Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
Loving God under trials
From Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
James 1:12
Loving God Under Trials
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12
Loving God Under Trials
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Blessed
From Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But it's leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But it's leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
When wrong is right and right is wrong
I have gone over this divorce in a billion different ways in my head. Even though I know it's the best choice for me and the kids, I am still having a hard time reconciling it in my head. I think God used this "opposite" example to illustrate a truth for me. Beware-it's somewhat disgusting.
Dad has offered to trade "services". Technically, I could do this because we're still married and in God's eyes it's "allowed." God allows/approves sex within the boundaries of marriage. This is how He designed it. I "could" do this.
The question is though, is it good for me. He's not asking because he loves me, he's asking because he has a biological need. Making this choice would go against all that I have been doing lately with proceeding with the divorce. Sure, I have "needs" too and have been used to pretty much having access to this whenever I want. But it makes no sense. He's not even living in the house anymore. There would be many people who would be hurt, even devastated, if they found out I had done this. There's more to it than being "allowed." It's a bad decision.
To compare it to the divorce, technically I'm not "allowed" to make this choice. It's not an option in my vows. But following this rule isn't good for me or for the kids. I don't feel like God gives us His rules and laws to blindly follow them. He gives us discernment and wisdom. Sure, the rule is important. But the person is more important. And when the rule is hurting the person, when someone is using that against someone else to gain an advantage or to have control, that's not the way God intended it.
I might think more on this later, but I wanted to record this thought.
Dad has offered to trade "services". Technically, I could do this because we're still married and in God's eyes it's "allowed." God allows/approves sex within the boundaries of marriage. This is how He designed it. I "could" do this.
The question is though, is it good for me. He's not asking because he loves me, he's asking because he has a biological need. Making this choice would go against all that I have been doing lately with proceeding with the divorce. Sure, I have "needs" too and have been used to pretty much having access to this whenever I want. But it makes no sense. He's not even living in the house anymore. There would be many people who would be hurt, even devastated, if they found out I had done this. There's more to it than being "allowed." It's a bad decision.
To compare it to the divorce, technically I'm not "allowed" to make this choice. It's not an option in my vows. But following this rule isn't good for me or for the kids. I don't feel like God gives us His rules and laws to blindly follow them. He gives us discernment and wisdom. Sure, the rule is important. But the person is more important. And when the rule is hurting the person, when someone is using that against someone else to gain an advantage or to have control, that's not the way God intended it.
I might think more on this later, but I wanted to record this thought.
Confess
From Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Suffer for His sake
From Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Philippians 1:29
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
Philippians 1:29
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
Symphony
This is a new song by JG. The lyrics are amazing, so much so that I almost didn't send the song to K. I did though. The next time I talked to him, he told me that he had collaborated on the lyrics with JG.
Symphony
by Josh Groban
Hello from my hotel room
A thousand miles away and I am missing you
It's late at night
Afraid that I
I might let you down
I'm staring at an empty page
Trying to write the things I didn't say to you
And we move so fast,
the words get lost
But I hope you know that
You deserve a symphony
Soaring strings and tympani
But all I have's this melody
Written from my heart
It's a simple song and the words don't rhyme
No poetry between the lines
Our symphony will come in time
But all I need to know tonight
Is that you're still mine
Another sun another moon
Can't look you in the eye and say I'll be home soon
You've been so good and strong for me
Standing by my side
I'm out here chasing the dream
Living up to all that I'm supposed to be
Missing out on the one
Who means the most to me
'Cause you deserve a symphony
Soaring strings and tympani
But all I have is this melody
Written from my heart
It's a simple song and the words don't rhyme
No poetry between the lines
Our symphony will come in time
But all I need to know tonight
Is that you feel me with you
Even while I'm gone
And that you're holding on
'Cause you and I belong
If I could send you all the love
I have inside
It's in every note I sing
It's in every word I write
'Cause you deserve a symphony
Soaring strings and tympani
But I all I have's this melody
That's written from my heart
It's a simple song and the words don't rhyme
No poetry between the lines
Our symphony will come in time
But all I need to know tonight
Is you're still mine
You're still mine
Thursday, March 22, 2018
What makes the difference?
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotionals
What Makes The Difference?
I once shared a class with a girl who got engaged. I don't remember much about the class except the hour was early and the teacher was dull. I don't even remember the girl's name. I do remember that she didn't stand out in the crowd. She was shy and not very confident. One day, however, her hair changed, her outfit changed, and even her voice changed. She spoke with confidence. What made the difference? Simple. A young man she loved looked her squarely in the eye and said, "Come and spend forever with me." He proposed to her. His love for her convinced she was worth loving.
God's love can do the same. It can change us! The Bible says, "God has loved you with an everlasting love; He has drawn you with loving-kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). Jesus can live without us - but He doesn't want to!
What Makes The Difference?
I once shared a class with a girl who got engaged. I don't remember much about the class except the hour was early and the teacher was dull. I don't even remember the girl's name. I do remember that she didn't stand out in the crowd. She was shy and not very confident. One day, however, her hair changed, her outfit changed, and even her voice changed. She spoke with confidence. What made the difference? Simple. A young man she loved looked her squarely in the eye and said, "Come and spend forever with me." He proposed to her. His love for her convinced she was worth loving.
God's love can do the same. It can change us! The Bible says, "God has loved you with an everlasting love; He has drawn you with loving-kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). Jesus can live without us - but He doesn't want to!
Your fairy tale
This is from Getting Your Breath Back. The title of the article/blog post is:
When God Doesn't Give You Your Fairytale
(excerpts)
(The more I read this, the more I realize it's not saying anything too profound, but it is a good reminder)
We all have fairy tales we've built up in our minds. Those great kingdoms we so greatly desire and hold deep inside our hearts.
Some may have desired to get their college degree, find the right person, get married, have children, and live happily ever after.
Some may have desired for the kiddos to grow up, have their own children, and all of them love and serve God.
Some may have dreamed about developing their talents, passions, and abilities, and boldly create a satisfying career.
Some may have dreamed about moving away or traveling abroad, seeing and experiencing as much of life as possible.
Some may have wanted a certain relationship, dream, or goal to happen in their life.
Some might have pursued health and wellness to the fullest.
There are many desires, fairy tales, and kingdoms we would've chosen if we could have been in total control...but the truth is, "life" happens.
Relationships end. Financial and marital issues are far too real. Illness and disabilities happen. People fail us...and we fail them. Plan we make crash and burn. Fairy tales we've created in our hearts crumble and are compromised or destroyed...by others, ourselves, or "life."
This past year may have been a real challenge for you...maybe the last decade, or your whole life has been difficult. Perhaps you have seen the fairy tale you greatly desired fade right out of sight.
Maybe you've lost a loved one or you've watched people you dearly love go through grief, illness, or trauma. Perhaps you were given a terrible diagnosis. Maybe you've watched someone you deeply love walk away. You might've watched your marriage or family crumble...or a family member turn away from God. Maybe you've seen the desires you once held dear be sifted and slip through your fingers.
Something God has been showing me the last few years is to persevere...To love Him no matter what. To place my "fairy tales" in His super caring - and capable - hands. This isn't always easy; in fact, it's much easier said than done - especially when you're going through major grief or trials.
My frustrations, disappointments, and heartaches have taught me many important life lessons. These lessons have come at a high price, but I couldn't have learned them any other way.
Although hurts, frustrations, and disappointments can come from multiple sources, some originate from an unexpected source: ourselves. We want to play God. We think we know best and try to force the "glass slippers" in our life to fit. We will wiggle, stretch, or try to broaden or shrink our feet (life) to make our plans and desires fit God's plans. God has a better plan, but we want what we want.
God asks us to close the door on something, and if we refuse, He closes it for us. We then become upset. Instead of seeking to find the right "doors" He wants us to find and enter...we instead stay stagnant at a closed door, resenting him for not answering our prayers - and we desperately try to "pick the lock" of the closed door. Oh, how we cry at the shut doors and become upset with God for not doing things our way - and for not giving us the "happily ever after" we envisioned.
(Some kind of odd analogy here to a broken glass slipper)
Sometimes, God protects us from the fairy tales He knows will end badly; other times, I have found (particularly in times of deep rebellion or extended obedience), God will allow us to make those ill-fitting glass slippers to fit. Sometimes, we need a painful reminder to not make the same unwise choices again.
God knows what is best - whether we like it or not. He is God and we are not. He is all knowing...our vision is so very limited. He doesn't owe us our fairy tale or our "happily ever after"...if we were to look at all of the good in our lives and every blessing, it's astonishing how good He truly is to us. Even when bad things happen...He may be mercifully preventing something far worse from happening in the future.
If God closes a door or removes a glass slipper in your life, press forward, seek Him with all of your heart, and see what He has in store for you.
Many problems are born out of not viewing life or eternity correctly. We faultily believe life is about our comfort and blessing here on earth...and we fail to see that life is ultimately a training ground to prepare us for Heaven.
Everything we experience or go through in life - all of it (the good and the bad) - has great value and purpose. Every joy, every success, and even every heartache, disappointment, and failure brings us closer to God's heart as these precious life experiences prepare us for Heaven. Nothing is ever wasted when we give it (and continue to give it back) to God. We can waste or take for granted the lessons God offers us, but each has a specific purpose.
Our minds cannot possibly wrap around or understand God's plans, thoughts, or ways...and some of them may even seem incredibly cruel.
Being told you or a loved one have cancer (or another major health issue) is devastating. Going through relationship, marriage, or family difficulties...or other hardships in life, again, totally stinks. It tempts us to think that God doesn't care or that He somehow dropped the ball. But the fact us, God cares more than we can ever begin to fathom or imagine.
God loves us, and if we could see the overall picture that He is painting in our life and our loved ones' lives, we'd totally be ashamed of any time we've doubted Him, His word, His promises, or His goodness.
I'm just like everyone else...there are things in life I deeply struggle with and don't understand. I don't have everything figured out...and there are situations I sure do wish God would heal, repair, give justice in, or fix. There are some things I'll never understand or agree with...not in a billion years.
We are fortunate God is so patient with us. He allows the questions throughout our deepest heart's grief. He shows up. He cares.
We don't know what Heaven will ultimately be like, but God is a great God of purpose, order, goodness, and creativity. This I know to be true.
As we go through the death of a fairy tale or the death of a great desire of our heart, it is so vital to remember that God promises us He will be making up for all of the bad we suffer and go through on earth (Joel 2:25-32; Revelation 21:3-5; Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Acts 3:19-21; Psalm 51; Job 42:10-17; Jeremiah 33 and so many other verses that share of God's healing, blessings and restoration).
When we faultily believe that life is primarily about our happiness...without caring about the incredible holy work God wants to perfect in our heart...we shortchange ourselves and those around us.
Don't get me wrong. God loves to give us the desires of our hearts...He loves to see joy and happiness in our lives - He truly does. But when we have a specific purpose that God has in store for us (or our loved ones)...and then we rebel or refuse to obey God or fail to make His purpose and plans our first priority - above our desires and "fairy tales" -then why are we surprised when life becomes stressful, difficult, and chaotic?
I love the quote by Lacrae: "You can live life there's no tomorrow...but tomorrow always shows up full of consequences." The same is true: God gives us free will to disobey, reject, and rebel against God when our fairy tales crumble, but the consequences of these decisions will eventually catch up to us.
I've seen a lot of fairy tales end up in flames. Sometimes, "life" just happened - I didn't do anything wrong and it was totally unfair. Other times, if I'm truly honest with myself, I can trace my heartaches and disappointments in life back to times when I disobeyed God or didn't submit to Him. The consequences may not have shown up until years later, but in my heart, I know where the pain truly originated from.
When it comes to our life, our castles, kingdoms, and fairy tales, they must fall so that God's perfect plans can be rightfully built in their place instead.
Instead of making ourselves the kings and queens of our own lives (which is ridiculously easy to do...knowingly and unknowingly), we need to exalt the King of Kings over every facet of our lives instead. When we truly do this, God gives us the desires of our hearts. The difference is He takes away the glass slipper (desires) that could cut us deeply, and instead gives us a fresh new pair of sturdy, unbreakable glass slippers that are custom designed, the correct size, and a joy to wear...no pain or hardship is attached to them. If we do go through hardships down the road, the slippers will hold us up because we will be walking in God's perfect, purpose-filled, peaceful will.
You may be in the worst chapter of your life right now, but with God, your life story is far from over. Give God the "pen" of our life's book and ask Him to write the remaining chapters of your life.
What if you've already quit on God? It's not too late! Just the fact that you're reading this is proof that God has amazing plans for your life! Simply ask God to forgive you and tell Him you want HIS plans and purpose to prevail from this moment forward. Ask Him to guide and direct you.
Your very best days may not have even happened yet. We need to fully trust God to write our life stories. It will be far better than any fairy tale we could ever write ourselves. Yes, we will still go through grief, hardships, and difficulties, but they will not be in vain.
What could God truly accomplish if we were to trade in our glass slippers and fairy tales for His perfect will? God wants so much for us to trust Him, obey Him, and delight in Him.
God created all of His marvelous creation in just one week. Think what our Creator can accomplish in our lives if we were to give up our fairy tales, and dedicate the remainder of this year to Him.
When we trade in our fairy tales and kingdoms, God always gives us something far greater: He gives us true crowns and grants us a life we will wake up to each day and be truly excited to walk throughout our life with Him!
One day, we will see He is the truest Friend we can ever hope to have. Everything will all make perfect sense.
Today, share your heart, dreams, goals and plans with God - your most treasured fairy tales - and ask Him to accomplish His perfect will for your life!
He is faithful!
When God Doesn't Give You Your Fairytale
(excerpts)
(The more I read this, the more I realize it's not saying anything too profound, but it is a good reminder)
We all have fairy tales we've built up in our minds. Those great kingdoms we so greatly desire and hold deep inside our hearts.
Some may have desired to get their college degree, find the right person, get married, have children, and live happily ever after.
Some may have desired for the kiddos to grow up, have their own children, and all of them love and serve God.
Some may have dreamed about developing their talents, passions, and abilities, and boldly create a satisfying career.
Some may have dreamed about moving away or traveling abroad, seeing and experiencing as much of life as possible.
Some may have wanted a certain relationship, dream, or goal to happen in their life.
Some might have pursued health and wellness to the fullest.
There are many desires, fairy tales, and kingdoms we would've chosen if we could have been in total control...but the truth is, "life" happens.
Relationships end. Financial and marital issues are far too real. Illness and disabilities happen. People fail us...and we fail them. Plan we make crash and burn. Fairy tales we've created in our hearts crumble and are compromised or destroyed...by others, ourselves, or "life."
This past year may have been a real challenge for you...maybe the last decade, or your whole life has been difficult. Perhaps you have seen the fairy tale you greatly desired fade right out of sight.
Maybe you've lost a loved one or you've watched people you dearly love go through grief, illness, or trauma. Perhaps you were given a terrible diagnosis. Maybe you've watched someone you deeply love walk away. You might've watched your marriage or family crumble...or a family member turn away from God. Maybe you've seen the desires you once held dear be sifted and slip through your fingers.
Something God has been showing me the last few years is to persevere...To love Him no matter what. To place my "fairy tales" in His super caring - and capable - hands. This isn't always easy; in fact, it's much easier said than done - especially when you're going through major grief or trials.
My frustrations, disappointments, and heartaches have taught me many important life lessons. These lessons have come at a high price, but I couldn't have learned them any other way.
Although hurts, frustrations, and disappointments can come from multiple sources, some originate from an unexpected source: ourselves. We want to play God. We think we know best and try to force the "glass slippers" in our life to fit. We will wiggle, stretch, or try to broaden or shrink our feet (life) to make our plans and desires fit God's plans. God has a better plan, but we want what we want.
God asks us to close the door on something, and if we refuse, He closes it for us. We then become upset. Instead of seeking to find the right "doors" He wants us to find and enter...we instead stay stagnant at a closed door, resenting him for not answering our prayers - and we desperately try to "pick the lock" of the closed door. Oh, how we cry at the shut doors and become upset with God for not doing things our way - and for not giving us the "happily ever after" we envisioned.
(Some kind of odd analogy here to a broken glass slipper)
Sometimes, God protects us from the fairy tales He knows will end badly; other times, I have found (particularly in times of deep rebellion or extended obedience), God will allow us to make those ill-fitting glass slippers to fit. Sometimes, we need a painful reminder to not make the same unwise choices again.
God knows what is best - whether we like it or not. He is God and we are not. He is all knowing...our vision is so very limited. He doesn't owe us our fairy tale or our "happily ever after"...if we were to look at all of the good in our lives and every blessing, it's astonishing how good He truly is to us. Even when bad things happen...He may be mercifully preventing something far worse from happening in the future.
If God closes a door or removes a glass slipper in your life, press forward, seek Him with all of your heart, and see what He has in store for you.
Many problems are born out of not viewing life or eternity correctly. We faultily believe life is about our comfort and blessing here on earth...and we fail to see that life is ultimately a training ground to prepare us for Heaven.
Everything we experience or go through in life - all of it (the good and the bad) - has great value and purpose. Every joy, every success, and even every heartache, disappointment, and failure brings us closer to God's heart as these precious life experiences prepare us for Heaven. Nothing is ever wasted when we give it (and continue to give it back) to God. We can waste or take for granted the lessons God offers us, but each has a specific purpose.
Our minds cannot possibly wrap around or understand God's plans, thoughts, or ways...and some of them may even seem incredibly cruel.
Being told you or a loved one have cancer (or another major health issue) is devastating. Going through relationship, marriage, or family difficulties...or other hardships in life, again, totally stinks. It tempts us to think that God doesn't care or that He somehow dropped the ball. But the fact us, God cares more than we can ever begin to fathom or imagine.
God loves us, and if we could see the overall picture that He is painting in our life and our loved ones' lives, we'd totally be ashamed of any time we've doubted Him, His word, His promises, or His goodness.
I'm just like everyone else...there are things in life I deeply struggle with and don't understand. I don't have everything figured out...and there are situations I sure do wish God would heal, repair, give justice in, or fix. There are some things I'll never understand or agree with...not in a billion years.
We are fortunate God is so patient with us. He allows the questions throughout our deepest heart's grief. He shows up. He cares.
We don't know what Heaven will ultimately be like, but God is a great God of purpose, order, goodness, and creativity. This I know to be true.
As we go through the death of a fairy tale or the death of a great desire of our heart, it is so vital to remember that God promises us He will be making up for all of the bad we suffer and go through on earth (Joel 2:25-32; Revelation 21:3-5; Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Acts 3:19-21; Psalm 51; Job 42:10-17; Jeremiah 33 and so many other verses that share of God's healing, blessings and restoration).
When we faultily believe that life is primarily about our happiness...without caring about the incredible holy work God wants to perfect in our heart...we shortchange ourselves and those around us.
Don't get me wrong. God loves to give us the desires of our hearts...He loves to see joy and happiness in our lives - He truly does. But when we have a specific purpose that God has in store for us (or our loved ones)...and then we rebel or refuse to obey God or fail to make His purpose and plans our first priority - above our desires and "fairy tales" -then why are we surprised when life becomes stressful, difficult, and chaotic?
I love the quote by Lacrae: "You can live life there's no tomorrow...but tomorrow always shows up full of consequences." The same is true: God gives us free will to disobey, reject, and rebel against God when our fairy tales crumble, but the consequences of these decisions will eventually catch up to us.
I've seen a lot of fairy tales end up in flames. Sometimes, "life" just happened - I didn't do anything wrong and it was totally unfair. Other times, if I'm truly honest with myself, I can trace my heartaches and disappointments in life back to times when I disobeyed God or didn't submit to Him. The consequences may not have shown up until years later, but in my heart, I know where the pain truly originated from.
When it comes to our life, our castles, kingdoms, and fairy tales, they must fall so that God's perfect plans can be rightfully built in their place instead.
Instead of making ourselves the kings and queens of our own lives (which is ridiculously easy to do...knowingly and unknowingly), we need to exalt the King of Kings over every facet of our lives instead. When we truly do this, God gives us the desires of our hearts. The difference is He takes away the glass slipper (desires) that could cut us deeply, and instead gives us a fresh new pair of sturdy, unbreakable glass slippers that are custom designed, the correct size, and a joy to wear...no pain or hardship is attached to them. If we do go through hardships down the road, the slippers will hold us up because we will be walking in God's perfect, purpose-filled, peaceful will.
You may be in the worst chapter of your life right now, but with God, your life story is far from over. Give God the "pen" of our life's book and ask Him to write the remaining chapters of your life.
What if you've already quit on God? It's not too late! Just the fact that you're reading this is proof that God has amazing plans for your life! Simply ask God to forgive you and tell Him you want HIS plans and purpose to prevail from this moment forward. Ask Him to guide and direct you.
Your very best days may not have even happened yet. We need to fully trust God to write our life stories. It will be far better than any fairy tale we could ever write ourselves. Yes, we will still go through grief, hardships, and difficulties, but they will not be in vain.
What could God truly accomplish if we were to trade in our glass slippers and fairy tales for His perfect will? God wants so much for us to trust Him, obey Him, and delight in Him.
God created all of His marvelous creation in just one week. Think what our Creator can accomplish in our lives if we were to give up our fairy tales, and dedicate the remainder of this year to Him.
When we trade in our fairy tales and kingdoms, God always gives us something far greater: He gives us true crowns and grants us a life we will wake up to each day and be truly excited to walk throughout our life with Him!
One day, we will see He is the truest Friend we can ever hope to have. Everything will all make perfect sense.
Today, share your heart, dreams, goals and plans with God - your most treasured fairy tales - and ask Him to accomplish His perfect will for your life!
He is faithful!
The death of a child
The Death of a Child
It's like losing your breath
and never catching it
again.
It's a forever panic attack
as your soul is screaming
for them.
It's feeling your heart dying
as you continue to lose
your mind.
Can't change
A woman can't change a man because she loves him, a man changes himself because he loves her!
Just love
From Getting Your Breath Back
Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.
Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.
Child of God
From Toby Mac
To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who watch your life is another thing altogether.
To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who watch your life is another thing altogether.
Time will pass anyway
The time will pass anyway, you can either spend it creating the life you want or spend it living the life you don't want. The choice is yours.
Not an ending
Quote from John Denver
Death is not an ending, but a symbol of movement along the path upon which we are all traveling. As it may be painful to lose contact with the physical aspect of the one we love, the Spirit can never be lost. We have been and always will be a part of each other.
Death is not an ending, but a symbol of movement along the path upon which we are all traveling. As it may be painful to lose contact with the physical aspect of the one we love, the Spirit can never be lost. We have been and always will be a part of each other.
You'll be enough
The right person will come along and you won't need to do anything to keep them interested for the simply fact that you'll be enough.
I know God is real
I know God is real because I've seen Him in the face of a stranger, being kind to me and reaching out a hand when I didn't wanna try anymore. I've heard God when I go to church and the preacher happens to talk about exactly, I mean word for word,what I'm going through. Or when I turn on the radio randomnly and a song is playing that calms me and is just what I need to hear. I've prayed and received no answer but I've also prayed and received many answers. He's not going to walk in and sit down in front of us, but He is always with us.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Your own heart
By Rachel Marie Martin
Sometimes being a good mom means being willing to fight for your own heart too.
Sometimes being a good mom means being willing to fight for your own heart too.
A tabulated list of grace
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotional-part of it
The Tabulated List of Grace
Imagine you are before the judgment seat of Christ. The book is opened and the reading begins, each sin, each deceit, and each occasion of greed. But as soon as the infraction is read, grace is proclaimed. Jesus says, I forgive this. Registered forgiveness! No humiliation! No shame! Because in heaven you will be in your sinless state-happy to let God in heaven do what he did on earth. He will be honored in your weakness!
The Tabulated List of Grace
Imagine you are before the judgment seat of Christ. The book is opened and the reading begins, each sin, each deceit, and each occasion of greed. But as soon as the infraction is read, grace is proclaimed. Jesus says, I forgive this. Registered forgiveness! No humiliation! No shame! Because in heaven you will be in your sinless state-happy to let God in heaven do what he did on earth. He will be honored in your weakness!
Friday, March 16, 2018
Character of the new man
Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Colossian 3:12
Character of the New Man
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;...
Colossian 3:12
Character of the New Man
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;...
Hayden Dream-March
This morning, right before I woke up, I had this weird dream that we were all rushing to get to some Broadway show.
You and I were walking into a store, and we hugged each other and said, "I love you." I had a sense in the dream that I should say that to you since time was limited. Thank you for that! Love you!
You and I were walking into a store, and we hugged each other and said, "I love you." I had a sense in the dream that I should say that to you since time was limited. Thank you for that! Love you!
Manhood
From Hitting Home by Dr. Force. Title of article: Manhood, The Great Prerequisite for Marriage
When providing marriage help for men, I am often forced to point out that many men are simply little boys in the bodies of men. That is, mentally, emotionally, and especially, spiritually, many men have failed to grow up.
Unfortunately, very few boys seem to be truly making it to manhood. And, the fundamental difficulty with this as it relates to marriage is that boyish men make poor marital partners.
Here are a few characteristics of men that are still boyish in their tendencies:
Boys are Motivated by their Feelings Instead of Biblical Principles
Feelings of anger, despair, apathy, and laziness will only serve to hurt a marriage. When a man is driven by these feelings, he ceases to act like a man, but rather a boy. And, when this occurs, disaster looms in any marital relationship.
Boys are Self-Interested, Men are Selfless
One of the more difficult jobs that I have as a pastor and marriage coach when providing marriage help for men is encouraging men to separate themselves from their selfish tendencies. In fact, this is why Ephesians 5:28 tells men "to love their wives as their own bodies." This is primarily because God knows that men naturally serve themselves before the needs of others, and, when this occurs in a marriage, problems quickly arise.
Boys are Still Looking for Validation, Men Walk in Validation
Humans are naturally on what some call a search for significance. However, this significance should only be found in the love and security that only Christ can offer.
Males that lack validation also lack an ability to selflessly love. This is because only those that stand on the solid ground of Christ, a high self-worth in Christ, and a healthy respect for themselves truly have the ability to love others without any strings attached to their own insecurities and selfish tendencies. We deal with this further in (his book)...
Boys Live for themselves, Men Walk with the Lord
When I speak on manhood versus boyhood, I like to ask the question, "Are you a man in the sight of the world or in the sight of God?"
To be honest, there are many men that are manly from the world's perspective, but, in reality, all that really matters is what God perceives.
In 1 Kings 2:2-3, as David was departing this world, we find him instructing his son, Solomon. This was a part of his speech:
"I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man: And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself."
I love the way David defined manhood. It was not by square footage, money in the bank, athletic achievements, or a beautiful woman. David told Solomon that a real man keeps the commands of the Lord.
When providing marriage help for men, I am often forced to point out that many men are simply little boys in the bodies of men. That is, mentally, emotionally, and especially, spiritually, many men have failed to grow up.
Unfortunately, very few boys seem to be truly making it to manhood. And, the fundamental difficulty with this as it relates to marriage is that boyish men make poor marital partners.
Here are a few characteristics of men that are still boyish in their tendencies:
Boys are Motivated by their Feelings Instead of Biblical Principles
Feelings of anger, despair, apathy, and laziness will only serve to hurt a marriage. When a man is driven by these feelings, he ceases to act like a man, but rather a boy. And, when this occurs, disaster looms in any marital relationship.
Boys are Self-Interested, Men are Selfless
One of the more difficult jobs that I have as a pastor and marriage coach when providing marriage help for men is encouraging men to separate themselves from their selfish tendencies. In fact, this is why Ephesians 5:28 tells men "to love their wives as their own bodies." This is primarily because God knows that men naturally serve themselves before the needs of others, and, when this occurs in a marriage, problems quickly arise.
Boys are Still Looking for Validation, Men Walk in Validation
Humans are naturally on what some call a search for significance. However, this significance should only be found in the love and security that only Christ can offer.
Males that lack validation also lack an ability to selflessly love. This is because only those that stand on the solid ground of Christ, a high self-worth in Christ, and a healthy respect for themselves truly have the ability to love others without any strings attached to their own insecurities and selfish tendencies. We deal with this further in (his book)...
Boys Live for themselves, Men Walk with the Lord
When I speak on manhood versus boyhood, I like to ask the question, "Are you a man in the sight of the world or in the sight of God?"
To be honest, there are many men that are manly from the world's perspective, but, in reality, all that really matters is what God perceives.
In 1 Kings 2:2-3, as David was departing this world, we find him instructing his son, Solomon. This was a part of his speech:
"I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man: And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself."
I love the way David defined manhood. It was not by square footage, money in the bank, athletic achievements, or a beautiful woman. David told Solomon that a real man keeps the commands of the Lord.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Goodbye for now
Was thinking of using this song in my March post about you since it mentions the changing seasons and it will be the first day of spring on March 20th. This song is so beautiful.
Goodbye for Now
by Kathy Triccoli
I can't believe that you're really gone now
Seems like it's all just a dream
How can it be that the world will go on
When something has died within me?
Leaves will turn, my heart will burn with
colors of you
Snow will fall but I'll recall your warmth
Summer wind breathing in your memory
I'll miss you
But there will be a time when I'll see your face
And I'll hear you voice and there we will laugh again
And there will come a day when I'll hold you close
No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever
But I'll say goodbye for now
I can't imagine my life without you
You've held a place all your own
Just knowing you were beneath the same sky
Oh what a joy I have know
On rainy days, in many ways, you'll water my heart
On starry nights I'll glimpse the light of your smile
Never far from my heart you'll stay with me
So I'll wait
'Cause there will be a time when I'll see your face
And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again
And there will come a day when I'll hold you close
No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever
But I'll say goodbye for now
But there will be a time when I'll see that face
And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again
And there will come a day when I'll hold you close
No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever
But I'll say goodbye for now
Goodbye for now
Let it be known
Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Acts 4:10,12
Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:10,12
Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Dealing with toxic people
This is by Gary Roe
Dealing with Toxic People
"People can be so insensitive and mean. Do they realize what they're saying?" Janet said, wringing a napkin in her hands.
Janet's daughter Courtney was a tough and determined survivor. Diagnosed with lymphoma in her late teens, Courtney battled through treatment regimens, kept her spirits up, and dedicated her life to serving others. One Thursday afternoon while she was having lunch with friends, she suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Courtney was 37.
"Words can cut deep," Janet continued. "Some people mean well, but others can be cruel. I miss Courtney. I always will. How can I not grieve?"
Some people can be toxic
The death of a loved one will powerfully impact our relationships. Some people will step up and be helpful. Others will disappear. Still others might be hurtful or demeaning.
Many people are scared, anxious, and living on the emotional edge. Some are surly, angry, and bitter. The pain tends to spill out in what we say. Words can be sharp and cutting, even cruel.
"Are you still grieving? What's wrong with you? Pull it together."
"Life goes on. You should be over this by now."
"I thought you were better and stronger than this."
"People die. It's part of life."
"Isn't she better off now? You should be happy."
We've all heard similar, equally shocking examples we could add to this list. Why do people say these things? Are they afraid of the pain? Has our grief triggered unresolved issues from their past? Has our loss unearthed some buried terror? Are they just mean?
It's important to realize that what people say is mostly about them-their emotions, fears, hurts, anger and pain. People who utter unkind, toxic statements are revealing something about themselves.
Our hearts have been shattered. The last thing we need is someone tromping into our lives and smashing the remaining pieces. We need support, compassion, and hope.
Here is one of the basic components for healthy grieving: Get around people who are helpful and limit exposure to those who aren't. We don't have time, energy, or space for toxic people. Their voice hinders grieving, recovery, and healing. They are best avoided. If we can't (family members or work associates, for example), we need to devise a survival strategy for when we have to be around them.
How do we respond to the toxic statements of others? One option is to not respond at all. Simply walk away. Unkind statements often don't deserve a response. In most cases, almost anything we say will only become gasoline on a fire. Toxic people are often bitter, angry, and looking for a fight. Firing back at a toxic person usually only leads to being shot at again.
If we feel we must say something, it might be best to come up with a canned response. "Thanks for your concern." "Yes, I'm still grieving. I always will." "I'm working on it."
We can't control the words or actions of toxic people, but we can limit the access they get to our hearts.
Dealing with Toxic People
"People can be so insensitive and mean. Do they realize what they're saying?" Janet said, wringing a napkin in her hands.
Janet's daughter Courtney was a tough and determined survivor. Diagnosed with lymphoma in her late teens, Courtney battled through treatment regimens, kept her spirits up, and dedicated her life to serving others. One Thursday afternoon while she was having lunch with friends, she suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Courtney was 37.
"Words can cut deep," Janet continued. "Some people mean well, but others can be cruel. I miss Courtney. I always will. How can I not grieve?"
Some people can be toxic
The death of a loved one will powerfully impact our relationships. Some people will step up and be helpful. Others will disappear. Still others might be hurtful or demeaning.
Many people are scared, anxious, and living on the emotional edge. Some are surly, angry, and bitter. The pain tends to spill out in what we say. Words can be sharp and cutting, even cruel.
"Are you still grieving? What's wrong with you? Pull it together."
"Life goes on. You should be over this by now."
"I thought you were better and stronger than this."
"People die. It's part of life."
"Isn't she better off now? You should be happy."
We've all heard similar, equally shocking examples we could add to this list. Why do people say these things? Are they afraid of the pain? Has our grief triggered unresolved issues from their past? Has our loss unearthed some buried terror? Are they just mean?
It's important to realize that what people say is mostly about them-their emotions, fears, hurts, anger and pain. People who utter unkind, toxic statements are revealing something about themselves.
Our hearts have been shattered. The last thing we need is someone tromping into our lives and smashing the remaining pieces. We need support, compassion, and hope.
Here is one of the basic components for healthy grieving: Get around people who are helpful and limit exposure to those who aren't. We don't have time, energy, or space for toxic people. Their voice hinders grieving, recovery, and healing. They are best avoided. If we can't (family members or work associates, for example), we need to devise a survival strategy for when we have to be around them.
How do we respond to the toxic statements of others? One option is to not respond at all. Simply walk away. Unkind statements often don't deserve a response. In most cases, almost anything we say will only become gasoline on a fire. Toxic people are often bitter, angry, and looking for a fight. Firing back at a toxic person usually only leads to being shot at again.
If we feel we must say something, it might be best to come up with a canned response. "Thanks for your concern." "Yes, I'm still grieving. I always will." "I'm working on it."
We can't control the words or actions of toxic people, but we can limit the access they get to our hearts.
"I'll avoid toxic people. My heart is too important not to."
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
LDR
It's a miracle that our relationship grows stronger and stronger everyday despite the many miles between us.
There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.
There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.
Don't teach her
Don't tell your daughter that when a boy's mean or rude to her it's because he has a crush on her.
Don't teach her that abuse is a sign of love.
Don't teach her that abuse is a sign of love.
Brutal truth
This is a good article. It was posted on Honorine's page. It's from Curious Mind Magazine.
The Brutal Truth Behind The Toxic Relationship Between A Narcissist And An Empath
What happens when a highly empathetic person is in a relationship with a narcissistic person who lacks empathy and has an immense sense of self-importance. The outcome? Toxic and painful (for the empath).
All narcissists have one common thing that you should be aware of - they are emotionally wounded people.
It is usually some childhood trauma that scarred them for life. Probably they have been feeling unappreciated and worthless in one period of their life which made them a constant 'seeker' for validation and admiration from others.
Empaths, on the other hand, are the 'healers' of society. They are highly sensitive and empathetic that they are even able to feel the emotions of others as their own. They want to help and protect everyone in need, and they will try to eliminate the pain and the emotional damage of the narcissists. However, these virtues that empaths possess may become their downfall if they are not careful enough.
So, when these two opposites meet the attraction is enormous-but toxic.
This is because the empath fails to see the narcissist's dark side. A narcissistic person is a person who can suck out the soul from everyone they come in contact with. It is a narcissistic way to feel validated while making others fragile and unbalanced and use them for future needs.
This situation can be very confusing for an empath. An empath might not even be aware that they are dealing with a narcissist because their sensitive nature makes them see only the good in everyone.
Empaths tend to think that everyone is like them, that people are actually good at heart. This gullibility however admirable can be damaging to them because not everyone is honest and good as they are-and different people have different agendas.
A narcissist's agenda is to manipulate. They want to be in total control of others and use them as a 'validation tool' in their need to rise above them. An empath's agenda, on the contrary, is one of love, care, and healing. There can never be a balance between these two contrasting natures.
If, however, they start a relationship, this relationship will soon become a vicious cycle that it will be almost impossible to get out. The more affection and love that the empath gives, the more in control the narcissist would feel, thus making the empath the victim.
The empath will soon become wounded and begin to feel like the victim that in turn might give them some narcissistic traits. When a narcissist sees that the empath is wounded, it may give them a sense of validation. Because the more unhappy the empath is-the happier the narcissist feels. The unhappy empath will then start looking for feelings of love and support from the narcissist.
At this point, the empath will focus solely on its feelings of pain and will seek for validation and love, failing to realize that they are not the one to blame for this-the damage is coming from the narcissist. It is essential for the empath to wake-up and realize this before they become self-absorbed and narcissistic themselves; because the truth is, everyone who is deeply hurt is vulnerable to become a narcissist.
So, how can an empath stop the damage and put an end to this toxic relationship with a narcissist?
Every plan on having a conversation with a narcissist is useless, because the narcissist, while very charismatic, is a very manipulative person too, and will try to blame the empath for his and their pain as well. It will make the empath feel responsible for all the problems in the relationship.
The empath has a choice: they could remain the victim in the narcissist's game, or they could find the needed strength to walk away and end the relationship.
The empath should accept the fact that the narcissist will never change. And the waiting for a narcissist to change is a waste of precious time.
In the end, all that matters is that we let others treat us as we think we deserve to be treated. If an empath chooses willingly to stay in this kind of toxic relationship with a narcissist-it is their way of thinking that they do not deserve better than that.
This could not be further from the truth. Empaths have to understand that it is not their job to fix others, especially those who do not want to be fixed, as they are not aware of their disorder.
Empaths need to realize that the treatment they get from the narcissist is not a treatment they deserve and must find the courage to utterly walk away.
The Brutal Truth Behind The Toxic Relationship Between A Narcissist And An Empath
What happens when a highly empathetic person is in a relationship with a narcissistic person who lacks empathy and has an immense sense of self-importance. The outcome? Toxic and painful (for the empath).
All narcissists have one common thing that you should be aware of - they are emotionally wounded people.
It is usually some childhood trauma that scarred them for life. Probably they have been feeling unappreciated and worthless in one period of their life which made them a constant 'seeker' for validation and admiration from others.
Empaths, on the other hand, are the 'healers' of society. They are highly sensitive and empathetic that they are even able to feel the emotions of others as their own. They want to help and protect everyone in need, and they will try to eliminate the pain and the emotional damage of the narcissists. However, these virtues that empaths possess may become their downfall if they are not careful enough.
So, when these two opposites meet the attraction is enormous-but toxic.
This is because the empath fails to see the narcissist's dark side. A narcissistic person is a person who can suck out the soul from everyone they come in contact with. It is a narcissistic way to feel validated while making others fragile and unbalanced and use them for future needs.
This situation can be very confusing for an empath. An empath might not even be aware that they are dealing with a narcissist because their sensitive nature makes them see only the good in everyone.
Empaths tend to think that everyone is like them, that people are actually good at heart. This gullibility however admirable can be damaging to them because not everyone is honest and good as they are-and different people have different agendas.
A narcissist's agenda is to manipulate. They want to be in total control of others and use them as a 'validation tool' in their need to rise above them. An empath's agenda, on the contrary, is one of love, care, and healing. There can never be a balance between these two contrasting natures.
If, however, they start a relationship, this relationship will soon become a vicious cycle that it will be almost impossible to get out. The more affection and love that the empath gives, the more in control the narcissist would feel, thus making the empath the victim.
The empath will soon become wounded and begin to feel like the victim that in turn might give them some narcissistic traits. When a narcissist sees that the empath is wounded, it may give them a sense of validation. Because the more unhappy the empath is-the happier the narcissist feels. The unhappy empath will then start looking for feelings of love and support from the narcissist.
At this point, the empath will focus solely on its feelings of pain and will seek for validation and love, failing to realize that they are not the one to blame for this-the damage is coming from the narcissist. It is essential for the empath to wake-up and realize this before they become self-absorbed and narcissistic themselves; because the truth is, everyone who is deeply hurt is vulnerable to become a narcissist.
So, how can an empath stop the damage and put an end to this toxic relationship with a narcissist?
Every plan on having a conversation with a narcissist is useless, because the narcissist, while very charismatic, is a very manipulative person too, and will try to blame the empath for his and their pain as well. It will make the empath feel responsible for all the problems in the relationship.
The empath has a choice: they could remain the victim in the narcissist's game, or they could find the needed strength to walk away and end the relationship.
The empath should accept the fact that the narcissist will never change. And the waiting for a narcissist to change is a waste of precious time.
In the end, all that matters is that we let others treat us as we think we deserve to be treated. If an empath chooses willingly to stay in this kind of toxic relationship with a narcissist-it is their way of thinking that they do not deserve better than that.
This could not be further from the truth. Empaths have to understand that it is not their job to fix others, especially those who do not want to be fixed, as they are not aware of their disorder.
Empaths need to realize that the treatment they get from the narcissist is not a treatment they deserve and must find the courage to utterly walk away.
He is God
Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Deuteronomy 7:9
Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Fruitful growth
Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
2 Peter 1:5-8
Fruitful Growth in the Faith
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love, For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8
Fruitful Growth in the Faith
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love, For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These days
Wrote this to K last night.
We have these days. Dates on the calendar that represent so much loss. When life as we know it was changed in an instant, without warning and without our consent.
Sometimes the anticipation of these days is worse than the actual day, but we don't know it until we have lived through the day. Do we plan something, or do we plan nothing. Do we tell someone, do we keep it to ourselves.
These days can't go unnoticed. Even if we try to ignore it, family and friends will bring it up. We love them for that and would be hurt if they didn't remember, but sometimes we wish it could be just a normal day. As normal as it can be. But it never will be. It can't be.
As long as we are on this earth, these days will keep coming. It's not like there is more pain on these days than other days, it's just a reminder of how long the pain has been with us, of how much we miss what was lost on these days.
We have these days.
We have these days. Dates on the calendar that represent so much loss. When life as we know it was changed in an instant, without warning and without our consent.
Sometimes the anticipation of these days is worse than the actual day, but we don't know it until we have lived through the day. Do we plan something, or do we plan nothing. Do we tell someone, do we keep it to ourselves.
These days can't go unnoticed. Even if we try to ignore it, family and friends will bring it up. We love them for that and would be hurt if they didn't remember, but sometimes we wish it could be just a normal day. As normal as it can be. But it never will be. It can't be.
As long as we are on this earth, these days will keep coming. It's not like there is more pain on these days than other days, it's just a reminder of how long the pain has been with us, of how much we miss what was lost on these days.
We have these days.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Respect your body
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotional
Respect Your Body
God has a high regard for your body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul calls our body the "temple" of God. Be careful how you feed it, use it, and maintain it. You wouldn't want anyone trashing your home; God doesn't want anyone trashing his. After all, it is his, isn't it? A little jogging and dieting to the glory of God wouldn't hurt most of us.
Your body, in some form, will last forever. God will glorify your body. He will remove all weakness and disease. Isn't that great news? Your pain will not last forever. Is your heart weak? It will be strong in heaven. Has cancer corrupted your system? There is no cancer in heaven. For a season, your soul will be heaven while your body is in the grave. But the seed buried in the earth will blossom in heaven. And you will be just like Jesus!
Respect Your Body
God has a high regard for your body. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul calls our body the "temple" of God. Be careful how you feed it, use it, and maintain it. You wouldn't want anyone trashing your home; God doesn't want anyone trashing his. After all, it is his, isn't it? A little jogging and dieting to the glory of God wouldn't hurt most of us.
Your body, in some form, will last forever. God will glorify your body. He will remove all weakness and disease. Isn't that great news? Your pain will not last forever. Is your heart weak? It will be strong in heaven. Has cancer corrupted your system? There is no cancer in heaven. For a season, your soul will be heaven while your body is in the grave. But the seed buried in the earth will blossom in heaven. And you will be just like Jesus!
Monday, March 12, 2018
The Cord
The Cord
We are connected, my child and I
by an invisible cord not seen by the eye.
It's not like the cord that connects us 'til birth
This cord can't be seen by any on Earth.
This cord does it's work right from the start.
It binds us together attached to my heart.
I know that it's there though no one can see
The invisible cord from my child to me.
The strength of the cord is hard to describe.
It can't be destroyed, it can't be denied.
It's stronger than any cord man could create.
It withstands the test, it can hold any weight.
And though you are gone, though you're not here with me,
The cord is still there, but no one can see.
It pulls at my heart, I am bruised...I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline as never before.
I am thankful that God connects us this way
A mother and child, death can't take it away!
Author Unknown
Give anything
By Unknown
Appreciate today. You might find that one day you'd give anything to have it back.
Appreciate today. You might find that one day you'd give anything to have it back.
It gets better
It eventually gets better, without any sort of explanation; one day you just realize that you're no longer upset. You're no longer mad, hurt, or bothered by the things that took so much of your energy and thoughts. You will find yourself in a peaceful place and enjoy that feeling.
Prepared
From Joel Osteen
You're not defined by your past; you're prepared by it. You're stronger, more experienced, and you have greater confidence.
You're not defined by your past; you're prepared by it. You're stronger, more experienced, and you have greater confidence.
Find peace
To find peace, you have to be willing to lose your connection with the people, places, & things that create all the noise in your life.
Damaged
When you choose to love someone who is damaged, you take on the weight of their past, their pain, their guilt. You must be strong, you must be patient. You can stop the bleeding and help them scar over but they will always, always be a little broken. If you can handle that, if you can accept the dents and cracks, if you can get them to trust you, you will never find a better ally than one who is damaged. Above all else, they know about survival.
Everything changes
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotional
Everything Changes
In Romans 6:9, the apostle Paul says, "When Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end." The resurrection of Jesus is an exploding flare announcing to all sincere sinners that it is safe to believe!
Because of the resurrection, everything changes. Death changes. It used to be the end; now it is the beginning. The cemetery changes. People once went there to say good-bye but now they go to say we'll be together again. Even the coffin changes. It is no longer a box where we hide bodies, but rather a cocoon in which the body is kept until God sets it free to fly.
In John 14:3, Jesus says, "I will come back and take you to be with me!" And to prove that he was serious about this promise, the stone was rolled away and his body was raised from the dead!
Everything Changes
In Romans 6:9, the apostle Paul says, "When Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end." The resurrection of Jesus is an exploding flare announcing to all sincere sinners that it is safe to believe!
Because of the resurrection, everything changes. Death changes. It used to be the end; now it is the beginning. The cemetery changes. People once went there to say good-bye but now they go to say we'll be together again. Even the coffin changes. It is no longer a box where we hide bodies, but rather a cocoon in which the body is kept until God sets it free to fly.
In John 14:3, Jesus says, "I will come back and take you to be with me!" And to prove that he was serious about this promise, the stone was rolled away and his body was raised from the dead!
Found the God
From Casting Crowns
I came to You
With my heart in pieces
And found the God
With healing in His hands.
I came to You
With my heart in pieces
And found the God
With healing in His hands.
Can't be brave
By Mary Tyler Moore
You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.
You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Search me
Verse of the day from Bible Gateway
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Blasted comments
I was looking up some articles/videos of you online, and I came across another slew of comments I hadn't read from after your accident. I shouldn't have done that-it really messed with me the rest of the day/night. This one is interesting though...
From Semmi Zamunda:
I'd like to know if anyone else has noticed this about that stretch of Wagner there. As you are driving it, either direction, the roadway has a slight shift right at the crest of the hill...it oftentimes will make it appear as if the oncoming traffic is in your lane. This happens wither direction you drive it as you approach the crest of that hill. It looks like that is EXACTLY where the crash occurred. I have a feeling the road design there may have contributed to the crash and it makes me wonder if there have been any other head on collisions in that area.
Don't get me wrong however, I am not blaming the crash on the road design, just stating that it may have helped contribute to it.
(Other people's comments denied that there is even a "shift". Oh, there is definitely a "shift"! That coupled with being a little too far over definitely was a factor!)
From Semmi Zamunda:
I'd like to know if anyone else has noticed this about that stretch of Wagner there. As you are driving it, either direction, the roadway has a slight shift right at the crest of the hill...it oftentimes will make it appear as if the oncoming traffic is in your lane. This happens wither direction you drive it as you approach the crest of that hill. It looks like that is EXACTLY where the crash occurred. I have a feeling the road design there may have contributed to the crash and it makes me wonder if there have been any other head on collisions in that area.
Don't get me wrong however, I am not blaming the crash on the road design, just stating that it may have helped contribute to it.
(Other people's comments denied that there is even a "shift". Oh, there is definitely a "shift"! That coupled with being a little too far over definitely was a factor!)
P & P
Stands for principalities and powers. Wanted to look it up because Wonderstruck Ladies are studying Ephesians 6:10-20 right now.
Principality: a state ruled by a prince; position or authority of a prince or chief ruler, sovereignty, supreme power
Power: ability to do something or act in a particular way; capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events
Principality: a state ruled by a prince; position or authority of a prince or chief ruler, sovereignty, supreme power
Power: ability to do something or act in a particular way; capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events
Comfort in suffering
Today' Bible Verse of the Day. Interesting as I am meeting with Jacob R.'s mom tomorrow...
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Comfort in Suffering
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Comfort in Suffering
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Everlasting light
This song was from the video of you filming the water on the lake (from the boat) and other behind-the-scenes type stuff. I never knew what song this was and Dad told me once it was Slow Hands but that didn't come out until a few years after your accident. This song came on at Rydeon last week and I knew it was the right one because I knew you like The Black Keys. Thank you for that!
Everlasting Light
by The Black Keys
Let me be your everlasting light
The sun where there is none
I'm a shepherd for you
And I'll guide you through
Let me be your everlasting light
Let me be your everlasting light
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
I'll hold and never scold
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
In me you can confide
When no one's by your side
Let me be your everlasting light
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
Oh baby, can't you see
It's shinin' just for you
Loneliness is over
Dark days are through
They're through
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-shoo-shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
Let me be your everlasting light
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
A train goin' 'way from pain
(Shoo-shoo-shoo-wa)
Love is the coal
That makes this train roll
Let me be your everlasting light
Yeah
Let me be your everlasting light
Let me be your everlasting light
Let me be your everlasting light
Ohh...
Hope's talk with you
A few weeks ago, Hope visited you at the cemetery. As you know, it's not really a place we enjoy going to. Anyway, she said she started talking to you right when she got there, and she talked and talked (she can talk, can't she?) She said it felt like she was really talking to you, not like just talking to herself. She also said the whole time, the sun was shining warm on her face. She even took a picture at the end of the visit with the sun shining on your headstone. So beautiful. Thanks for still being there for us. Love you so much!
The videos
For the longest time I was avoiding watching the videos that Jake made after your accident because they bring me back to that awful time. I've been reading through this blog though and have the song lyrics from your videos that I have read through and looked some up on youtube, like Supersymmetry.
It was hard to listen to them, but I got brave one night at home and just started watching them. I ended up watching all four.
I realized that not only do they bring me back to the time of your accident, but they also bring me back closer to when you were alive. It was an amazing feeling. It was actually wonderful. It just goes to show that sometimes we don't even know what we are capable of until we try it. Thank you sweet boy!
It was hard to listen to them, but I got brave one night at home and just started watching them. I ended up watching all four.
I realized that not only do they bring me back to the time of your accident, but they also bring me back closer to when you were alive. It was an amazing feeling. It was actually wonderful. It just goes to show that sometimes we don't even know what we are capable of until we try it. Thank you sweet boy!
I'll be better
Find a man who says, "I'll be better" instead of accusing you of being crazy for knowing what you deserve.
3 people
Just don't know who the first two are (wink, wink). This was on Sydney's page.
We fall in-love with 3 people in our lifetime...
Each one for a specific reason
First love:
This love often happens at a young age...You eventually grow apart or call it quits over silly things. When you get older you may look back and think it wasn't love. But the truth is, it was. It was love for what you knew love to be.
Remember: There are different depths of love.
Second love:
The hard one. You get hurt in this one. This love teaches us lessons and makes us stronger. This love includes great pain, lies, betrayal, abuse, drama and damage.
But this is the one where we grow. We realize what we love about love and what we don't love about love.
Now we know the difference between good and bad humans. Now we become closed, careful, cautious and considerate.
We know exactly what we want and don't want.
Third love:
This one comes blindly. No warning. It creeps on you silently.
You don't go looking for this love...it comes to you.
You can put up ANY wall you want, it will be broke(n) down. You'll find yourself caring about that person without trying. They look nothing like your usual crush types, but you get lost in their eyes daily. You see beauty in their imperfections. You hide nothing from them. You want marriage and family with them. You thank the universe for them. You truly love them.
We fall in-love with 3 people in our lifetime...
Each one for a specific reason
First love:
This love often happens at a young age...You eventually grow apart or call it quits over silly things. When you get older you may look back and think it wasn't love. But the truth is, it was. It was love for what you knew love to be.
Remember: There are different depths of love.
Second love:
The hard one. You get hurt in this one. This love teaches us lessons and makes us stronger. This love includes great pain, lies, betrayal, abuse, drama and damage.
But this is the one where we grow. We realize what we love about love and what we don't love about love.
Now we know the difference between good and bad humans. Now we become closed, careful, cautious and considerate.
We know exactly what we want and don't want.
Third love:
This one comes blindly. No warning. It creeps on you silently.
You don't go looking for this love...it comes to you.
You can put up ANY wall you want, it will be broke(n) down. You'll find yourself caring about that person without trying. They look nothing like your usual crush types, but you get lost in their eyes daily. You see beauty in their imperfections. You hide nothing from them. You want marriage and family with them. You thank the universe for them. You truly love them.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
If
If you don't ask...
The answer is always no
If you don't go after what you want...
you'll never have it.
If you don't step forward...
you're always in the same spot
Card for K
K's anniversary is coming up of his accident. I sent a card and wanted to record what I said.
The outside of the card says: "Believe in how strong you are.", and the inside says, "I do."
Here's what I wrote:
Dear K,
I wanted to think of something profound to share with you, full of Bible verses and inspirational quotes (and maybe even some song lyrics) to help you get through this "anniversary." However, I also wanted to get this card in the mail so it can arrive before you leave next week. So please know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you on Wednesday. I am here for you and am only a phone call or text away.
Maybe you can take a picture of the front of this card so you can be reminded of how strong you are and how far you've come. A measure of true healing is when you're able to reach out to someone else and help them through a hard time. You've done that for me and I'm so thankful for that. I'm grateful that you are you.
(Under the "I do", I signed, Love, Andrea)
The outside of the card says: "Believe in how strong you are.", and the inside says, "I do."
Here's what I wrote:
Dear K,
I wanted to think of something profound to share with you, full of Bible verses and inspirational quotes (and maybe even some song lyrics) to help you get through this "anniversary." However, I also wanted to get this card in the mail so it can arrive before you leave next week. So please know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you on Wednesday. I am here for you and am only a phone call or text away.
Maybe you can take a picture of the front of this card so you can be reminded of how strong you are and how far you've come. A measure of true healing is when you're able to reach out to someone else and help them through a hard time. You've done that for me and I'm so thankful for that. I'm grateful that you are you.
(Under the "I do", I signed, Love, Andrea)
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Never forget
A woman can forget a man who broke her heart
and left her shattered but
she can never forget the man who gathered the
broken pieces, healed her
soul, and made her smile again.
Just shine
From D.L. Moody
We are told to let our light shine,
and if it does, we won't
need to tell anybody it does.
Lighthouses don't fire
cannons to call attention to
their shining-they just shine.
We are told to let our light shine,
and if it does, we won't
need to tell anybody it does.
Lighthouses don't fire
cannons to call attention to
their shining-they just shine.
Fingerprints of kindness
You might think you don't matter in this world, but because of you someone has a favourite mug to drink their tea out of each morning that you bought them. Someone hears a song on the radio and it reminds them of you. Someone has read a book you recommended to them and gotten lost in its pages. Someone's remembered a joke you told them and smiled to themselves on the bus. Someone's tried on a top and felt beautiful because you complimented them on it. Someone has a memory that makes them grin that involves you. Someone now likes themselves a little bit more because you made a passing comment that made them feel good. Never think you don't have an impact, your fingerprints can't be wiped away from the little marks of kindness that you've left behind.
The ordinary
Make the Ordinary Come Alive
by Tao Te Ching
Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.
Only goal
My only goal in life right now is to be happy. Genuinely, intensely and consistently happy, regardless of what that looks like to others.
Be strong
From Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Teach them
From Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words, which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words, which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.
Prepared
Quote from Billy Graham.
I'm prepared to die, in fact I'm looking forward to it-
And when you're prepared to die, you're also prepared to live.
I'm prepared to die, in fact I'm looking forward to it-
And when you're prepared to die, you're also prepared to live.
Praise to God
From Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Isaiah 25:1
Praise to God
O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1
Praise to God
O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Friday, March 2, 2018
Even when they're mad
Be with someone who makes sure you're always good even when they're mad at you.
Trying to get out
The devil won't bother you when you're living in sin, he'll bother you when you're trying to get out.
Aftershocks
Aftershocks or "grief bursts" happen when some of the "down" feelings you've already experienced in grief come at you again several months after the death, or even after a year or more. Sometimes something acts as a trigger and catches you by surprise: a song, a place, a movie or a season, and it's as if you're confronted with the death for the first time, all over again. Painful emotions crash in on you, and it feels as if you're starting the entire grief process anew.
Can relate
From Surviving After The Loss Of An Older Child
My daughter passed away eleven years ago. Her best friend had her first baby today. I know I should be happy but I am sad.
(This is how I felt when I heard Jake got a job)
My daughter passed away eleven years ago. Her best friend had her first baby today. I know I should be happy but I am sad.
(This is how I felt when I heard Jake got a job)
Never blame anyone
Never blame anyone
in your life.
Good people give you
happiness.
Bad people give you
experience.
The worst people give you
a lesson.
And the best people give you
memories.
Love to the wrong person
Sometimes we give love to the wrong person, and we sit there and wonder,"how could I have given love to that person? They don't even deserve it," or, "what a waste of time." But the thing is, you shouldn't think about it that way. You should think of the fact that you were able to give love, because if you were able to give it, that means you have it inside of you. It's the same thing with honesty, with your ability to care about people. Don't focus on the way that people abuse that. Focus on the fact that you have it within you, and that it makes you who you are. It makes you a beautiful person, a beautiful human being.
-Najwa Zebian
-Najwa Zebian
The Lord was there
By Charles Spurgeon
The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this: "The Lord was there."
The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this: "The Lord was there."
The magic
From one of my favorites, "Author Unknown"
Spend more time with people who pull the magic out of you and not the madness.
Spend more time with people who pull the magic out of you and not the madness.
Swim in the sea
From Jennifer R.'s page
Swim in the sea
Go on roadtrips
Count the stars
Find true love
Be free
Swim in the sea
Go on roadtrips
Count the stars
Find true love
Be free
Can't always have a good day
You can't always have a good day. But you can always face a bad day with a good attitude.
Wipe every tear
He will wipe every tear
from their eyes. And there
will be no more death
or sorrow or crying or pain.
Revelation 21:4
I can't even imagine
Might be from Surviving The Loss Of An Older Child
When someone says to me,
"I can't even imagine"
My heart skips a beat.
The despair and
overwhelming sadness
that accompanies the
death of a child is
undescribable. It can't be
imagined or explained.
It just hurts.
That is faith
By C.H. Spurgeon
To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust him in the dark-that is faith.
To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust him in the dark-that is faith.
Your art
your art
is not about how many people
like your work
your art
is about
if your heart likes your work
if your soul likes your work
it's about how honest
you are with yourself
and you
must never
trade honesty
for relatability
(Side note: I've always focused on others with my "art" but I derive such joy and pride from it when it's just right. Didn't know that was ok).
is not about how many people
like your work
your art
is about
if your heart likes your work
if your soul likes your work
it's about how honest
you are with yourself
and you
must never
trade honesty
for relatability
(Side note: I've always focused on others with my "art" but I derive such joy and pride from it when it's just right. Didn't know that was ok).
My heart and my portion forever
From Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Come forth as gold
From Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Job 23:10-11
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
Job 23:10-11
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
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