Always Been There

by   March 26, 2024 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

For you have been my hope, my confidence since my youth. — Psalm 71:5

As a 13-year-old, I began attending church and became involved in a youth group. I knew little about God’s Word, but there were youth leaders and pastors who did. I accepted Jesus into my heart, and began my journey toward spiritual understanding.

When I went away to college, I stopped going to church for a period of time. Spiritually, I ended up in a season of indifference. But the spiritual seed that had been planted in my heart remained. I had my Bible with me in my dorm room, and occasionally, I would take a peek inside the covers of God’s Word, see a verse I loved, and underline it in red.

I knew in my heart that Jesus was my hope and had been since my youth.

I did not understand it, but my confidence in Jesus as my Savior remained.

I will hope continually, and will yet praise you more and more. — Psalm 71:14

I finished college and began my teaching career. God began to work in my life. As years began to pass, I began to turn toward my heart even more toward Christ. I began desiring a closer relationship with Jesus. The years were filled with seasons of success and seasons of failure, but my Christian walk was growing stronger every season.

The spiritual seed that had been planted during my youth had continued to grow. I had a teaching career, but I also spent those years serving the Lord while being a part of the local church. One day, I realized I had begun feasting on His Word not just at church, but also at home. My love for Jesus had grown.

I experienced Jesus being my Savior, Protector, Comforter and Provider.

I experienced Jesus.

And with me Jesus has remained.

I am in awe of how Jesus is with all of us at one time.

How can we help but praise Him more and more? Even when you are old, I will take care of you. Even when your hair turns gray, I will support you. I made you and will continue to care for you. — Isaiah 46:4

I think my hair may now be gray, but I have a hair stylist who makes that gray disappear before I can barely see it. I do admit that I may be starting to feel a little older, as the physical and the mental is a little more difficult.

But the spiritual grows sweeter every day. The Word of God comes more alive in my spirit. I can open my Bible and sometimes my heart begins to race as I sense His Word coming alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is something about the season of gray hair — or hair that is not yet allowed to turn gray — that is full of the sweet savor of my Savior.

Now that I think about it, all seasons of my life have been like that.

God has always been there. We have never been alone.

He made us, He loves us and He will continue to care for us, no matter our stage in life. Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker.

Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

How to hear (really!) the Voice of God

by   March 25, 2024 with No Comments

By Rhonda Sassano

How to hear (really!) the voice of God

If you are like me, I struggle to recognize the voice of the Lord.  Especially when I’m hurting inside over … well, whatever the latest situation is.  Couple that with constantly battling depression, and I’m in a pickle just trying to pluck up courage to pray, much less hear what He’s really saying.  But.  I came across the “Honesty Tool” a couple of years ago.  All the kudos to Jonathon and Melissa Helser and the team at Cageless Birds (find them on FaceBook!)  for putting it together and making it available.  The Honesty Tool can be found in at least two of their Captivated workbooks, volumes 4 and 6.  But here it is in a nutshell:

Using the Honesty Tool

When you encounter a situation that brings up an intense reaction, either internally or externally (or both), STOP.  As soon as possible, find a quiet place and walk through these steps.

  1. Grab something with which to write things down (pen and paper are best, but a tablet works too.)  Say, “Holy Spirit, I need your help.  What is really going on when that happens?” Then, write down the gist of the situation that created your angst. 
  2. Include thoughts and feelings that you were experiencing because of  the situation.
  3. Reflect.  Go back and read what you wrote down.  Underline any thoughts that are scripturally untrue.  
  4. Say, “Holy Spirit, speak to me the truth.  What does Father say about these things?”

        5.  Write down what the Father says in the form of a letter from Him to you.  

            Start with “Dear Name,” and write it all down.  Don’t stop until He finishes.  Don’t worry,  you’ll know.  

Let me share a sample with you from my own experience.  I’ll try not to give TMI ;D

Holy Spirit, what is really going on here?  I feel detached.  From you.  I realize I’m disappointed about having to find another job, but this detached feeling started before that.  Losing a couple very important items for a week certainly didn’t help. Not finding them even after I prayed has been a let-down, too.  But I did find all three items eventually, so thank you for that.  My better half needs regular medical care right now, and it’s unknown how far into the future that will need to continue.  The expense alone is … more than I can think about without getting overwhelmed.  And despite my prayers for healing, the situation worsened…it’s hard to keep believing when that happens.  I don’t know what to do differently with diet and physical aspects to help the healing begin.  I do know ALL healing comes from You, so maybe I should just receive it as it comes and not fuss about the delivery or lack thereof…. Lack of success with my website is a blow, too, because I thought that would be a source of income and I wouldn’t need to keep looking for employment.  We experienced some unexpected rejection by friends and family members at a wedding we had traveled to attend.  Then, a very close friend didn’t appreciate my answer to an impertinent query.  Then they asked me, “How come worshipping doesn’t fix you?”  I was shocked and hurt at the lack of understanding. 

I am really struggling to process all the disappointment.  Are they all just paper tigers, meant to keep me from Your Presence? Out of the Holy of Holies?  To obscure the sight of Your throne?  Your face?  All together they do not seem momentary or light afflictions.  They feel heavy and burdensome and cumbersome. I try to lay them down, but another one always comes…

(Pause right here for a sec.  I should go back and underline some of the lies in the previous paragraphs, but I didn’t want to interrupt your reading.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the lies to you…)

Holy Spirit, please speak to me Your truth.  What does Father say about these things?

“My Precious Rhonda.  None of this is meant for your disappointment.  I am letting these things stir up stuff from the bottom so I can skim them off the top.  So the top water will be as clear and refreshing as what’s coming out of the dike.  I know you look at your life and see nothing but debris and swirling mud.  I receive your worship in the midst of the struggle.  It is a sacrifice that I admire and receive with such immense joy!  Don’t let go of the life preservers of my Word and your own worship!  Floods eventually recede.  Let Me get rid of the debris before it settles back into place.  Keep telling yourself the truth!  “Think on these things,” keep your focus on ME, on the eternal!  You are doing GREAT!  You continue to obey even with a small cheat here and there, but I truly don’t mind, if it helps you fast longer.  The idea of income from the website wasn’t in My plan.  It won’t meet the need.  And that is OK.  It’s My job to provide for you, not yours.  You just trust ME.  You keep worshipping.  

And btw, worshipping doesn’t “fix you.”  It changes your perspective of ME, not necessarily those in your life.  That’s not the purpose of worship.  The purpose of worship is to glorify Me, to make Me bigger in your life.  Don’t respond to the manipulative comments.  Don’t act in kind when the opportunity arises. Your friend belongs to Me.  I will get through to them in My own way, in My own time.  Keep reminding yourself of the good things.  All the good things.  Of the truth of My Word.  You’ve experienced it for yourself.  Call it to mind.  Still true, regardless of emotions.  I, even I am saying these things to you, my Beloved.  They are true and I love you intensely.  Remember the “word for the year” that I gave you:  “ALL OF IT”…. “All of it” is on the way, and already happening!  

Love, Abba”

I hope you can sense the Father’s heart towards me in His reply.  He doesn’t avoid the questions.  His answers are direct, poignant, and reasonable.  How do I know it’s the Father’s voice and not out of my own head?  That’s easy… I am not so kind to myself, or so encouraging.  I never refer to myself as “precious” or remind myself to refer to the Word or acknowledge that emotions are less important than the truth of Scripture.  All those things assure me that whenever I turn to Him with my whole heart, He is there.  He answers.  Even better and more incredulous, He WANTS to speak to me and He WANTS me to hear and recognize His voice.  

Now, you have a choice. The only question is, are you ready to hear His voice?  Sit down with pen and paper.  Think back to your last overreaction or intense response.  Follow the steps and see what happens.  I think you’ll like it!

With joy and renewed hope,

Rhonda 

P.S.  If you are struggling with anxiety, disappointment, fear, discouragement, or depression, please reach out to me.  There are several options on my bio page, but here’s the easiest way:  email me at sunnyshade13@gmail.com.  I’m a certified mental health coach who also struggles with some of the above, and I would be honored to help you on the journey to better mental health and even healing.  

Deadly Regrets

by   March 24, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Like Aesop’s fables, spring trees and plants tell stories of something worth learning or remembering. Some tales have emerged from folklore tied to Christianity, but I love the symbolism many admirers of creation have developed to share the gospel story. One such tree I only learned about recently is the Judas Tree (the Eastern Redbud). A friend noticed a photo of this tree on my Facebook stories and gave me a short lesson on its legend. Much like the story of the dogwood tree, which reflects the crucifixion of Christ, the Judas Tree reflects the tragic narrative of the one who betrayed Christ. I will let the reader take the time to Google this folklore as it is pretty interesting.

Judas is a tragic being in the Christian narrative. One chosen to follow Christ and, in the end, not only sold the Messiah for temporary treasures but then regretted it to the point of ending his life. Imagine kissing your Teacher, your friend, and also the one whose last point of touch with you was to serve you by washing your dirty feet. His Teacher said, “What you do, do quickly,” almost as if Judas could only do such betrayal issued by the Enemy in haste. Isn’t that always the way with the Enemy? He whispers hurry and haste because he realizes that if we slow down, pause, and consider what we are doing, we will have instant regrets.

After seeking an opportunity to betray Christ (see Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13 for reference), after going through the motions of the Last Supper, after kissing the One whom he would betray as a signal that “this is the man,” the weight of sin and wrong upon his heart is worse than that of those 30 coins he throws at the feet of the chief priests and elders. It’s too late. He cannot turn back the clock on the events he set in motion. Regrets. Is it repentance?

Others who are much wiser and more eloquent than I have written on the difference between regretting and repenting, so I will not expound on it here but rather remind the reader. Judas is a picture of one with regrets. His actions are external. They lead to such great sorrow that his only control over the situation is an external, physical fix – returning the money, verbalizing his mistake, and then ending his life tragically. He cannot change the outcome or his future.

How is that different from Peter? Peter may not have betrayed Christ but he denied him. Repeatedly. The one so quick and loud with words and boasts of promised faithfulness to his Rabbi was hiding in the corners when it was crunch time, marring his talk with cursing, distancing himself in the heat of the battle as he warmed by the fire.

But Peter’s battle is internal and emotional, and he is unable to make amends on his efforts. At a final moment with Christ (John 21), we see a private conversation between Peter and the Messiah, one of a repentant spirit that leads to change.

Both men sinned greatly against the One they followed so closely. With one man, efforts made to cover sorrow over a mistake led to tragedy. With the other, a contrite spirit led to freedom, experienced through repentance and forgiveness. No longer living in constant sorrow, a man changed to set the world ablaze with the gospel.

This Holy Week, let us take a walk or drive, notice the Judas Tree, and then ask ourselves, “Am I living a life of regrets I cannot fix? Or am I ready to surrender in repentance and know the freedom found only in forgiveness that will lead to a change in my life?”

Ashlie Miller is a homeschool and co-op teacher and wife of a lead pastor church planter. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Jesus as a Teacher

by   March 23, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I have been teaching professionally for 39 years. Where has all that time gone? Over that period of time that I have had thousands of students in class, on the job, and at internship sites. It is hard to imagine interacting with that many students. After all this time, I still love being a teacher. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love.

            Teachers are expected to do far more than teach curriculum. We are expected to be disciplinarians and medics. We have to know how to encourage slower students and motivate high-flying students. We have to be counselors to students who are going through various trials and troubles at home, work, and school. We are also expected to teach students important life skills while also insuring that they pass standardized tests. We have to help our students understand and deal with local tragedies like the passing of a classmate and world events like 9/11. We are expected to be cheerleaders and life coaches. When the students go home our work is not done because we have to call parents, plan lessons for tomorrow, and grade papers.

            That is not even close to a complete list because I didn’t include sponsoring clubs, coaching sports, working gate duties, lunch and hall duties, attending open houses, and attending other evening events like award programs. There are never enough hours in a day. On top of all that you have to remember that teachers have personal lives and the demands of our families.

            One of the roles Jesus had while He was on earth was teacher. Some people believe that He supernaturally knew everything, including how to teach. I do not believe that. I believe that Jesus had to spend some quiet time alone thinking about ways to teach His disciples and the crowds. He had to develop relevant examples that His listeners could understand and connect with on a personal level. Jesus had to create lesson plans.

            We know Jesus taught with parables. Parables are stories with a lesson or a moral. Why would Jesus use parables? I think one reason is that they are easy to remember. We all remember stories we heard from our parents or grandparents. Stories have been told since the dawn of time and they are powerful tools in the hands of a good teacher.

            Jesus taught us many things by example. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet He was teaching them the importance of serving others. There are so many things that need to be done around churches and your pastor would be thankful for any help you could provide. Jesus taught us to forgive those who wrong us. When Jesus was on the cross He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. He taught us the importance of restoring people because He restored Peter after he denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus taught us the hard lesson of obedience when He asked the Father if He could save humanity without going to the cross. Jesus told the Father, “Nevertheless, not what I want but your will be done.” Jesus, we thank you for teaching us this hard lesson and for paying the price for our sins.

            Jesus taught us many other things. He taught us how to pray. He gave us a great example in the Lord’s Prayer, which most of us can quote. Jesus taught us about how much our Father in Heaven loves us through the parable of the prodigal son. He taught us that the Father is willing to leave the 99 sheep and come looking for us when we have strayed and gotten lost. Jesus taught us that He came to set us free. He came for us to be healed physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He wants us to live full and blessed lives, knowing we are forgiven.

            I want to encourage you meet the greatest teacher who ever lived and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior. He died to give you access to your Heavenly Father. He loves you beyond what you can imagine. He has done everything to make a way for you, but you have to take the critical step of accepting this wonderful gift from God. Complete forgiveness is available for you. Peace of mind, in spite of your circumstances, is yours. Joy, which is far greater than happiness, comes through a relationship with Jesus. Here is one more important step He wants you to take: He wants you to share this good news with others. Don’t keep it to yourself, give it away, especially now at Easter.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Outdoor Walking Safety Tips

by   March 21, 2024 with No Comments

By David Freeze

It is time to go walking. Longer afternoons and better temperatures are here. Springtime is awakening around you. Grab a friend and you can motivate each other.

Carry your ID with emergency contact information and bring a small amount of cash and a cell phone with you, especially if walking alone. Be seen to be safe. Wear light or brightly colored clothing during the day. Wear reflective material on your clothing and carry a flashlight at night. Choose routes that are well-used, well-lit and safe.

Wear sturdy, appropriate shoes for your activity that give you proper cushioning and footing.

If possible, walk during daylight hours.

Choose routes with places to sit in case you want to stop and rest, and those with water available unless you carry your own Always walk facing oncoming traffic.

Walk on a sidewalk or a path whenever possible. Watch out for uneven sidewalks, which are tripping hazards. Look for a smooth, stable surface alongside the road if available.

If the road has guardrails, see if there’s a smooth, flat surface behind the barrier where you can walk. If you need to walk on a paved shoulder, stay as far away from traffic as possible.

Watch for bridges which may force you into the road or street and narrow shoulders.

Cross at crosswalks or intersections. Jaywalking increases your risk of a serious accident. Pay attention to the traffic signal. Cross only when you have the pedestrian crossing signal. Never assume a driver sees you crossing the street. Try to make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Before you start to cross a street, make sure you have plenty of time to get across.

Rushing increases your risk of falling. Look across all lanes you must cross and make sure each lane is clear before proceeding. Look left, right, and left again before crossing. Just because one driver stops, don’t presume drivers in other lanes will stop for you.

Check out city parks. Many parks have walking or jogging trails away from traffic and will stay open later now.

Keep in contact: When you are walking alone, let someone know where you’ll be walking and when you expect to return, then let that person know that you have returned. This should develop into a habit and could get you valuable help if you can’t place the return call.

Be alert: When walking near wooded areas and dense brush, you need to be especially aware of your surroundings and any possible threats.

Beware of strangers: It’s unfortunate to even have to write about this but yes, there is always a possibility that you will draw the unwanted attention of the criminal element.

Be prepared. Walk in areas that have other walkers, runners, foot traffic and cars (believe it or not). Acting alert and aware can convince a bad guy that he should move on. Don’t look timid and don’t avoid eye contact. And don’t use the same route and direction at the same time each day.

Protection devices: Consider carrying a small pepper spray clipped to your belt in case a dog (or human) gets too aggressive for comfort. Your regular style car key can be a heck of a weapon, as can the heel of your open hand driven into a nose.

Keep your earbud volume down: Listening to audiobooks or music while walking is a wonderful way to utilize your time. But do keep the volume at a level where you can also hear your environment. Some people only use one ear bud. You need to be aware of cars, kids, dogs and other factors in order to walk safely. You will also thank yourself in years to come that your hearing wasn’t blown out while staying in shape.

You can achieve numerous health benefits by taking a daily walk. Some of these are improved mental health and confidence, a boost in immunity, weight loss, less chance of diabetes and certain cancers. You will also improve mobility and increased cardiovascular fitness and you are less likely to reach for high sugar snacks that come from stress eating. Just 150 minutes a week is the recognized goal for better health. Finally, a great way to challenge yourself is to sign up for a local 5K.

Look at the future events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org and pick one out for a motivator. Walkers are welcome at all of SRR’s events. We hope to see you at one soon!

Lessons Learned from a Schoolmarm

by   March 21, 2024 with No Comments

By Theresa Parker Pierce

Lessons Learned from a Schoolmarm

Year 1: Don’t quit.  

Year 2: Good people weren’t born that way. 

Year 3: Family comes first.

Year 4: Write thank you notes. 

Year 5: It takes five years.

Year 6: A reader learns. 

Year 7: Use up your sick days. 

Year 8: Read a page a day. 

Year 9: Give away snacks.

Year 10: Principals lead by example. 

Year 10.5 Ignore one bad evaluation. 

Year 11: Read, travel, and BE an interesting person. 

Year 11.5 Meet on Middle Ground.

Year 12: Learn from the Circus. 

Year 13: Enjoy summers.

Year 14: Compliment often.  

Year 15: Experiences increase scores. 

Year 16 Teaching reading doesn’t stop. 

Year 17: Don’t judge an unprepared child. 

Year 18: Learn alongside. Technology

Year 18.5 Catawba TOY scrapbook 

Year 19: Now save some sick days. 

Year 20: Volunteer. Pascagoula

Year 21: P D opens doors. Denmark,

Year 22: Apply for the grant. Seattle Asian Immigration 

Year 23: Make learning fun. Agriculture in education 

Year 24: The Stolen Earring

Year 25: Woulda Coulda Shoulda

Year 26: Maybe might mean yes. 

Year 27: Find a Study Buddy. 

Year 28: Eat the dessert in the workroom. 

Year 29: High schoolers like activities. Travel with students Europe 

Year 30: Balance work and life. Caregiving sandwich generation 

Year 31: Dress up. 

Year 32: Stay in your lane.

Year 33: Clean out. 

Year 34: Learn from World War II.  

Year 35: Do things you never dreamed possible. 

Retirement: All of it was worth it. Be GLAD you did not quit. Thank everyone. Sit back and watch new teachers grow. New teachers have always inspired me! The classroom is not yours anymore. The students and friendships will stay with you, always. 

Signed, A teacher one day ~ a schoolmarm for life

God First

by   March 20, 2024 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

1 Corinthians 10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

  • Sometimes we need to be reminded of what really matters in life.
  • We are so much happier and more fulfilled when we focus on others and not on our own need and our own selfish ways.
  • May God give us the ability to always focus on others regardless whether they are Christians or friends.

Prayer:  Change my heart I pray O Lord and fill me with Your ways and Your heart that I can be like You and reflect this caring for others and doing good for others I pray.  I do not want to be concerned about myself.  Amen.
 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Giggle Don’t Care

by   March 19, 2024 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

I was in the midst of changing clothes when my beloved walked in. “It still looks a little jiggly,” he stated. My head came up and my mouth flew open. “I beg your pardon?!”


“The pie,” he said. “The timer went off, but I think it needs more time in the oven. It’s still a little jiggly.” He turned to go before I could hurl a shoe at his head.


I guess we’ve all been misunderstood before. Especially now with so many words flying around on social media. It’s almost like we have to dissect every comment we make to be sure we don’t offend someone. While that’s not a terrible thing, it would also be nice to experience a little grace. There’s a word used in the old KJV that I love. Forbear. I had to look it up because it’s a bit outdated. Wait. I DID NOT say the King James Version is outdated. What I meant was, the word forbear is not used in everyday speech that often. But its meaning is sweet. Forbearance is “out roofing” or covering for someone when they need a bit of grace. I get the picture of standing by a friend in the rain and covering them with an umbrella. I like it. I know I need that grace an awful lot since I’m such a wordy wordsmith. In my limited understanding it seems to be like giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Instead of suspecting ulterior motives, just assume the better option.


When I was telling my daughter about her father’s untimely comment, she asked, “What kind of pie?”


I shook my head and thought, “So that’s the part you picked up on?” It was a strawberry custard and turned out delicious. While I am struggling health wise, David is learning to bake. He’s always been a fabulous cook, but now baking too? What a man. Perhaps that’s why some of us are a bit jiggly.

Annyyywayyy… here’s the recipe.


Right now, while strawberries are coming in from not so local places, they need a little forbearance. So slice and sprinkle them with sugar. While they rest, preheat your oven to 425 and make the custard.
Combine and beat with a whisk until frothy:
3 eggs
2 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
pinch of salt
Drain strawberries well so your crust doesn’t get soggy. Spread berries into two unbaked pie crusts; Pour custard mixture over berries. Place pies on cookie sheet for easier movement to oven, then bake at 425 about 15 minutes; reduce heat to 325 then bake 30 or so minutes more. Insert a knife to see if the custard is set or if it is still jiggly.


In the meantime, let’s practice this:
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” -Ephesians 4:2 KJV
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” -Col. 3:13 KJV

Like strawberry custard, forbearance is a sweet treat; especially if you don’t mind things that jiggle.

Focus: Please my Father!

by   March 18, 2024 with No Comments

By Rhonda Sassano

Note to Self

I just need to write some things down. If you don’t want to know any brutal honest truth about me other than what you already know,  don’t feel compelled to keep reading.  

A friend from my childhood came to visit me, and I loved her being here, but it raised some doubts about myself and who I am.  Maybe “doubts” isn’t the right word, but I realized a few things about myself simply because she came.

One of the things I realized is that I have based my life on two priorities.  First priority is to please other people.  (Yes, you read that correctly.  I truly wish it said “to please the Lord.) The second priority is my personal, internal peace.  These two priorities kinda feed off each other, in that, I need the people who are important to me to be happy with me in order for me to be at peace. Nothing earth-shaking there, right?  But this is both frustrating and disappointing to me, because I have been working really hard at not needing affirmation from anyone other than my heavenly Father. And this is no wimpy “oh, I’ll get over it” need, either.  It’s real and very deep and extremely powerful.  It literally is the driving force behind much of what I say, what I do, how I decide, and how I act, even.  And this discovery has been nothing less than wrecking, emotionally.  (If you’ve already known this about me, haha, just let me know!) 

Here’s the crux:  I feel unable to be any different, because I’ve spent 50+ years living out these two priorities.  The most challenging part is that one seems to equal the other:  I have peace when all the important people in my life are happy with me. So I make people happy by pleasing them, in order for myself to be at peace. Thus, all of my people-pleasing is really a selfish act on my part, performed to keep peace in my own heart. It all seems so selfish and self-serving and frustrating to think about a lifetime of continuing on this path I don’t know how to change.  

My only course is to plead for help from the Holy Spirit to live by these verses from Colossians 1 (my paraphrase)

“I will walk in the ways of true righteousness, pleasing God in every good thing I do. Then i will continue to be a fruit-bearing branch, yielding to His life, and maturing in the rich experience of knowing God in His fullness! And I will be energized with all His (noy my own) explosive power from the realm of His magnificent glory, filling me with great hope. My heart soars with joyful gratitude when i think of how God made me worthy to receive the glorious inheritance freely given to me by living in the light. He has rescued me completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated me into the kingdom realm of His beloved Son. For in the Son all my sins are canceled and I have the release of redemption through His very blood. He is the divine portrait, the true likeness of the invisible God, and the firstborn heir of all creation. For in Him was created the universe of things, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it all exists through Him and for His purpose! He existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in Him, including me.”

That’s a long way of saying that this life is about Him, not me.  It’s about pleasing Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith, not about pleasing my family or anyone else.  Many times, what I’m doing at any given moment is both pleasing Him AND pleasing a person.  It’s more about what is motivating my “desire to please” than my actual actions.  And no, I’m not good at remembering to focus on pleasing Him rather than her/him.  But with the help of the Holy Spirit and these verses, I’m going to improve. There are definitely plenty of opportunities to practice!  And daily, I have plenty of chances to practice keeping my peace when someone I love is unhappy with me.  

The Father is patient with me, so I guess I can be, too.  I cannot please everyone all the time.  But I can make it my life’s mission to please the One who matters most.  

With joy,

Rhonda

P.S.  If you struggle with anxiety, disappointment, despair, or depression, please reach out to me.  I am a certified mental health coach who also struggles with those things, and I would be delighted to share my healing and help you find yours! 

“God is not looking for those who can but those who will.”

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