Friday, May 13, 2022

Persistence...

Spring is here and the robins are busy preparing their nests for eggs. I personally get excited for the warm weather, trees budding, and flowers blooming all over. This spring I learned a lesson from an unlikely small source.

A robin.

My husband went outside one morning to our barn and found traces of a nest being built in the overhang. We love nature, but not so close to the barn. So, that morning my husband apologized to the robin and proceeded to take the nest down and clean up the mess. Well, in full disclosure, I don’t think he apologized to the robin. I might have if I was out there with him.

The very next day, the nest was back in the same spot under the overhand. My husband once again took the nest down and cleaned up the debris.

The third day he greeted the robin before work and let her know there was no room at the barn for her nest. He removed it once again. She wasn’t too happy but flew away to a nearby tree.

When my husband came home from work he went out to the barn. Guess what he saw?

Another nest. She is a persistent bird, but my husband is more stubborn.

After a week or so, the daily ritual of removing the nests ended. She found another place for her new home and the battle was over.

The weeks activities made me pause and think about two things…

1. How persistent was that robin? How could we learn from her persistence? What if we sought life or God with the same never-ending persistence? How far would we be in life? How far would our walk be with Him?

2. How stubborn was that robin? She could make a nest anywhere but chose to make one in a place that wasn’t welcome. Are we doing things in our own strength that God does not want us to do? Can we learn to take our tools and build in another area God is calling us to go?

Just a few thoughts for a Friday…

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

National Day of Prayer thoughts...

Lifting each other up by stepping into His presence…

I thought today would be a good time to talk about prayer since it is the National Day of Prayer.

I have a hard time praying sometimes. I often lift friends and family up to my heavenly Father in prayer. I want to say the right words. I don’t want to just ‘pray’ for the sake of praying. I don’t want to pour out the same words I have used before. I want it to come from the depths of my soul.

However, sometimes I don’t have the words. I would love to say I can pray eloquently on a dime. I would love to speak beautiful words I have heard others cry out to our Lord. That is not me. And honestly, God doesn’t want me to be someone I am not. He only wants me to reach out to Him. He desires fellowship with Him through prayer.

My heart breaks for those who are hurting physically, emotionally, spiritually. I want to ‘fix’ it. I know I can’t. I can go to my Father and ask Him to fix it. He is the all-knowing healer, redeemer, and comforter. He can do what I am incapable of doing because I am only human.

I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who can intercede for me. I need all the help I can get daily. The Holy Spirit gives me the words when I can’t. I am appreciative for the grace He gives me each day and to have an instant line to His ear through prayer.

Back to the National Day of Prayer. I am grateful for this reminder; however, shouldn’t every day be a national day of prayer? Do we need a holiday to remind us to speak to our loving Father who craves our conversation?

Reach out today to God and just share your thoughts. Yes, He already knows them, but He wants to hear from you. He wants fellowship with you so you can come closer to Him. This is just a quiet reminder to seek Him today and everyday in prayer.

James 5:16 (NIV)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jeremiah 29:12&13 (NIV)

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me with you seek me with all of your heart.

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Mother's Day

I have mixed emotions over Mother’s Day every year. As a mom, I struggle with being the best I can for our grown kids. I know I fall short daily, but by the grace of God, I get back up and keep trying. There is no perfect mom, or person. My perfectionism comes to play often as I try to be that ideal mom and wife. That is my pride getting in the way. God reminds me through my lessons that I am not perfect and that’s okay. He holds the bar to strive towards in our weakness with His help. Only God is perfect.

Only God.

Then I think of my mom during this time of year. I realized after many years that I was hard on her because my expectations were higher than she could reach. I wanted the June Cleaver mom who had all the right things to say and do. I am sure I am dating myself again with this reference, but you get it.

Remember there is no perfect person. She could only do what she was taught by her parents. Did she do everything right? No. But she did the best she could for us. And when she couldn’t do any more, I picked up the slack and helped her through the years. That is what God wanted me to do. Not to compare her with other moms, just be there for my mom. I am so glad I could be there for her when she needed me most.

Hindsight is 20/20 – right?

Mom has been dining with Jesus for 10 years now. I know she is transformed and pain free today. I can’t wait to have that new conversation with her when I get there. What a glorious day that will be!

In the meantime, my advice is to give your mom a break today.

Give your mom a hug.

Give your mom grace today.

And if you are a mom, give yourself grace today too. He gives it freely for you as well. Take time for you today and reflect on His love for you. Let Him fill your cup.

Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Psalms 29:11 (NIV)

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Teachable moments...

God uses the smallest and sometimes painful lessons to be teachable moments. Have you ever done something that you really don’t want to share but is a teachable lesson for your children or friends? I am going to share one of those stories. Please give me grace here…

Many seasons ago when my children were young, I operated a home daycare along with homeschooling my three. I had a lot more energy back then, in case you are wondering how… Each day would begin by setting up the daycare equipment before the kids would arrive. Then the meal planning would ensue. I fed five plus my three multiple times during the day. I had a daily schedule on the refrigerator to keep things in order and forced a bit of variety. I would plan a week of meals in advance and have them ready to go when the kids arrived.

One afternoon I was running late, and I didn’t leave enough time for my hamburgers to thaw before separating and cooking them for lunch. As the kids were sitting at the table doing an activity waiting on me, I grabbed a steak knife and proceeded to separate the burgers. As I was holding the knife, a fleeting thought of – ‘I better be careful – this probably isn’t a good idea’ crossed my mind.

Then I slipped with the knife, and it went through the hamburger and into my hand. The bone in my hand stopped the knife. For a minute I thought it was okay because I didn’t feel any pain.

Then I felt it…

The sharp pain was intense. I grabbed a dishcloth and wrapped my hand for a minute and let my oldest know he was going to finish making the burgers while I addressed the issue at hand.

Sorry for the pun…

The good news is that I didn’t need stitches and by fate, the cut followed the line in my hand, so the scar just accentuated the line.

That was a painful lesson for me but also a teachable moment for my kids. The kids were told that day to never to do what I just did. I was determined to take my own advice going forward and never used a steak knife again to separate frozen meat.

The dull ache lasted for days. Many days later as I stared at the scar on my palm, I meditated on what Jesus did for me on that cross. I can’t begin to imagine how painful that was for Him.

And He did it for you and me…

Today I have a small reminder of what He did for me on the cross when I look at my hand.

Sometimes scars are long term lessons in life. My scar is a teachable moment and reminder of His love for me.

Job 6:24 (NIV)

“Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.

Psalms 119:33 (NIV)

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

What is your why?

Last Sunday in church many were reading about the palms being placed at Jesus feet. Some churches handed out palms that were folded into a cross to take home as a reminder of Palm Sunday.

Everyone felt the excitement in the air during Jesus’s time that week. People were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” We could make assumptions about the climate that day. You could almost see the sunshine coming through the clouds warming the ground that the donkey slowly carried Jesus. The noise from the crowd was joyful as the people followed Jesus into town placing palms at his feet.

Then within days, everything changed. There was a chill in the air. The happy faces were suddenly angry. Shouts of “Hosanna” suddenly turned to “Crucify him!” How quickly a crowd can change. How quickly opinions can be swayed.

We also live in a fickle crowd. One day a person has his or her fifteen minutes of fame, and then the next day they are tossed aside for the new big thing.

What makes the difference is not the crowd, but the person. What is your WHY? Jesus knew his before he turned towards the cross that week. He knew his WHY - and I am so grateful for that.

There will be naysayers every day to discourage and deter you from God’s calling on your life. Some people have other agendas. Some just want others to feel the pain they are currently experiencing. We need to keep our eyes on our WHY - Jesus. Not on recognition or praise from others. God will give us the strength for each step. There will be difficulties in our life. We were promised that in scripture. What we need to do is remember our heavenly Father will be with us through it all.

Keep your WHY secured firmly in your heart. Ignore the noise around you.

Gods got this and You. Then you will finish the race - with your eyes focused on Him.

Matthew 21: 7-9

7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Fill your cup

Mid-week thoughts…

As we balance on the beam of Wednesday, or as some call hump-day, I was reflecting on how much energy I didn’t have this morning. I haven’t had the luxury to take it easy lately due to many obligations at work and United Marriage Encounter. My husband and I tried to get to bed early last night because he had a training this morning that required him to be up one hour earlier for travel.

I was hoping for a restful night. However once in bed, I tossed and turned for an hour until I finally fell asleep. I ended up praying for friends and family during that time until I finally drifted off to sleep. It was His plan to pray. Sometimes His plans are not in line with mine, but still perfect so I need to accept them. Praying also helps me focus on what is important.

I woke up with my husband early this morning by rambunctious puppies. They wanted attention because dad was busy getting ready to leave and they needed to go out. I slowly got out of bed and let them out to do their morning business. I then proceeded to grab their morning treat. As I came back to the door, I watched the puppies sprinting towards the tree line after two very large deer. I opened the door and yelled so loud that I believe the neighbors heard me. I know the deer did because they also stopped in their tracks and looked at me like, “Seriously lady?”

The puppies turned and ran right back to the house excited to get their morning treats. I was grateful because I really didn’t want to chase them across the yard in my fancy purple robe… That would be another story for another time.

My cup was empty this morning. I had very little sleep this past week and didn’t feel excited to tackle the day that was ahead of me.

That is when I took a moment to pause and reflect on His word through my devotionals. Resetting my day so to speak by reading His word and experiencing His peace. It helped to stop and refocus on what was important. I may not get everything done today because I was tired. But I could do what I could for the time being.

It is okay to not go at light speed every day. (I am speaking this truth to myself as well as to you today)

It is also good to take time and rest. I am thankful for my husband who blessed me by booking a get-a-way this weekend. It is my five-year anniversary with the company and booking a get-a-way was his gift to me. I was so grateful because we have been going at light speed for months and needed the rest.

My cup has been a bit empty.

How about you? How is your cup? How are you filling your cup?

Don’t forget to fill it with Him first. The one who can give you the strength to make it through the day. Then fill it with fellowship and time away. Time away doesn’t mean a long planned out vacation. It can be an afternoon of quiet and reflection.

We can’t pour from an empty cup. We burn out and then are no good to anyone. We need our cups filled to pour into others.

If your cup is full, this is a gentle reminder to consider pouring into someone else’s cup this week. You may know someone who has had a rough week. A text, or a call is a small but meaningful gesture to someone in need.

Let them know it’s okay to take a break too…

Psalm 91:1-2

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.91:1 Hebrew Shaddai

2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Friday, April 1, 2022

Springtime thoughts...

I love springtime! The new growth sprouting from the ground and on the trees brings joy to my heart. Sometimes the flowers come through the snow because we do live in the Upstate (NY) and the flowers are as eager as I am to bring change and usher out winter’s chill.

This week I have been meditating on Ecclesiastes 3 because we are heading into a new season. I was also reminded by the calendar that my grandmother has been dining with the Lord for 16 years. This is a picture from many years ago of Grandma Peggy in one of her stylish outfits she often wore.

Yes, I have her name, I was the favorite because I was names after her. Her legal name was Margaret, but everyone called her Peggy. I spent many years responding to the question, “Is Margaret your legal name?” “No”, I would tell them and then proceed with the story of how I was given the name.

Grandma left an imprint in my heart, and she did whatever she could to help me feel special and important. God used her to bring a ray of sunshine in my otherwise difficult childhood. I cherish all the memories I had with her. Even though Grandma didn’t come to the Lord until she was older, she lived her life blessing others around her through her hospitality. She could throw an extraordinary party, and no one left hungry or wanting for anything. She showed her love through her gift of hospitality.

Springtime for me is an excellent time to reflect on all the changes that occurred since the previous year. So much has changed… some good and some not so good. Time marches on even still. The new plant growth in springtime reminds me that I have another opportunity to change for the better. I can cling to His mercy and grace as I grow in Christ each day. I can take stock in my actions from the previous year and make the necessary adjustments in my finances, my relationships, and in my walk with the Lord.

Springtime is a great chance to ‘clean house’ so to speak in our lives. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with Christ. If I am not pressing in, I am becoming stagnant. Take this opportunity to press in and dig deeper with your relationships.

Don’t miss the opportunity. Time marches by swiftly and the next thing you know it is another spring. There have been 16 springs since I saw my grandmother. Someday, someone will say that about me. What am I leaving behind as a legacy? What are you leaving behind as your legacy?

Take this time to reflect on the gifts our heavenly Father has given you. How are you using them to bless others and leave a Godly legacy?

Dig deeper today to get the soil in your heart ready for planting and harvest time.

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Praying for others.

Has God ever put someone on your mind? I have discovered that God will give you someone’s name so you can reach out or pray for them at that moment.

I mentioned before - when I have trouble sleeping, I ask God for a name and then pray for that person. This helps two-fold. He reaches out to me to pray for His people; and I stay focused on Him until I can get back to sleep.

Every so often He has put someone’s name on my heart while I am doing my daily work. I don’t know why. However, I take that moment to just stop what I am doing and pray for that person. If it continues, I reach out to them by phone or a quick text to see how they are doing.

We are all dealing with stuff every day. Sometimes these speed bumps weigh us down and we need others to pray or lift us up. If you are like me, often I don’t share my troubles because I know of others that have it harder than I do and don’t want to burden someone with my small problems.

On the other hand, if someone comes to me with a prayer request, I don’t see it the same way.

Can you relate? We can see others needs more important than our own.

Just a thought - This can be the enemy pushing us back from a blessing.

We are missing the blessing of prayer and fellowship when we reach out to our sisters and brothers in Christ. Let God bless us through a friend’s prayer and fellowship. We need each other daily. We are not an island. We were made to encourage and pray for each other.

This is our lesson for today…

Pray for who God puts on your heart. Reach out to that person through a quick text or call to see how they are doing.

Ask other believers for prayer no matter how you small you judge the problem to be compared to others. Don’t be afraid to reach out. He is there for all of our needs, not just the big ones.

Will you join me in this challenge today?

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Colossians 1:9 (NIV)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Trust...

Trusting in Him

My husband and I were reading last night, and something struck me so clearly, I had to share it with you today. We were discussing fear and how the enemy likes to get in our head and use fear to immobilize us. Part of the reading was Philippians 4:6-7 which is

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

After reading this scripture I was reminded of my writing and how I have been a bit of a slug. Why was I hesitating to pick it up and complete the next book? If I was to be honest, it is not just lack of time, but fear. Who was I to take this second step of faith? Was my writing worth a readers time? Was I wasting my time? All thoughts that are not from Him. Just distracting thoughts to stop me from doing what I was called to do.

I was then given a vision while sitting on the couch. I saw the face of a father calling his child into the deep end of a pool. The father was already standing in the pool and coaxing his child to jump in from the deck without fear. “Stay focused on my face.” The father said. Then I saw the child’s view of the scene, looking deeply into his father’s eyes. As long as the child kept his focus on his father’s eyes, he had no fear and jumped.

I then realized I had taken my eyes off my father in this situation. I needed to look deeply into His eyes and jump. Then the fear would pass. Then the enemy’s words would not penetrate.

It’s time for me to get busy…

What is holding you back today? What fear is consuming your focus on His face?

Stare deeply into His eyes, and jump.

Psalms 56:3 (NIV)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Spiritual Warfare...

Every now and then my husband and I need to get away to hear a word from God. We are so busy with our business, United Marriage Encounter, household chores, and writing that we leave little room left for being still and listening to our heavenly Father.

We wake up, do our devotions in the morning, and then immediately tackle the day. By the end of a day, we are so exhausted by all the chores that our minds are only on dinner and how soon we can get to bed.

This past weekend we went to another marriage retreat to fill our empty cups and pick up more ideas for our ministry. God showed up for us and spoke life into our marriage which was a blessing. He also spoke words we were not expecting.

“Spiritual warfare is closer than you think…”

Another holy echo because my husband heard the same words.

We purchased a book onsite that discussed how spiritual warfare affects your marriage. We are not unfamiliar with spiritual warfare. We see it often in our lives.

We don’t dwell on it; however, we do take it seriously and wanted to take some time to read the book together and see what God was sharing with us as a couple.

At the end of our weekend, we came home and decided to do something different. Instead of turning on the tv to watch a rerun, we sat on our couch and read our new book together. As Carl read it out loud to me, I was struck by the words. I am often so focused on the day-to-day activities I ignore the small attacks that come quietly into our marriage. Carl also realized how sneaky the enemy can be in the small things, even through family. As we read together, we had an ‘aha’ moment. We decided to become more determined to guard our marriage against the sneaky quiet attacks.

We have spent the last few days reading the book together and praying as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to situations affecting our marriage.

This has given us a new closeness as we pray and learn as a couple. I feel grateful for this new adventure of reading together.

What are you doing to guard your marriage today?

I don’t discuss spiritual warfare often. But it does not mean it is not there. We need to protect ourselves and our relationships. The enemy would like nothing better than to implode marriages, or worse stagnate our relationship with Him. Pray together and protect yours today with the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6: 10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Daily Echoes with God