Ann Farabee

Beatitude. Beatitude. Beatitude. Say that three times really fast. Something about that word never got my proper attention until recently.

If I heard the words ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ I envisioned a lovely mountainside, picnic baskets, and Jesus.

There were picnic baskets, right? It WAS the longest sermon on record.

But hearing the word ‘beatitude’ did not sound nearly as special – until I saw the definition. Beatitude means supreme blessedness.

We all want supreme blessedness, right?

Well, the beatitudes are the key.

Blessed are:

The Humble. Humility means to have a modest view of our own importance. Not to think less of ourselves, but to think of ourselves less.

The Mourners. We are in a world that believes in happiness at any cost. But – Ecclesiastes 7:2-3 says that it is better to go into the house of mourning than the house of feasting. Sorrow is better than laughter. By the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

The Meek. Meekness is about our behavior toward others. The word is meekness- not weakness. It is meek – not EEK! Moses was described as meek in Numbers 12:3. Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart,” in Matthew 11:29. They had great power – but it was power under control.

The Hungry for Righteousness. Righteousness is the desire to do what is right. It is desiring God. It is pursuing God. We should be hungry for righteousness – and go after it!

The Merciful. Mercy is what you give to someone who does not deserve it. Compassion. Forgiveness. Surely the word mercy originated at the cross – as the greatest show of mercy possible was extended to us – the sinner.

The Pure in Heart. Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

The Peacemakers. Jesus gave His life to make peace between us and God. We are to carry that message of peace to the world. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15

The Persecuted. Persecution often refers to those who are mistreated because of religious beliefs. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12

The beatitudes say that if we do these things: We are blessed. We will receive the kingdom of heaven. We will be comforted. We will inherit the earth. We will be filled.

We will obtain mercy. We will see God. We will be called the children of God.

That, my friends, is supreme blessedness.

*8 beatitudes from the Lord that teach us how to live.

*Beatitudes – my new favorite word.

*Godly examples for us to follow.

*Teach them to our children and grandchildren.

*Let the beatitudes be a part of our family legacy.

*That sure was some great preaching on the hillside near Capernaum.

*Brought to you by: Jesus in ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew 5:3-12.

By Ann Farabee

Once again, I had fallen into a pattern of not making prayer a priority in my life. Why in the world would I let that happen? I mean, I am not a “spring chicken” anymore and I should know better. God has brought me through obstacle after obstacle in my life, so it seems that I would spend more time with my Heavenly Father.

I may have gotten busy, but I know God knows my need. And God knows me. I know God will take care of me. So, I may have missed a few times of prayer, but that is OK, right? I have really had a lot going on.

I will pray now… Hmm? Where is my prayer book? Yes, the one I had been writing prayer requests in…

I am still looking for that prayer book. Hold on — give me a minute.

Found it.

I love my prayer book. It lists one name at a time, beginning with my family and moving on from there.

I have some time this morning and I am going to use it to pray.

I began the way I always do in my private prayers. I entered into His presence with thanksgiving for all God has done for me. I asked forgiveness for my sins.

I was ready to pray over that list because Jesus had stopped to listen. No matter how many others were praying in the world at the same time, I still had His full attention. Isn’t that amazing?

Lord, I am so sorry that I tried to go through life yesterday without taking time in my day to talk with You. I failed to keep You at the forefront of my mind and thoughts throughout the day. You know how busy I was, Lord.

Oops — I stopped right there.

I was actually making excuses for myself again — and telling them to Jesus.

What is wrong with us?

I am sorry. I meant to say, “What is wrong with me?”

I have access to God in heaven through His Son, Jesus Christ, but yet, I can be so “busy” going about my day, that I do not take time to pray.

Since, I may have potentially relapsed into a period of having a weaker prayer life, here are some reminders about the benefits of prayer:

• God hears us.

• God wants to hear from us.

• God answers when we pray.

• God works. God heals.

• God changes us as we pray.

• We win over sin.

• Things happen that may not have happened without prayer.

• We get to communicate with God.

• We feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

• We do not have to worry about our future.

• The Holy Spirit abides in our hearts right now.

Do we believe it? Why wouldn’t we? So let’s receive it!

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

The situation had escalated to the point that it had taken our entire focus over the day and previous night. Yes, we were sleepy, but this was not going to be a time for sleep.

It was stressful. It was a difficult situation. It was a dead end with no immediate resolution. It did not appear that all things were going to work together for good, as was a promise from God’s Word that we tend to cling to. We were torn between keeping it to ourselves and trying to fix it or asking someone for help. Since we tend to be private people, we kept it to ourselves as long as we could.

Finally, we were totally exhausted mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

We sat down, looked at each other, took deep breaths, and said simultaneously, “We need help.”

Have you ever been there?

You were doing everything you could to fix the problem. It took every single ounce of your strength and ability, but it seemed hopeless? Your ability to keep fighting was gone, but you kept fighting anyway? You cried out in prayer to God, but nothing changed — and it even got worse?

It is hard enough to fight the battle all day, but when the sun goes down and the struggle continues, it is even more difficult. Something about the darkness seems to make the situation feel even more grim.

I believe some of you have been there. Exhaustion sets in and tears and fears join it.

It had gone from dealing with it, to desperation over it.

We prayed one more time, looked at each other and said, “We need help.”

It had been one of those situations that we really did not want to share with anyone — nor did we want to bother anyone.

It was late night, but we contacted our pastor to ask for prayer. He prayed, I am sure, but he did way more than that.

He showed up. And he brought a friend.

The first thing he said was, “You need rest.” The two of them stepped into action. They took our load and put it on their own shoulders. They carried it for us when it was too heavy for us to carry alone.

We needed rest — and they made sure we got it.

Do you need rest? Or maybe even the greater question is, “Do you know someone who needs rest?” If so, reach out to them.

Carry their burden for them the best you can — even if it is momentarily — so they can rest.

There is not a much greater gift that we could give than lightening the load of someone.

I remember being on a mountain hike one time, and my backpack grew more and more heavy as I trudged up that steep mountain. My husband saw how I was struggling under the load I was carrying, so he took it from me. Immediately, relief came. After a few moments of rest, I was able to pick up my load again and carry it myself.

I needed rest and I got it. Then I was able to continue my journey.

Give yourself — or give someone — the gift of rest.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

Even indoors, the boom of thunder was frightening — especially to my little granddaughter. She dropped her toy, looked my direction, then ran to me, while screaming, “Me hold you! Me hold you!”

She melted in my arms as she jumped up on me, leaned in close, put her head on my chest, then calmly whispered, “Me.. hold.. you.”

Along with the storm, I sensed that a “God moment” had just blown in…

As I was holding her, I felt such a sweetness. My mind whispered this question, “God, does it feel this good when I come running to You and jump up in Your arms?” I heard — and felt — His gentle and loving response, “Yes.”

Watching a child’s fear turn to faith as I held her, and seeing her complete trust in me, transcended me past the earthly moment, and showed me a glimpse of God’s Eternal Heavenly Love for us.

Psalm 119:117 says, “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” Hold me, Jesus. No words seem to be any more powerful than those — an image of Jesus — holding me in His arms.

In Colossians 1:17 are the words, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” When the thunder crashes and the storms arrive in our lives — and they will — we run to Him, crying, “Me hold You.”

We melt in His arms, lean in close, put our head on His chest, and softly whisper, “Me.. hold.. You.” And we then realize we get something that feels even greater than holding on to Jesus — and that is Jesus holding on to us.

She did not need to be scared that day. I was with her the whole time. She knew that the closer she was to me, the safer she felt. I’m not sure if she was holding me or I was holding her, but it sure felt good.

We do not need to be scared during the storm. Jesus will be with us the whole time. The closer we get to Jesus, the safer we will feel. We hold on to Jesus, and Jesus holds us. It sure feels good.

Many years ago, it was written in Mark 10:16 that Jesus took His children in His arms. Jesus still takes His children in His arms. Hold me, Jesus. It sure feels good.

Lord, thank You for holding us in Your arms!

It sure feels good.

Amen.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

It was one of those nights that my body began to awaken at 3 am, and I finally decided to let my brain join it. In the previous three days, I had begun writing five columns – and put them all away for later. More ideas crept into my head as I lay there. None stuck. But… like always, I knew the Lord would send me the words to write. I just had to be patient.

I got up. Got a cup of cream & coffee. Opened up my Bible. It landed here:

Psalm 40:1 – I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

*I waited patiently for the Lord. That adverb ‘patiently’ sure does make a lot of difference. Patiently is how we are to wait. Patiently means showing tolerance of delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. That sure can be hard to do.

​*He inclined unto me. That verb ‘inclined’ sure does make a lot of difference. The Lord inclines unto us – that means He leans in toward us as we wait. I remember as I was sharing a burden with a friend once, she got up, walked over to me, sat down beside me, and leaned in toward me so that we would be closer. As soon as she did that, I was comforted. It is unfathomable to think that the God of this universe inclines toward us – leans in close – and comforts us while we wait.

*He heard my cry. That verb ‘heard’ sure does make a lot of difference. To hear means to perceive with the ear a sound made by someone or something, and to listen or pay attention to. We cry. God hears. When my children were babies, I would ‘hear their cry’ in the dark of the night many times. I even remember staying awake listening for their cry. Isn’t it good to know that God neither slumbers nor sleeps and hears the cries of His children?

So, what does God do after we have patiently waited, He has inclined toward us, and He has heard our cry?

Psalm 40:2-3 tell us — He brings us up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, sets our feet on a rock, establishes our goings, and puts a new song of praise in our mouths. Many will see it – and will trust in the Lord.

From our mundane daily needs – to the monstrous giants in our lives – and everything in between – the blessings of Psalm 40:2-3 are attainable.

How?

Wait.

Wait how?

Patiently.

Think I will give it a try. Care to join me?

One of my favorite – and least favorite – memories of middle school happened in PE class. Although I love sports, athleticism has never been my talent.

If students chose teams for kickball – or any game – I was always selected last. That hurt.

To participate, finish, and not be noticed was usually my goal.

On this day, while using the ‘not be noticed’ strategy, I donned my one-piece navy blue PE uniform as inconspicuously as possible, while in my corner of the locker room.

Then, as I walked into the gym, I realized it was ROPE CLIMBING day. Oh, what I would have given for a kickball game at that moment.

Weighing in at possibly 90 pounds, and quite the weakling, my expectations for myself in this endeavor were set pretty low.

I got in line, using a strategy that had worked before – slipping toward the back, while hoping the class period would end before my turn came.

I fearfully watched. I painfully waited. My turn came. This was not the first PE task that others had seen me participate in, so I felt that my rope ascension was a highly anticipated event, and everyone was planning to watch me carefully, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

I did not disappoint. I went way up that rope. Well, maybe not way up. But, it felt way up to me. I looked down and was petrified. I froze. I could not move.

My problem? My hands were locked around the rope because of my fear, and I was not willing to even move them slightly to a lower part of the rope in order to begin my descent.

I guess I would forever be known as the dope on the rope with no hope.

Students began yelling advice to me. Trust me – people yelling advice does not help.

Coach kept patiently repeating instructions. Trust me – repeating instructions over and over does not help, either.

As class time ended, I finally had no choice. I held on and slid… all… the… way…down.

*Rope burn? Yes.

*Pain? Yes.

*On solid ground again? Yes.

My hands were burning, as were the tears in my eyes, but I tried to pull myself together. Coach looked at me and said, “You did it.”

Those three little words changed it all. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to comfort and build one another up. Coach must have known that verse.

I proudly walked away, and headed to English class, where I felt like I was a pretty good writer – and could hang with the best of them.

*We will not be the best at everything, but we should still give everything our best.

God takes care of the rest.

By Ann Farabee

As a student in a classroom of 4th graders, recess would finally arrive. Our teacher would choose captains for the kickball teams, often based off who was yelling out their name the loudest. I never raised my hand, and certainly never yelled, “Me! Me! Me!”

The captains would then choose their team.

I was always chosen last.

My kickball skillset included one strategy. Connect my foot to the huge red ball when it was rolled to me. Yes, sometimes I missed it. Sometimes, I kicked the ball mightily, and it would creep toward the pitcher, as I barreled toward first base. The pitcher would pick up the ball and hit me with it. I was an easy out.

In today’s world, my mother would have signed me up for kickball lessons after school, so I could improve, but I just had to deal with my ineptness on my own.

Did I try? Yes.

Did I give it my everything? Yes.

Was that enough? No.

I had zero athleticism.

The torturous daily kickball games continued. Finally, one day, my teacher came to my rescue as she called out my name. As I ran toward her, I saw a brand new red ink pen and a stack of papers. She had chosen me to grade the spelling tests! My teaching career had begun.

That year of lacking kickball skills brought about the opportunity for me to grade papers for the teacher each day. Grading papers each day brought about God putting a desire in my heart to have a teaching career.

No, the kickball skillset made up of knowledge, ability, and experience — kicking, throwing, catching, running the bases, rolling the ball — was not my area of giftedness.

Sitting on the grassy hill at the edge of the playground grading papers for my teacher with her red pen was much better!

Not even once would I have been able to envision my 40-year teaching career that was to come, where my students played kickball often. Guess who got to roll the ball then?

God knew the plans he had for me — to give me hope and a future — by putting that desire for a teaching career in my heart.

God’s handprints are on our lives from the beginning.

As a skinny, short, non-athletic little girl on that playground, God was doing a great work in my heart. He was preparing my steps and setting my path for my future.

He guided my teacher to hand me that red pen. I guess I was not the last one chosen after all.

John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain.”

Hang on to that promise, my friends. He chose us and He appointed us. Our fruit will remain!

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

I am a pretty calm person, but the sigh happened. I am happy for those of you who have a perfect life, and it won’t hurt my feelings if you read no further. You may not understand the sigh.

My normal day starts very early and is always followed by lots of hard work. The only sit-downs are in the car, and to eat, which can also be done while standing. My schedule is totally full. Collapsing into bed at night is the best!

But, on this day, while standing in the most popular spot in my home — the kitchen — and trying to keep the family routine running like clockwork, going from food to homework to food to bed — you understand. Well, for some reason total frustration hit me. I stopped and looked around. I was exhausted. Without even thinking, I let out a breath, followed by a deep, audible sigh.

Two grandsons and the husband stopped and looked.

In my head, I think I wanted to scream, “I’m done! I have had it! I’m tired and frustrated!” But, it came out as a deep sigh.

I calmly reset myself.

And my family members calmly reset themselves, too. We continued.

A sigh is defined as a long, deep, audible breath expressing frustration, sadness, tiredness, resignation or sometimes relief.

As soon as my sigh happened, I remembered Mark 8:12, because the first part of the verse has stuck with me, “And He sighed deeply in His spirit.” This was after the Pharisees had begun to question Jesus, demanding a sign from heaven and trying to explain away His miracles.

The comment surely hurt Jesus, and the deep sigh in His spirit came out.

That hurts me. And makes me wonder. Do I make Jesus sigh deeply when I worry, when I don’t pray, when I sin or when I show unbelief?

Jesus is right there, with me. Living in my heart. But, yes… I make Him sigh. Sometimes, deeply.

That moment in the kitchen stopped two grandsons and my husband in their tracks. It spoke volumes in my home that evening, but not nearly as loudly as it spoke to my heart. What seemed at that moment to say, “I’m done,” really was filled with deep emotion and great love. I wasn’t done and I knew it.

It was a language from my heart. It said I was tired, but I had miles to go — and a purpose to fulfill in my home — and I planned to go all the way.

When Jesus sighed deeply, it may have been out of frustration, but it was also out of deep emotion and deep love. He wasn’t done and He knew it. There was no place to stop. He had a purpose to fulfill in the world for all the world. He had further to go and He planned to go all the way — to the cross — for all of us.

What a beautiful reminder is this language of love straight from His heart to ours.

Even if we make Him sigh deeply, He still loves us. Jesus sighing deeply, in his spirit, and continuing to love us in spite of us.

That’s the good stuff — I mean, the God stuff.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

During my senior year in college, I attended a seminar with other prospective teachers, where the leaders shared information and responded to questions about government and local issues. The discussion veered to Christianity, and for the first time in my life, I knew what it felt like for my faith to be personally attacked. I remember feeling very small in that moment, as the hurtful, intimidating comments continued.

My mind was telling me to say something to defend my faith. Anything. I felt my heart flutter and I knew I had to speak up, right then. I also knew that if I did, my voice would quiver, tears would flow and I would probably be unable to respond effectively to any counterattack. (Yes, I am the girl who always had, “Ann is shy,” comments from teachers on my report cards.)

The words did not form and my mouth would not move. The seminar ended.

I stepped into the crowded elevator where the tears began to fall, as I stared at the doors blankly. I had let God and myself down.

Looking back, it felt that I was having a “rooster crowing” moment like Peter encountered, when he realized he had denied Christ three times. He responded by weeping bitterly.

My faith seemed to have dwindled to zero that day, not because of what I said, but because of what I failed to say.

Decades later, I think back and wish I had said something — anything — even in spite of the quivering voice and tears that would have coincided with my words.

I doubt my words would have mattered to those in the room at all. But, I believe it would have mattered to me to have spoken them.

I am sure I am not the only one who has had times they were afraid of the giants. Yes, we had plenty of weapons. We could have pulled out our sling and stone, but we didn’t. We just sat there, afraid. Trying to shrink away into invisibility. By the lack of taking action, we failed to stand up for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yes, denying Christ still happens.

It may be what we say. It may be what we don’t say.

It may be what we do. It may be what we don’t do.

Encouragement can be found in how Jesus responded to Peter, who failed Him often, but loved Him much. Jesus restored Peter and used him greatly.

We are not perfect. We fail daily.

But God can use those events in our lives that seem to be evil and work them for our good — to help us know, grow and go. For me, something about the hurt from that day never went away.

That day did not define who I was.

I still belonged to Jesus. But, that day began to refine who I was. I began to desire to let my faith be known by the way I lived and by the words I said.

We may be followers who fail, but that is better than failing to follow.

We cannot let our failures define us. Instead, let our failures refine us.

Nowadays, I try to show up, step up and even speak up. (My teachers would be proud of me. Ann isn’t shy anymore.)

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

By Ann Farabee

Mother’s Day was campaigned for as a United States holiday by Anna Jarvis, who had no children, but believed that your mother is the one person who “has done more for you than anyone in the the world.” It is now the biggest day of the year for flowers and cards, and is the third biggest day for church attendance.

The holiday has expanded to recognize all women — mothers, non-mothers, the grands, the steps, the in-laws, the out-laws…

Let’s face it — women are amazing! Working mothers labor approximately 98 hours a week — 14 hours a day. (No, that’s not an exaggeration.)

We are invincible! We are strong! We are woman, hear us roar in numbers too big to ignore! We are fearless!

Well, maybe not.

I find Linda Wooten’s quote to be on point, “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.”

The truth is we often face fear, especially where our family is concerned. Being fearful is not confined to the weak.

It can happen to all of us, at any time and in any circumstance.

A short list of some of a mother’s greatest fears:

• My baby sleeps alone the first time

• My child will get sick or be injured

• My child’s first time driving alone

• My child leaves home

• My child won’t be successful

• My child will make poor decisions

Yes, the list of fears is ongoing.

The book of Joshua tells how fear kept the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 39 years. If we aren’t careful, we will do the same thing.

What can we do when we face fear? We need to fight it. If we fail to fight it, fear tends to hang around.

God’s Word is where to start — and finish — the battle.

Romans 8:15 says we are not slaves to fear, but we are children of God.

If we take hold of that and compare our love for our children to how much greater God’s love is for us as His child, we may begin to understand how protected we actually are.

Still not convinced?

Then try Isaiah 41:10 where we read this command: fear not!

So, let’s stop being a “No fear, Mom” where we have to convince ourselves that we don’t have to live in fear. Yes, the comma is used as a pause, because we are always having to give ourselves a talking to, “I won’t live in fear. I won’t live in fear. I won’t live in fear…

No fear, Mom. No fear, Mom. No fear, Mom…”

Instead, let’s become a true no fear mom!

No comma, no pause, nowhere to stop.

We do not have to be in bondage to fear. Give it up, walk and live in victory — every day.

Yes, there is a lot of labor involved in mothering, so join me in accepting delivery from fear right now. Let me know how your new fearless life goes.

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.