know that would just be weird. So I held my tongue and watched as her precisely sculpted legs carried her relaxed upper body so eloquently off into the distance.

Watching her reminded me how often I watch those who are gracefully running the race ahead of me. I want to learn from their successes.

I’m watching….

…as you experiencing hardships yet express a peace that surpasses all understanding.
…you celebrate empty nest with excitement for your future.
…my retired friends who do not cater to your own pleasures but are out there in the community offering your incredible gifts serving others.
…the wife who expresses respect to her husband – even though he may not always act respectable.
…the faithful servant who attends & serves the local church consistently.
…you grieve the loss of a loved one clinging to your Heavenly Father!
…as you consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.
…those of you who are caring for your aging loved ones.
…you be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving letting your request be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

¹²We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:12New International Version (NIV)

What qualities are you watching & admiring?

Image courtesy of “Closeup Hand Tying Laces Ready For Run On Road At Sunset”by blackzheep at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fulfill Your Ministry!

Ever feel incredibly discouraged? Does life feel pointless? Does hope appear far away?

In reviewing my journal, searching for an illustration for a Bible study lesson I’m developing, I found the following notes:

“My dreams are no longer fuel for me. I’m just going through the motions. I’m going to give up pursuing [a specific ministry dream]. I’m not going to pursue one more opportunity. If the Lord has it for me He will bring it to me. I’m tired of putting myself out there and feeling rejected.”

It looks like I was having a hard day!