Praising When Puzzled

"I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty... When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do." (111)
I must continually stretch my mind to fully appreciate what God's sovereignty means in my own life. To live a life of thanksgiving means I must appreciate Him, even when I do not appreciated or understand Him or His ways. If my worship is based upon my ability to comprehend what God is doing, then I will severely limit my abundant life options... because my ability to understand God's ways falls far short of the grander realities that exist beyond my own sense of reality.
I think of God's Sovereignty as the picture on the outside of a puzzle box, while all I can see are the scattered puzzle pieces before me. God sees the big picture. I see the scattered pieces of my life and will only be able to link a limited number of them together. He sees it all and the picture is profoundly clear to Him. As I trust His sovereign Hand in my life, more and more pieces will fit together.
At times I would like to force a puzzle piece into a certain place because that makes perfect sense to me. Trusting Him means I allow Him to replace and reposition the pieces to match the bigger picture He sees.
I can choose to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thes.5:18) because I am confident He can see beyond what I can see. Furthermore, if I could see with His eyes I would make the same choice, because God is beyond good... He is absolutely AWESOME! So either God is Sovereign in my life or He's not...it's up to me!
Though puzzled, still praising...dmc

The Premium Perspective

"Out of control...not running smoothly...shaken...loss of comfort." (110)
This sounds so typical of the circumstances and lives around us many days...even in my own life at times! The comfort zone seems long gone!
True security comes only in Him. But to look at these times as "growth opportunities" rather than "bemoaning the loss of (our) comfort" or  even the loss of a hopeful expectation can stretch us further than we've gone before!  Losses and changes of all kinds can radically mess with us.
Accepting "the challenge of something new" when that "something new" is NOT what we would have planned is the premium perspective that has the potential of leading us "on from glory to glory" and preparing us for eternity!

Lord, help me to take on Your Premium Perspective! For I know that my thoughts are not Your thoughts, and my ways are not Your ways...just like heaven is higher than the earth, so Your ways are much higher than my ways, and Your thoughts are far beyond my thoughts. Amen! (Is. 55:8-9)

Learning to say "Yes" & Simply Trust Him...dmc

Soul-Anchored in Heaven

"As you walk along your life-path holding My hand you will...find many hints of heaven along your pathway...Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me." (109)
"We have this hope, like a sure and firm anchor of the soul." (Hebrews 6:19)
So, we can confidently "hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
In the midst of this world's stormy winds and waves, I can be securely anchored to Christ. My relationship with Him allows "hints of heaven" to touch my life. On some days, I will reach out, as if to take His hand, holding tight to my invisible Anchor! It reminds me of His Presence and it helps me to keep my focus on the Hope of Heaven. After all, around me are slivers of heaven. “Shimmering sunshine awakens (my) heart, gently reminding (me) of (His) brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to (His) holy name.” That is enough evidence to rally my confidence. I am anchored to Jesus. Jesus is anchored to Heaven. Therein lies my Hope!
Holding Tight, Headed in the Heavenly Direction...dmc

Stilled not Stalled

"When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you." (108)

To "stay where (I am)" and wait for God to activate the next step and to "depend on (Him) moment by moment" can seem like such a HUGE stall. It feels like I'm loosing time, missing opportunities, idling or standing still and wasting too much precious time!

However, stillness can offer me the opportunity to gain a broader perspective of "collaborating with (Him)," allowing His Life to merge deeper into mine.
It's my choice...and I know I need more "stillness" to keep me from becoming spiritually stalled!

Yielded & Still...dmc

The Trust Test

"Trusting Me is a moment-by-moment choice....Choose to trust Me in all circumstances." (107)
I find it good to be well aware of the issues that cause my trust to weaken. When certain things fall out of alignment I can sense a 'trust test' is underway.
That can include a certain physical/emotional/spiritual/relational/financial or otherwise circumstantial mix that challenges my trust. There are also certain things that can help to strengthen my trust when I'm in the throes of a 'trust test.'
However, one way I can overcome my doubts is to voice my choice to believe that God is faithful and can be fully trusted. There's just something about hearing myself speak faith over my fear and to acknowledge I believe more in a loving Heavenly Father than in some lousy earthly fear!
I will say it aloud, "I trust in You, Lord; I say, "You are my God." (Ps.31:14)
Choosing Trust, Voicing Trust...dmc

In & Out of "The Box"

Some people are outside-the-box thinkers, others are more inclined to be in-the-box people. Today's devo encourages us to "begin the day with open hands of faith...this act of faith frees (God) to work (His) ways into" our lives. (106)
Some days require an outside-the-box perspective.  This means living with a strong faith perspective that can thank God even for "unwanted situations" or to be at peace when we are challenged with a "reality of what is (yet) hoped for." (Heb.11:1)  Outside-the-box thinking frees me to face the future.
While we are challenged to have faith for the future, we must also "live within the boundaries...of only one day at a time. Not worrying about tomorrow or getting stuck in the past." So, we need to "bear the weight of only one day at a time." This requires carefully constructed mental boundaries that come with healthy in-the-box thinking that secures us in the midst of today's challenges.
The constructive balance between these two perspectives can be a challenge. I have discovered that as I recognize how "this is the day the Lord has made" and I choose to "rejoice and be glad in it," helps me establish a more balanced perspective. (Ps.118:24)
I need the roots of trust that anchor me in-the-box. I also need the wings of faith that set me free to gain that incredible outside-the-box advantage. So, in or out of the box, I can wholeheartedly choose a "rejoice and BE glad" perspective.
In His Presence...dmc

Recycling God's Way

"Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace." (105)
I suppose this has got to be one of the MOST amazing realities of my relationship with Jesus! No matter how flawed my efforts, how broken my heart or how disappointing life may seem... God has a way of creatively re-crafting, recycling and transforming "everything that happens...into a pattern for good." (Rom.8:28)
How I picture this, comes from the Jeremiah 18 passage, where "the clay became flawed in the potter's hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do... Just like clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand..." (Jer. 18:4&6)
What an amazing privilege... to place our flawed efforts, broken hearts, disappointing lives in The Potter's hands and allow Him to recycle and transform us into "clay jars" filled with "Treasure!" (2 Cor. 4:7)
On the Potter's Wheel...dmc

Practicing His Restful Presence

"Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems." (104)
Practicing His presence is a state of spiritual awareness that I need to "practice" a whole lot more! Much like developing a skill, I want to develop the discipline of an embracing focus on Him and on the truths of scripture, more than embracing the realities of this deeply flawed and spiritually fallen world.
My heart resonates with Moses' request...when he asked God to teach him His ways and for His favor.  God responds, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Ex. 33:1
God could have given him many other things... but instead He promised REST!
There is a kind of restlessness that comes when a relationship is in question... when the love has been compromised or contaminated. However, God's presence is all about a most pure and perfect love that allows the heart to be at ease, the mind to be at peace and the soul to be at rest. It's Practice Time...time to practice resting...
In His loving Presence...dmc

Power & Presence

"When you feel far from me, whisper My Name...in childlike faith...prepare to receive My Love." (103) In Genesis 28:16 Jacob says, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it."
There are times in my life when I feel so vulnerable and alone. Prayerfully whispering His Name  really helps me to reestablish that vital connection. "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." There is such power and presence in His Name!
I have learned that just because I cannot "sense" Him does not mean He is not here. If I'm aware of any sin issue in my life, I quickly repent, reestablishing our relationship. If I'm sensing the presence of sin near me, creating a spiritually dark, heavy atmosphere around me, I quickly acknowledge that and whisper His Name. It's a phenomenal privilege to have access to such power and presence through His Name!
Like Jacob, I can be so distracted by my own internal drama or the drama around me that I overlook Him. For "surely He IS in this place, and I just did not know it" until I refocused and rediscovered Him, the Resurrected Lord!
Sensing His Presence...dmc

Days of Clay & Wrenches

Today's devo speaks of the potter and the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)
To remind myself of the role I am to play, I think I need to get out some Play Dough and learn a lesson from its pliability or transformation abilities.
First of all, for transformation to happen, I must submit myself to the process of change. Change can be quite challenging...or change can be quite refreshing! It all depends upon my ability to be pliable.
Pliability gives me the ability to be transformed into His image at any moment for any purpose with anyone anywhere. All much easier said than done!! Melissa shared how "any kind of change" is like throwing "a wrench" into her day and "messing it all up." Read how she used that to be a "molding day" for her...

"I love the play dough exercise! Yesterday was a molding day for me! It started with the devo and God was talking right to me. I guess He wanted me to keep my attitude in check because my day was full...my schedule was planned and any kind of change would have thrown a wrench in my system and messed it all up. This is where I usually get mad. However, when the wrench was thrown in, I remembered not to “focus on situations that displease” me (my inconvenience). (101) I talked with God and focused on a solution. “Talk with Me about what you are experiencing.” (102) I talked, He listened! Then, I saw God transform a disastrous day into a glorious one!"

Thanks, Melissa! I've often noticed that the "wrench" in my day is really ME and MY responses, not so much the "inconveniences" that annoy me. After all, this day is NOT all about ME. It's all about...
Saying "yes" to the Potter...dmc

The "ANT-eater" Fix

"When you focus on what you don't have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened...You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed." (101)
Recent research highlights how thoughts impact, not only our brains, but every dimension of our lives, including our health. Happy, hopeful thoughts tend to calm the brain and heal the body. Negative, anxious thoughts can inflame certain areas of the brain that can trigger anger, maybe even depression, impacting our entire body and even those around us! Our thought life REALLY matters.
Dr. David Amen identifies ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) that can ruin our lives, distorting information coming in. ANTs make us feel bad, react poorly to others and cause us to believe in mistaken assumptions. He encourages people to not believe every thought that enters our minds, but to evaluate thoughts to see if they're helpful or hurtful.
If we don't "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5) we will be tempted to focus on the negatives rather than the many reasons to be thankful and to generously love and care for others.
Dr. Amen teaches people to activate an "internal ANTeater to hunt down and devour the negative thoughts" that ruin life and spoil relationships. When we catch a negative thought, we can "talk to it" and replace it with constructive thoughts that build and enhance life. Otherwise, the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) will eat US up!! I want to live my life...
"Practicing the discipline of thanksgiving"...dmc

Earthen Vessel Issues

"Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents. Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly." (100)
So, what are your "Earthen Vessel" issues? One of mine is digitally documented on a regular basis... various x-ray images of my spine explain the annoying pain I wrestle with most days. I'm told it is not going to "get better" or "go away!" So, I must be committed to the long haul...accepting the weaknesses of my "earthen vessel," at least until a miracle overtakes my flawed, fragile spine.
However, the Good News is... I can also be committed to letting His Power shine forth, no matter what kind of flaws challenge this "earthen vessel" I dwell in. I have far more reasons to be grateful and I decided long ago to not be defined by my pain, but by my many blessings. I've learned how that's done from my precious daddy, who wrestled with pain all his life because of a birth injury, yet he found so many reasons to be grateful and so many opportunities to enjoy life.
Most people will have some kind of "Earthen Vessel" issue. When we focus on Jesus, our EV issues provide "opportunities for (His) Power to shine forth..." (See 2 Corinthians 4:7)
Thank You, Daddy (now in heaven), for teaching me how Jesus can shine forth in pain! You still inspire me!
Flawed yet Blessed...dmc

Prayers Under the Stairs

Today's scripture says, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His." 2 Chron.16:9
Quoting our devo for today..."I am pleased with your desire to create a quiet space where you and I can meet. Don't be discouraged by the difficulty of achieving this goal. I monitor all your efforts and am blessed by each of your attempts to seek My Face." (99)
Years ago, when we were first in ministry, I wanted to "created a quiet space" to get alone with God. There were limited options, so I cleaned out a storage place under a staircase. It was in a cold basement so I had to use a small space heater to keep warm. I added a little bookcase, folding chair, lamp, a map of the world on the wall (to pray for countries and missionaries), notebook, journal, prayer file with 3x5 cards, my "God Box," tissue box and a Boom Box to play praise music. Then, I would daily sneak under the stairs.
I was seriously seeking Him...and after several months...it seemed like He "found me" and began meeting with me! My relationship with God, my love for His Word, my perspectives and assumptions were radically impacted.
As children, pets, daily responsibilities and other demands filled my time, I found it more difficult, yet more critical, to get into my little prayer closet while kids napped or early in the mornings. Over the years my prayer closet has had to morph into a prayer desk, a prayer corner, a prayer basket, and now a prayer chair...depending on where we're living. Yet, it is SO worth all the effort.
I understand that Charles & John Wesley's mother, Susanna, would throw her apron over her head to create a place to seek God in the midst of her many children and very limited space. She had 19 children. Although 9 died as infants, the remaining 10 kept her more than busy! God certainly blessed her prayers under her apron! Although I hardly ever wear my apron and I no longer have a staircase, I'm still...
Prayerfully Seeking His Face...dmc

De-Cluttered

Today's devo emphasizes how our "capacity to experience (Christ) is increased through (the) removal of debris and clutter from (our) heart." (98)
This caused me to reflect on some studies over the past few years in neuro-science and brain imaging. Research indicates that the more distracted we become with toxic, negative thoughts, the more likely we are to functionally derail, stressing others and distressing ourselves. But then, we already know that... just living life has proven how stress messes with us. But now we can fully appreciate the clinical reality that such thinking can actually be detected, through various brain scans!
The more I learn from brain science, the more prompted I am, to daily ask God to "de-stress" my mind and "de-toxify" my thought life. I want to be better focused on Him and His directives for my every day life!
Especially since "we ARE the sanctuary of the living God." II Cor. 6:16
Spring cleaning my thought life...dmc

Weed Free & Light Filled

"Your deepest, most constant need is for MY peace." (97)
Over the years I have been awed at how some individuals, going through the most heart-wrenching experiences, could also have such an overwhelming sense of God's peace and presence! In my own life, I have made it a practice to monitor my level of peace at any given moment. If I sense a disruption in my peace, I try to discern where it is coming from, then quickly deal with it.
Today's devo speaks of weeds growing in "the garden of (our) hearts." For example, weeds of "pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief." However, God's "heavenly light" will make the "weeds shrivel up" while His "peace flourishes."
Sometimes I will wrestle with seemingly disjointed emotions over life experiences. For example... feeling anxious when I have no apparent reason to BE anxious! One thing I've found helpful is to intentionally go into PRAISE!  Praising God, reminding myself of the many ways I have been blessed! It quickly helps to change the 'landscape' of my life and to make for a more constructive frame of mind!
I've learned to keep at it, until peace penetrates those more anxious thoughts. It's much like shafts of Light piercing through darkness... and it works!! Praise God, it works!!
Wanting to have a weed-free, Light-filled day...dmc

Stretching Time, Shrinking Tasks

"A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life." (96)
I'm usually a firm believer in "to-do lists." Time is so precious and being responsible with my time is a priority. So, accomplishing tasks can become quite important. In fact, if I do a task that was NOT on the list, I may write it down and cross it off, just because it feels SO good to be productive! Or at least LOOK productive! However...
I've had many days when my plan was totally circumvented and God's plan totally overruled! When that happens I am awed at how God can stretch time and shrink tasks, proving that when we allow Him to take 'first place' He makes everything else fall INTO place.
It's my desire to stay so in touch, with Him that when He overrules it's a welcomed interruption!
Reconnecting & Rescheduling...dmc
PS - Today, I'm celebrating my soul mate's birthday! Happy Birthday, Joe...you bring so many expressions of God's love into my life and into this world!  I am blessed, indeed!

Trained to Tune Out

"I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence...you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me." (94)
This devotional thought from today's reading brings to mind how I've tried to wrestle through doubtful and fearful thoughts.  During these times I sense that I am lacking something, even if it is simply an understanding of what is. REALLY happening. I've discovered my assignment, at that moment, while quite challenging, is simply... to "tune out other voices...(in order) to dwell in Peace all day, every day!"  To "dwell in peace"  indicates that we "settle into" peace, tuning out the noises, voices and other things that confuse or complicate, in order to "settle into" God's peace. That's when His Peace corrals my worrisome, wandering thoughts.  His Peace tunes out the distracting roar and lets me simply focus on HIM.  Ah yes, even now, I am...
Moving into a restful, peaceful mindset...dmc

The BIG Search

"Every day provides many opportunities...Search for Me as hidden treasure. I will be found by you." (93)
This makes me think of a much loved spring tradition many families do every year...hunting for carefully decorated, trinket or candy filled, Easter eggs. Children love the the process of searching, discovering and collecting tiny hidden treasures!
Jeremiah 29:11 says that God is preparing "a future and a hope" for us. He has big plans in mind for each of us. The next 3 verses (Jer. 29:12-14) seem to indicate that we must CHOOSE to begin this big search for God and His big plan of "a future and a hope."  It says, "...when you pray ...if you look ... you will find."
God offers a big "future and a hope" plan. So now it's MY turn to respond by taking action to activate this Big Search in my own life! Prayerfully seeking God with ALL my heart, every day, at every opportunity, "to learn of (His) ways and grow closer to (Him)!"
It's not just Him activating His plan in my life...it's also about me activating my search for Him, to discover more about Him and more of the "hidden treasure(s)" He has planned for me TODAY!
The Good News is a Big Promise that when we search "with all (our) heart, (He) WILL be found!"
I guess it's like we can have Easter everyday! The Big Hunt is on...
Today's Big Plan: My Big Search for the Big Treasure...dmc

My Agenda...Simplicity!

"Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it...When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life..." (92)

Releasing is so freeing, yet so foreign to many of us who feel responsible to plan ahead and organize every detail. I search for balance in this area of my own life; recognizing the necessity of vision without applying wisdom can create overwhelming confusion.
So, staying in step with Him helps me pace and plan much better. Today I will be...
Adjusting my Agenda...dmc

Living Close to a Giving God

What a powerful thought...God is SO giving, but we must be receptive and attentive in order to fully enjoy His "inherent" generosity! (91)
What an impacting Truth!
In my own life, when I am wrestling with any sense of detachment or discouragement, I try to honestly search my own heart...acknowledging any lack of open receptivity or confessing any tendency to be distracted. I try to quickly respond in order to readjust my own thoughts.
Generally, it involves three steps I must take:
1. Respond 2. Repent 3. Readjust
The outcome is a rewarding, overwhelming inner peace that powerfully protects my heart and mind! Phil. 4:7- "And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Grateful for His Giving Living Presence ...dmc

Wrapped up in Idolatry?

Today, let's briefly consider one surprising way we can deeply grieve God...by transforming the blessings He brings our way into idols. "Anything can be an idol if it distracts (us) from (Him) as (our) first love." (90) This reminded me...
We were invited to a one-year-old's very first birthday party where a crowd of friends and family had gathered, bearing lots of carefully chosen gifts. However, the charming, cheery little one-year-old was mostly captured with all the feastive gift wrapping!  The people, the gifts, the whole celebration was lost behind mounts of eye-catching gift wrap.
What has caught our eye?  What has distracted us from God?  We can get quite captured with life's wrappings or even His well chosen gifts, ignoring the Gift Giver, Himself!
So, how do we enjoy God's blessings without getting all wrapped up in idolatry?
As we are enjoying our blessings, we can make it a priority to intentionally thank Him and to share the blessing with others rather than selfishly hoarding them! Ps. 34:3 helps us maintain balance. "Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His Name together."
We magnify Him...not the gift! We exalt His Name...not our many blessings! And HOW do we do it....
"TOGETHER"...dmc

God's Hopeful Waiting Room

WAITING...WAITING...WAITING..."is the way I designed you to live, all day, every day. I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties." (89)
Waiting is usually one of our least favorite ways of spending time. Yet, I've noticed it's during HOPEFUL waiting when we tend to become more aware of God, more keenly attuned to His presence and more likely to search out His higher perspectives and purposes!
Over the years I've made numerous trips to doctors' offices, with my precious aging parents. We've often commented on how nice it is to wait WITH someone, rather than having to wait alone. Having another caring person there to chat with, makes the long wait far more tolerable and hopeful.
Because waiting can be such a challenge, I'm grateful for those who will enter Life's Waiting Room with us and just wait and wait and wait, hopeful, even when we're (not so)...
Willing to Wait...dmc

Grateful or Grumbling

"A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble..." (88)

We've all been around those who habitually grumble or around children who tend to fuss and whine, or even adults who love to complain. God has many, many children and I'm guessing the ones who've learned to be gracious and grateful must certainly be refreshing to Him! Zephaniah 3:14 & 17 speaks of how God rejoices over those who have a heart that rejoices! Psalm 5:11-12 tells us that they are surrounded with God's favor "like a shield."
I was especially blessed by being brought up in a home where being grateful, even awed with life, was not uncommon! Words of affirmation and encouragement were readily spoken. So, to turn that same kind of response towards God just makes a lot of sense to me.
The thought that captured me today was that when we grumble we are "casually despising (God's) sovereignty." That "a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which (we) perceive life."
How distorted our perspective can be when we choose to interpret life through the grumbling gird rather than the grateful grid!
Even more grateful...dmc

Let Go...Take Hold!

How often do you feel like the fiber of life is a bit frayed and fragile?  Well, I believe there is good reason for that overall flimsy, floundering feeling!  Just look at all the significant changes that brew nearly every day on nearly every side...socially, financially, politically, climatically, technically, morally, etc...!  So, how does one ever manage to "feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes?" (87)
By being more and more aware of Christ's "continual Presence." By learning to "let go," releasing "more and more things into (His) care." (87)
What I especially like about this Truth is also the same Truth that challenges me...
I must let go, so I can take hold! Letting go of what fills my hand so I can fully take hold of His Holy Hand.  Letting go of what fills my head, so I can take hold of what fills His Holy Head.  Letting go of what fills my heart, so I can take hold of what fills His Holy Heart.  To hold on to what is Holy usually means... "change" is about to invade my life...or about to INSPIRE my life!
Taking Hold, Prepared to be Inspired...dmc

God of Abundance

Today's devo speaks of a God of "overflowing abundance" Who showers us with blessings and Who can be trusted with the "intricate details" of our lives. (86)
Although we can usually think of some detail of prayer God has not yet answered or some request He has not fulfilled, if we stopped to list all the blessings He HAS supplied... whether we'd asked for them or not... we would be amazed!
I like how my friend, Carolynn taught her 3 year old grandson about prayer. "God answers prayers like a traffic light…sometimes He gives us a green light for “yes,” sometimes He gives us a red light for “no,” but many, many times He gives us a yellow light for “wait.” She stressed that this doesn’t mean God has not answered our prayers or isn’t going to answer them. A good reminder, at any age, to wait on His perfect timing and to watch the answer unfold!
Today I am reminded of my over-and-above daddy, Kaehl Volesky, always full of life, laughter & reasons to celebrate.  He spent a lifetime generously giving of himself to others in very practical ways, including repairing nearly anything that was broken! Whenever Daddy did something, he did it in an "abundant" sort of way.  Isn't that like our Abundant, Eternal Father... repairing, renewing, restoring, redeeming? May our earthly fathers help us understand our eternal Father's Heart!  My earthly father loved celebrations and today is his earthly birthday.   So, I'm lighting a candle...
In Grateful Celebration... dmc

T & T Shifting

What is the great "paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life?" (85)
This brings back memories of my first car. A Fairlane Ford 500 with a tricky little gear shift. I worked hard to master shifting gears with my foot on the clutch, then slowly releasing the clutch while engaging the gas pedal. Synchronizing the two were critically important otherwise the car would choke, lunge, sputter and die! It was especially challenging on a cold day when I was on an icy incline! Needless to say...winter days in South Dakota helped me master fast & furious prayers in my Fairlane Ford 500!  However, when I successfully navigated the entire awkward process of shifting without killing the engine, it felt so rewarding!  It revolutionized my driving confidence!
Living a Thankful life while learning how to Trust is much like stepping on the clutch and engaging the gear shifting process, all at once. It takes both, being Thankful and Trusting, to empower and totally revolutionize a life!
Taking on the T & T (Thankful & Trusting) Challenge....

Salvation's Strength & Song

Today's devo speaks of the "strength and song" that is found in our relationship with God. (84)
The Isaiah 12:2-3 passage goes on to share where we gain our strength and where we find our song. "You will joyfully draw water from the wells of salvation." (Is. 12:2-3)
I am so thankful for the "wells of salvation" in my life...the people, places and opportunities God has placed in my life to refresh and encourage me, giving me more strength and many more songs.
My "wells of salvation" have come in various forms... through an old friend or a chance acquaintance, a new Truth or a well-seasoned Truth applied in a new way, through a caring smile, a kind comment, a random billboard quote, a phone call from a grandchild, a timely text message or even a hilarious email.
At just the right moment, God has given me a "well of salvation." Strength seeps into my soul and a song bubbles up in my heart!
Grateful for His Strength and Song...dmc

Fully Giving Thanks

"Thank Me...This is like priming the pump of a well... regardless of your feelings." (83)
I have experienced this so many times. I make a conscious decision to BE thankful, no matter how my feelings are responding. It usually takes a lot of focused discipline because I am coming against my own inclination to succome to worry, fear, doubt, or whatever is weighing me down. At times, I can actually sense the push-back and I will have to intentionally verbalize my thanksgiving.
Speaking out loud helps, after all, I am hearing my own voice declare my own intentions over my own emotions! In these times, I usually have to verbally "give thanks" before I experience the emotional feelings of being thankful.
However, it really works...soon a deep sense of His Presence "clears the blockage" and gratitude overtakes my attitude... Giving thanks helps me to be full of thanks!
Thankfully His....dmc

Untangled Thoughts

"Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception." (82)
I especially liked this word-picture because of how I could relate to combing out tangles. Our little granddaughters have such pretty locks of hair, but when tangled need some careful taming. This is also true of our thought life.  It is so amazing how a tangled thought can be set free by combing a new truth of insight into a snagged and snarly situation. For me, it is often that new perspective that acts like a comb of clarity realigning and adjusting my frame of reference. I am SO grateful for how God's Word and Presence makes life much more manageable.
Striving to be Tangle-free...dmc

Worry-Webbing

Today's devo warns us to not get "tangled up" in tomorrow's "worry-webs." (81)
Most likely we are all familiar with "worry-webs." But, did you know, brain imaging can capture "worry-webs." They are thorny-like structures that inhibit productive thought processing in the brain.
Ever noticed how difficult it is to concentrate on a task when you are distracted by a "worry-web" that has snagged and entangled your thoughts?
Trust is a great de-snagger allowing us to have an eternal focus; free from the thorny issues that entangle us. The Holy Spirit is our "resident Tutor, helping (us) in this supernatural endeavor."
Striving to be thorn-free, web-free...dmc

Eyes of Grace

"I view you through eyes of grace... As I fill you with My Love, you become a reservoir of love, overflowing into the lives of other people." (80)
To be "viewed through eyes of grace." To be fully known, fully loved and fully forgiven! What a blessed way to live!
My friend, Kay, shared how she loved Joshua 1:5, "I will never leave you or forsake you."

What comfort! I don't have to worry that Jesus will turn His back on me. In this world, when people you think would never do that DO do it, it's so good to know that our heavenly Father will not leave us!

Amen, Kay! My prayer is that I will be another set of His "eyes of grace" in this world! No wonder "forgiveness is at the very core of (His) abiding presence!"
What a challenge...what a privilege...dmc

Discovery Mindset

"Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mindset will free you to enjoy Me..." (79)
I was fortunate to attend a workshop with Chap Clark where he mentioned the difference between a "formation identity" and a "discovery identity" while raising kids. In one case, their identity is based on how well they learn to fit into expected "form," while in the other case, their identity is based on the "discovery" of their own personal gifts and interests. While a careful balance of the two may be wise, it's the discovery process that ends up most rewarding, more lasting; it creates a more fulfilling life!
Our spiritual journey is far more than "a preconceived mold" fashioned by a fallen world. (79) It is a God-inspired, life-impacting, day-by-day discovery! Such a freeing, fulfilling mindset!
Discovering Him in My Day...dmc

God's Singing

"Listen to the love song that I am continually singing to you. I take great delight in you." (78)
Think about God rejoicing over you "with singing." (Zeph.3:17) Even if I knew God was just simply humming over me, it would be THRILLING!
This reminds me of all the silly little songs Joe and I sang to our boys when they were growing up. We crafted on-the-spot songs about tying your shoes, brushing your teeth, feeding the dog, taking out the trash, going to church, and so many other life experiences. Here's one song we made up and sang often, especially when the boys would want to snuggle in-between us:

You're the crunchy peanut butter, You're the melted Velveeta;
You're the slice of Salomi, You're the Mayo and Tuna;
You're the slice of Life among us, in the middle of it all.
And we thank the Lord, He gave you to us all."
(Hmmmm, I guess...You'd have to "be there" to really enjoy it!)

When they had to memorize scripture verses or the books of the Bible for Kids Club, we'd make up a tune to sing the words to... getting it in their heads...and deep into their hearts!
Now, we do the same with our grandkids (careful to spare the older ones from too much embarrassment over our corny on-the-spot songs!)
What could we do today to give God something to sing about? Something to smile about? He wants to be...
Singing over You...dmc

Little Boys & Transformer Toys

"In the Light of My Love, you are gradually (being) transformed from glory to glory."(77)
Years ago our boys collected transformers; little toys that flipped, clicked and twisted from one thing to another....a monster truck could become a robotic man or some fierce weapon. Our boys totally enjoyed the transformation process and were quite skilled in speedy transformations!
As Christians, we are also being transformed, however, our transformation process is probably more steady than it is speedy! 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are "constantly being transfigured (transformed) into His very won image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another." "From glory to glory," continually changing, becoming transformed into the image of Christ.
We are a little like those transformer toys. We were created in the image of God, clicked and twisted into something fierce and fallen and now, we're being transformed from glory to glory into the image of Christ.
Incidentally, the boys were also "transforming!" Day by day, from little boys into godly men! Aren't we all grateful for that transforming process!?
From Glory to Glory, Image to Image...dmc

Overcomers Speak Out

"Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world." To "overcome the world" and its "endless flow of problems" we need a Savior who has already "overcome the world." (John 16:33) Certainly, to be set free from "earthly shackles and lifted up above circumstances" and our "endless flow of problems," sounds like a difficult, daunting task... thus, we NEED an Overcomer in order to overcome! (76)
I love to learn from overcomers.  What do they have to say?  Here's a few...
Carolynn shared...

"Most who come to CR (Celebrate Recovery), including myself, are riddled with trouble and distress. As we begin our recovery journeys, learn more about who God is and how He can empower us to be overcomers with "good cheer", we are truly “freed from our earthly shackles and lifted up above our circumstances” that once kept us bound in Satan’s chains. On our recovery journeys, step by step, He shines “His peace into our troubled minds and hearts,” giving us “Joy that no one can take away.” Because of HIM, I celebrate recovery and HIS freedom."

Leslie shared the following insight...

I was just thinking how we can never live as true overcomers if we are disobedient. We cannot expect to be experiencing the blessings of His peace and joy if we are walking in disobedience, yet it's amazing that if we are obedient and submissive to Him, we can experience the fullness of His peace and joy even in the midst of trying circumstances! "As for God, His way is perfect." (2 Sam. 22:31, Ps. 18:30)

Thanks, Carolynn & Leslie for sharing from your own overcoming hearts! Great advice for all of us who are relying on Jesus' perfect perspective and His peaceful presence as we OVERCOME.
With Eyes on an Overcoming Savior...dmc

Braided & Secure

"Waiting, Trusting, and Hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand... Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Me." (75)
Today's devo reminded me of the Isaiah 40:31 passage. "But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."
Various versions of scripture will say, "those who wait on the Lord," "they who trust in the Lord" or "those who hope in Him." The original language allows for this; weaving the three (wait, trust, hope) together much like a braided cord.
While we wait, we trust! While we trust, we hope! While we hope, we wait & trust some more! It is the most secure place, tucked snuggly amidst what we are waiting for, trusting for, hoping for! These three braided strands strengthen us and give us confidence. Our questions and requests are intricately being woven into a united network of miracles!
At times, when my faith has been especially challenged over some particular concern, I've taken three different colored cords, representing each (wait, trust, hope) and braided them together as a braid of promise...God will provide!
Waiting, Trusting, Hoping....dmc

Tales of Donkey Tails

Todays devo reminded me of when our boys were young, we had a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey party with tons of tails and prizes! All the little guys at the party would size up the situation, don the bandanna blindfold, take a few spins and strategically aim for the appropriate "spot" on the donkey! But they were AMAZED to discover just how far OFF their carefully tagged tail was! Why? Because they underestimated how much the "spin cycle" had disoriented them.

We often underestimate just how disoriented we've become in the "spin cycle" of life. When we start to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7) it will often seem ackward and challenging. Human perspective can so blindfold us and so disorient us that to accomplish something beyond our strategic human efforts absolutely requires divine intervention.

To our great eternal advantage, God wants to redirect us to the right "spot" at just the right time. The great disadvantage of human blindfolds is that they highly interfer with eternal perspectives. All the more reason why we must have willing, yielded, compliant hearts that follow His gentle nudges and promptings.

I've discovered, when God helps me to "walk by faith, not by sight," that a whole herd of donkeys have been tagged and tailed... for HIS glory! Some were even used to carry Jesus... straight into the middle of somebody's world!! (Read John 12:12-15)
Blindfolded yet Blessed...dmc

Abandoned for Good

"You are mine for all time...into eternity!" (73) What a strong affirmation of total acceptance!
Quite often I will deal with those who wrestle with issues stemming from abandonment by someone in some significant way, at some point in their lives. Our human experience sets us up for this because we live in a relationally, spiritually suspect world where abandonment hisses and haunts from nearly every corner.
So, to hear God whisper, "you are mine for all time," directly comes against our fears of being abandoned.  One online dictionary said that "abandoned" meant to be "left completely and finally; utterly forsaken; deserted or given up on and withdrawn from."
However, "abandon" can also means to "yield (oneself) without restraint or moderation; to give (oneself) over to," much like we are invited to do when we totally surrender our lives to Christ.
So, we can be abandoned for good or abandoned for bad. Christ wants us to be abandoned for His good and our ultimate good..."for all time...into eternity!"
What a joy to live in total abandonment to the One who will never abandon us!
Captured by His love...dmc

Cushion of Calm

Have you discovered your "cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union" with Christ? (72)
As a young teenager, I recall mom encouraging me to go to my room, quiet my heart and seek God, especially when I was overwhelmed with things. That became such a beneficial discipline. It is still a strong soul-anchor that I continue to practice.
Time alone with God is the sweet solitude that strengthens me to move into my very busy, highly relational life. Since my life is basically a series of interactions with others, returning to my "cushion of calm" helps to anchor, level and empower me.
I love Isaiah 30:15b - "You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence."
Returning & Resting...dmc

Seeking God's Face

Today's devo says "Save your best striving for seeking My Face... Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol." (71)
We live in a generation of obsessions. Simple interests or dreams can become overwhelming desires that stir us to "striving." Some are good, some are bad and some start out good and become bad!
It reminds me of the award winning show "American Idol." While it both amazed and amused many of us, the search for a superstar soloist continued to appeal to our desire to see a worthy, obscure, least-likely take center stage. When the underdog went over the top we were overwhelmed...with cheers...and tears!!
This also reminds me of what God often does with those who "seek His face." He can do amazing things with an obscure, least-likely who faithfully keeps Him the focus and the center stage of life.
Psalm 24:6 speaks of the "generation of those who seek Him, who seek the face of God." One thing we know about a God-seeking generation...they climb "the mountain of the Lord."(Ps. 24:3)
They become God's superstars, not by kneeling at some altar of idolatry, but by diligently seeking His Face! So, today, I'm inspired to do some...
Face-Planting before His Face...dmc

Keenly Aware

Today's devo reminds us that being "keenly aware of (our) helplessness...opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with (Jesus) in humble steps of dependence." (70)
Helplessness can work as a great reminder... that I have an all-knowing, all-caring, all-about-it Savior who has everything under His control. Jesus is keenly aware!
I am keenly aware of my need for Him. He is keenly aware of my need for Him. So, together, we are...
Keenly Aware & Completely Covered....dmc
What a relief! :-)

Always In All Ways

I just love the scripture for today, Heb. 7:25. "Jesus ALWAYS lives to ALWAYS make intercession for us." Always, in all ways, He is there! Always standing in the gap for us. Always praying for us. Always defending and protecting us from the enemy. Always. Always. Always.
That simply leaves me...
Always, In All Ways, Grateful...dmc

Befriending My Problems?

My natural response is to avoid problems. Not a bad idea... just not always possible or profitable!!
Difficulties and problems are just a "given" in this fallen, hurtful world. So, to daily overcome, I must daily present them to Jesus.
Much like introducing one person to another, the problem must encounter the great Problem Solver, the beloved Burden Bearer...Jesus!
With Jesus next to me and the problem in front of me...I can simply present the problem to Jesus. It's a matter of introducing the problem to the One who knows me best and knows exactly how to overcome or optimize that problem for my ultimate good!
So, I'm making sure, every day, in every way, all the time, I'm...
Sticking Close to my Burden-Bearing Friend...dmc

Wolves of Worry

"Refuse to worry! See problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Keep the wolves of worry at bay." (67)
Wow...it is so easy to worry. It just comes so readily. However, we are not equipped to handle worry. There's no place in our minds or bodies designed to successfully house worry. Worry wrecks havoc on our ability to think clearly and to live healthy.
So God tells us to "rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in everything for this is God's Will for you..." (I Thes. 5:16-18)
I've discovered that good worriers can make great intercessors.  As we turn every worry into a prayer and praise session a lot is accomplished... plus, we are living in "God's Will" believing more in Him than in the problem!
"Wolves of worry" don't hang out in the center of God's Will!
Tucked in Tight...dmc

Learn to Discern

"Learn to discern what is My voice and what is not. Ask My Spirit to give you this discernment... My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead." John 10:4 (66)
What struck me in this devotional was the importance of discerning who's voice we are listening to...others, God's, my own doubts, expectations or some other compelling source. Wherever is comes from, if it is not God's voice, it will fragment and frustrate my life.
However, learning to selectively tune into God's voice may mean others will not understand or appreciate the unique journey God has called me to. What a comfort to know that God has set each of us apart for a carefully crafted journey He desires for us.  Gratefully, He will be our constant companion all along the way.
Years ago we watched a shepherd call his sheep and it was absolutely true... they KNEW his voice! Without hesitation, the sheep responded and readily obeyed their shepherd. All the little lambs were safely huddled in amongst the moving flock. What a lesson...as we follow Him, our "lambs" will safely make the journey, too. I want to carefully...
Follow the Shepherd & Lead the Lambs....dmc

Re-Presenting Christ

Have you ever pondered and prayed over just how you would bring Christ's presence and perspective into a certain situation?
A simple, yet profound Truth encourages me from Colossians 1:27, "God wanted to make known to those among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." As we allow Christ to live IN us, we can be confident that He will BE PRESENT in every and any situation we are involved in! Just think of that!!
Our devo today said, "I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes." (65) To think that Christ re-presents Himself, to the world through us, is quite staggering! We are to re-present "the hope of glory" to a hopeless, not-so-glorious world. We are called to be more than just a representation of Christ; we are called to re-present Him! That means we intentionally give expression to, who and what HE is! Why? Because hope... Glorious Hope...is produced when we display the nature and character of God.
May we be so tuned-in and fully alive in Him that our encounters are opportunities to...
Re-Present Christ, over & over, again...dmc
Happy Birthday to our grand-daughter, Trinity Dawn! A delightful God-sent little Lady Bug in our lives!

Well Developed Trust

"When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it." (64)
Difficulties can elicit all kinds of responses in us....anywhere from being mildly annoyed to intensely angry. Learning how to use difficulties in a constructive way changes the whole environment around us and in us! Since "well developed trust" comes "wrapped in difficulties," we would be incredibly wise to learn how to purposefully deal with difficulties.
I have found it especially insightful to glean wisdom from others who are familiar with difficulties. Examples: Watching our parents age graciously in the midst of challenges that come with so multiple changes & losses has been quite impacting. Walking arm in arm with others who are spiritually resilient, even in the grip of heartache, speaks deeply to my soul. These trusting souls give me reason to pause and reflect on how I can incorporate that kind of heroic trust into the fabric of my own life.
Several things I have learned: Don't become oppositional; rather, become more open to God. I do much better when I recognize how this can be used beneficially and praise God for the opportunity to fine tune a "well developed trust."
Another lesson I've learned, is how the power of praise will exponentially increase the 'opportunity index' of my mind...using difficulties as valuable triggers to index potential opportunities, praying, "God, show me how this can be used to bring You more glory?" Then, what a joy to share that 'opportunity index' with our kids, or others, so they can also maximize their own potential...
For God's Glory...dmc

Affirming Discipline

"The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be farther from the truth!...When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust... Immerse yourself in my loving Presence." (p. 61)
The online dictionary says that affirmation means "to strengthen, to endorse, to assert as true, to declare support for. It strengthens a relationship between the speaker and the one being affirmed."
When we seek affirmation from our a loving Savior, we are expressing confidence in Him and in His ability to redeem and totally recalibrate our lives.
God's discipline helps us to stop and recognize His Presence over and above all other things in our lives.
This made me think of how important it is for parents to discipline in such a way as to "strengthen, endorse and show support toward" their children. We want to lead their young hearts to a loving God who can be trusted to discipline for their good and not from a reaction of jaded gratification, frustration or misguided anger.
May we be faithful channels of Godly affirmation in discipline...dmc

God's Mysterious Music

"Listen more to Me and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I uniquely designed just for you...Follow Me. (62)  (Feb.29 devo - Leap Year)
It's a mystery; the ways of God! As a counselor and a life coach I've seen God deal with individuals in such unique ways. No two walk the same path, touch the same lives or fulfill the same purposes. It is absolutely imperative that we each heed His Higher Wisdom.
Even well-seasoned, well-synced couples can sense God's dealings in distinctly different ways in their individual lives. If each has an ear tuned to His voice, each following His leadership, God will mysteriously orchestrate that marriage, as if the two are singing counter-melodies or finely blended harmonies in a stirring musical production. God's mysterious ways can be like beautiful breath-taking music!
However, listening to doubts and fears will soon sabotage the song and all will be out of sync and totally out of tune. That can be most evident in a marriage that is out-of-sync. Two lives, self-focused, proud, unforgiving and ill-seasoned can sound much like small children banging and blowing on quality instruments, making much noise, but not much quality music. I Corinthians 13:1 says it well; "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
In Sync with the Mysterious...dmc

The "Great Escape" Option

Today's devo speaks of "waves of adversity" and "worrying about tomorrow." (60)
As a believer, our response is to "live within the boundaries of today" keeping our focus on His Presence in our present circumstances. Why? Because life's challenges have a way of distracting us and tempting us "to give up!"
I like using I Cor. 10:13 with I Cor. 10:31 (reversing the last two numbers lands me on the great escape I am desperately looking for!) Check it out!
So, the next time you are tempted to give up, or to give in, to some temptation (vs. 13) and you need to find "a way of escape," go to vs. 31 and decide that "whatever you do (you will do) everything for God's glory" and the "way of escape" will suddenly present itself!
Choosing an option that gives God most Glory is my best "way of escape!" Try it! It works! Just yesterday, there was a huge opportunity to take up an offense, but I decided that was NOT the option that would most glorify God. Within a matter of a few minutes my heart was so filled with a supernatural joy... God WILL faithfully provide the "way of escape" when we choose a response that brings Him glory!!
Ah, yes, I am challenging myself to look for and live in God's great escape...
For God's Glory...dmc

Secret Things

"Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things." (59) Deut. 29:29
There have been many times I've had to stop mentally wrestling with something that was clearly "hidden" from me. To truly release a "hidden thing" is not an easy task. I usually have to intentionally hand it over to Him, or I will write it out and tuck it away in my God Box, the place where unanswered prayers and confusing issues go. Then, I may have to repeat that whole process, until my heart is no longer troubled.
No matter how uncertain things may seem, we are commanded to "not worry." "Worry is an act of rebellion; doubting (God's) promises to care for (us.)" (59) The real challenge is to develop more confidence in what God says over what all others are saying, even over my own flawed feelings and imperfect human reasoning that wrestles with wanting to know the unpredictable, faith-stretching future.
I have grandkids who just LOVE to sneak a peak...checking out surprises! I love the way Kelley put it...

I wonder how often God muses to Himself and shakes his holy head when He observes us toiling away with worry or snooping or getting into business that does not belong to us. All the while thinking, "Child, how much more enjoyable and peaceful your life would be to simply trust and wait for me to give this to you, and how GRAND you would feel when in My timing I reveal what I want you to know or have because this is the optimum time for you to receive it.

Oh, to take the Almighty's advice to relax, to take pleasure in the journey, trusting Him to open up the way before us as we go.
Ps. 32:10 says that "the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him."
Placing my "flimsy future" into God's faithful love...dmc

Graced with Gratitude

"Walk purposefully...letting Me direct...one step at a time...a grateful heart protects you from negative thinking." (58)
Negative thinking is highly toxic (see January 16 blog) and can paralyze productivity and purpose. The enemy may not get us to walk away from God, but if he can get us to walk away from a grateful mindset, we will walk away from our purpose and from fulfilling God's will for our lives. (I Thes. 5:18) Thus, the enemy will have achieved his greater goal... to get us to walk away from God's will for each of our lives.
That reminds me of when mom would "direct" my sisters and me to write thank you notes for various gifts or kindnesses we had received. Living a life of gratitude toward God is much like little thank you notes we give Him throughout our day!
Daily walking in gratitude establishes us in the very center of God's Will! What a privileged, pleasant  place to be!
Committed to Gratitude...dmc

God's Surrounding Love

"Be still in the Light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love...it fills all of space, time, and eternity." (57)
What a thought...to be fully and clearly known and fully LOVED!! (I Cor. 13:13 Amp)
Perhaps one of my greatest personal challenges had been believing that God's love for me was of ultimate dimensions... majestically wide, long, high and deep. I could readily support that kind of divine love for others... but for myself? That was another thing.  I think it was because I knew myself so well... especially those least favorite parts of myself... aspects I wished were different.
However, the more I have simply focused on Jesus, the more convinced I have become "that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate (me) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (my) Lord." (Romans 8:38-40) That's absolutely phenomenal!
Everything that represents me... my space, my time, and my eternity... is fully and clearly surrounded, fully and clearly infiltrated, with God's Love.
Whenever I don't fully "get it," I remind myself... I've fully "got it!"
Fully Surrounded in Love...dmc

Planted far from the Pit

"Be on your guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face.
Several ways to protect yourself from self-pity (are)...praising and thanking Me...
Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit... Fix your eyes on Me." (56) Hebrews 12:1-2
Joyce Meyers shares about a time in her life when God told her, "Joyce, you can be pitiful or powerful, but you can't be both." Pity is such a pathetic kind of existence. Some have been raised in the "pit of self-pity" and find it to be their most familiar place of false comfort. They may even tend to gravitate toward pity-filled friends. (Hmm...not necessarily "pitiful" friends! )

However, God desires for us to be "oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Is. 61:3b) Wherever we are, whomever we are with, we can be a demonstration of God's glory. When others are around us, may they rest their weary hearts in our shade or be spiritually nourished from the fruit of our lives. A much better option than inviting them into a slimy pit full of self and pity! So, today, I will be decisively, carefully, intentionally re-planted...
Close to Jesus...dmc

Continually Present

"You need Me every moment. Your awareness of your constant need for Me is your greatest strength... guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice - deep dependence on Me, or despair. The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with problems or with My Presence." (55)
There's no getting around the immediacy of our relationship with Jesus. It is all about the present moment. Continually conversing with Him. Constantly staying connected, focused and God-aware. His presence alters everything. The sooner I invite Him into my present mindset and situation, the greater impact His Presence has on me.
Melissa shared this great medley of two songs, Part the Waters & I Need Thee Every Hour by Selah. What a precious worship experience! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=775yhAx7b8g&feature=related
In the Present & with Him...dmc

Healthy Brain Secret

"Trust and Thankfulness will get you safely through this day. Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining, those sister sins that so easily entangle you." (54)

I REALLY appreciate today's devo! With the myriad of thoughts that can capture our minds, it is good to know that simply choosing "trust and thankfulness" can reconfigure the landscape of our brains. Brain imagining research supports that "thought patterns of trust (and gratitude can) become etched into our brains" overcoming the "sister sins that so easily entangle" (worry/obsession and criticism/complaining.)
To practice looking in His direction will change the direction of my thoughts, change the image in my brain and change my mind into the "mind of Christ." (Phil. 2:5)
Have you ever noticed how trusting, thankful people are much healthier, happier people to hang out with? It inspires me to be sure that my own thoughts are creating a healthy place for me to be....since I'm hanging out with my own thoughts.... all the time!
Hanging my Thoughts with Jesus...dmc

Tasty True Center

"Learn to live from your true Center in Me. I reside in the deepest depths of your being... It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually...within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence...where My Love has an eternal grip on you." (53)
As I am reading this, I am enjoying (and indulging in) a Raspberry centered Chocolate Bliss! The application is obvious. The presence of Jesus in each of us makes us uniquely filled and flavored to feed the dying world around us!
With Christ as the blissful true Center of our lives we can make a decisive, even tasty, difference!
So... does anyone need a little holy Raspberry Bliss today?
Blissfully His...dmc

Sure in Not-So-Sure Times

"You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems, both big and small... requiring more and more of your attention... don't give in to those demands... break free by spending quality time with Me... I will make your feet like the feet of a (surefooted) deer, enabling you to go on the heights." (52) (NLT)
The Habakkuk 3:17-19 passage in today's devo is one of my favorites. It's so realistic and applicable to the many seasons of life, especially when things are tough. It gives us a kind of God-confidence that helps to override our doubts. It offers us the option to choose to praise God, no matter what!

In a world where so many things are NOT so sure, He can make one thing sure..."my feet like those of a surefooted deer enabled to walk on mountain heights."
What's the secret to making it to "mountain heights?" I believe it is having the ability to be surefooted in not-so-sure times! So many will never reach the "heights" because their habitual inclination or response to not-so-sure circumstances keeps them in the lowlands. I'm asking God, to make me spiritually "sure-footed" so I can experience spiritual "heights" in His Presence.
My friend, Melissa, tells of a time in the Colorado Rockies when she came face to face with a mountain goat that ran across a steep cliff without any hesitation. The goat’s feet fit perfectly on small, nearly hidden rocks that led him out of harm's way. What a great illustration that God’s plan is perfect, no matter how treacherous the paths of life may be. Even in the midst of relational, financial, emotional or physical rocky times, I must remind myself, I'm...
Headed to the Heights...dmc

The "IAmWithYou" Safety Net

"I am with you. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go." (51)
I try to envision those four words woven together forming a safety net... "IAmWithYou" providing security against misfortune, limiting "how far down you can go." Life continues to present a milieu,    of scary situations to exciting opportunities, that test this divinely woven "IAmWithYou" safety net.
Caught in the "free fall" of the unexpected, the unknown and the unwanted... it's not a welcoming place to be...yet that is the place of greatest discovery. It's in the midst of "free fall" I discover the weightiness of my own soul. I discover the unbecoming, Christ-less aspects of myself that reflect fragments of my fallen nature that continue to hinder my redeemed nature. So, it becomes a place of great discovery and growth. This is where my redeemed nature challenges my fallen nature and I safely land....
Face down, at His feet...dmc

Fluid, Flexing & Free

"Your relationship with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon." (50)
Today's devo, about how we resist (even fear) change, brings interesting thoughts to mind.
We tend to build "idols out of routine" and security in sameness. We like the comfort of the predictable. Being open to change takes intentional effort on our part. We must decide to "embrace all that God is doing in our lives, finding security in Him alone." Just as soon as our security keeps us from moving forward in Him, He will stir up our predictable nest and ruffle our familiar feathers.
I like the picture of "new things continually on the horizon." It reminds me of watching the ever changing seascape of the ocean waves. The words of an old hymn by Samuel Francis wash over my soul, especially during our yearly island get-away. The power and peaceful presence of the ocean reminds me of "the deep, deep love of Jesus, Vast unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean, In its fullness over me..."
Just like one cannot "force fit" one wave into another, so we cannot "force fit today into yesterday's mold." It's all too fluid, too flexing and amazingly FREE.
I love Selah's contemporary version of that powerful, old hymn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hzYKovRsJ8&feature=related
Rolling Onward...dmc

Well Watered & On Fire

"Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these very circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is to live close to Me...quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms."(49)
The following verse helps me sense the tenderness of God's heart toward us and how very vulnerable we are. "For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust." Psa 103:14
Remembering I am "dust" helps me to stay especially close to the spiritual wells and fires of my life. Spiritual wells water my dry dusty soul and spiritual fires warm my cold crusty heart. Thanks, Carolynn, for sharing the following "Silent Sermon" illustrating why we need the loving legacy of one another.

THE SILENT SERMON
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.
It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday."

I am so thankful for the Legacy of Spiritual Wells and Fires that help to “enhance my awareness of His presence” watering my soul and warming my heart! I want to be...
Well Watered & On Fire...dmc

Wherever, Whatever, & Whenever!

"Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual... Pry your mind away from your problems... seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing... the safest place to be is in My will." (48)
The word "attune" means: to bring into a harmonious or responsive relationship. To think of my relationship with Jesus as being pitched perfectly to harmonize with Him and to be readily responsive, no matter what, deeply challenges me!
We know Jesus is always "doing" something good. I want to be aware and available. If He is singing, I am to be humming along. If He is on the move, I want to be tracking with Him. If He is carefully listening, I want to hear what He's hearing. If He is quietly waiting, I want to be peacefully patient. If He is seeking a lost soul, I want to be a reflection of His soul-saving heart. If He desires fellowship, I want to be His faithful friend.
No matter what, I want to be THERE...wherever He is, whatever He is up to and whenever He wants it to happen!
"I won't be afraid. You are with me..." Psalm 23:4 CEV
Choosing to be right "There"...dmc

Partnered Well

"Give yourself fully to the adventure of today...relying on your ever-present Companion...Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from My Presence!" (47)
What a great Valentine's Day Blessing!!
Did you know that the one who sits on your right side, near your right hand, is considered to be in the position of partnership with you?
Most of us know that Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, in a position of authority. But do you know who's at your right hand? In the position of partnership with YOU?
"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you: "Do not fear, I will help you." (Is. 41:13)
Your partner is GOD! Who "accompanies you all the days of your life - and onward into eternity."
Ah, yes, we are definitely....
Partnered well...dmc

His Watchword My Byword

Jesus' Watchword - "Peace be with you!
"Ever since the resurrection this has been the watchword to those who yearn for Me. As you sit quietly, let My Peace settle over you and enfold you in My loving Presence... Wear My Peace with regal dignity. It will keep your heart and mind close to Mine." (46)
When Jesus conquered death, the ultimate war had been fought. Peace was accomplished. All fears, fights and frustrations were finalized when Jesus walked out of that tomb.
Whenever I allow fear to rise up in me, some conflict to overtake me or some situation to frustrate me, I have resurrected something Jesus died to overcome.
What's the secret? His watchword of "Peace!" It must become my daily byword. As I hold on to peace I am able "to withstand all onslaughts...and keep my heart and mind close to Him!"
Staying Close to Him & at Peace...dmc

When Brains Give God Glory

"I am ever so near you, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought... your (thoughts) are precious to Me. I smile when you think lovingly of Me. My Spirit, who lives within you, helps you to think My thoughts. As your thinking goes, so goes your entire being... Let Me be your positive Focus." (45)
Today's devo, concerning the careful attention God gives to our thoughts, "reading every one" makes me reflect on current neuro-chemistry research about the brain.

Our brains are so complex, and yet we've learned, they can only hold one thought at a time at any given moment. A multi-focused, multi-tasking brain is really just a brain that jumps quickly from one thought to another.
This makes me want to be all the more sure that my thoughts turn quickly and often to God so that He holds a place of focused prominence in the landscape of my mind!
Thoughtfully His...dmc

A Shaft of Golden Light

"My Peace is like a shaft of golden Light shining on you continuously... On darker days, My Peace stands out in sharp contrast to your circumstances." (44)
(I journaled the following example of being a "shaft of golden light" several months before Daddy died.  He's now with Jesus and mother has bravely continued on, tucked tightly in Jesus' embrace.  With a grateful heart, I share my entry from that unusual year.)
We can be impacted by our circumstances OR by our Savior. At this point in my parents' lives they are in God's "shaft of golden light." With physical challenges and pain, they continue to be an inspiration of divine collaboration, as illustrated in the following example.
This week we were with Daddy during a long, grueling procedure at the hospital that confirmed, his twisting, aging body has displaced his heart. His heart has made an amazing journey from the left side of his body to the right side, now tucked in near his right armpit. So unusual, yet even more unusual is Daddy's precious attitude and cheery disposition despite his pain and many challenges.
Mother has said, "we may have pain, but we don't have to BE a pain!" They take great interest in the friends, family and home health care professionals that come to attend to their special needs. They don't miss an opportunity to bless and encourage others. "Like a shaft of golden Light," they inspire!
Although life is wearisome...they "do not grow weary or lose heart." Heb. 12:3
Inspired & Grateful...dmc

Ample Time to Realign

"Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day... I am omnipotent, I able to bend time and events in your favor... (and help) you sort out what is important and what is not." (43)
To think that God's ability "to bend time and events in our favor" is phenomenal!
I have experienced that on numerous occasions. What looked absolutely impossible was accomplished! There have been times I've even asked God to commission angels or prompt the Holy Spirit to come to my aid when the situation was so beyond my wisdom and ability. He was faithful to intervene somehow and supernatural strength, protection and provision were granted!
I love the fact that His eye is continually on me! He knows exactly what is and isn't important in my day. I sometimes have to remind myself that even cancellations and delays are a part of God's gracious gifts of intervention. I'm overwhelmingly relieved and....
Letting Him Realign my Day...dmc

Seasoned Treasure Hunters

"Seek My Face more and more. You are really just beginning your journey of intimacy with Me. It is not an easy road, but it is a delightful and privileged way: a treasure hunt." (42)
Psalm 27:8 says, "My heart has heard You say, "Seek My face," and my heart responds, "Yes Lord, I am coming!" I have discovered this IS the critical difference in my spiritual journey! Seeking His face (searching for His Presence) no matter what's in the brew around me, His face (Presence) is somewhere to be found.
Herein, lies the greatest Treasure Hunt...my soul searching for His Face! It's the most challenging, yet rewarding way to journey through life!
This reminds me of the "hidden pictures in a picture" games we play with kids. Somewhere in this picture are three hidden items, see if you can find them! And the hunt is on...where, oh where, is the Lord's face? Oh, there He is! And there He is! And there He is! Suddenly, His face can be found EVERYWHERE!
Seasoned "Treasure Hunters" have well trained senses...they can just sense where He is! I love to learn from the well-seasoned, well-traveled Treasure Hunters!
Seeking His face today....dmc

A Boat Load

"I am above all things: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever-changing world. When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me... (Problems) must not become your focus. When your feel yourself sinking... say "Help me, Jesus!" ...I will meet you in that very place." (41)
Today's devo reading has us in Matthew 14 where Peter steps out of the boat, walking on the water to Jesus. When his eyes were focused on Jesus, he was on top of his "circumstances." However, "when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid" and began to sink. Immediately he cried out to Jesus and Jesus responded. Stepping back in the boat, the wind ceased and "those in the boat worshiped Him and said, "Truly You are the Son of God." (v.30-33)
How we handle troubling circumstances impacts, not only us, but those around us. Who is "in the boat" with us? What about our responses? Will our reactions act as an arrow, pointing others to Jesus?
I believe the authenticity of our witness is most critical with those closest to us. I pray my husband, children and grandchildren will see what a difference Jesus makes in my life, especially when things get alittle stormy..."Help me, Jesus!"
May the strength of our witness be greater than the strength of our circumstances, leading us to focus on Jesus and not the storm.
All on Board, All Eyes on Jesus...dmc
Listen to one of my favorite songs, Come to Jesus by Chris Rice....And Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjZEDg9ZGKQ&feature=related

Bone Weary & Soul Dancing

"You are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life." (40)
Isn't it good news to know that God truly understands what it means to be "bone-weary?"
My response to "bone-weariness" has changed through the years. As a kid, I'd just drop off to sleep. As a teen, I'd just get annoyed. As a college student, I'd just try to get alone and regroup. As a young mom, I'd just... keep going, no matter what! As a mother of teens, I'd just bite my tongue. Now, as a "Grammy," I just get bone AND soul-weary!
However... As I child of God, I know I am absolutely loved and totally understood.  Never judged or condemed, no matter how bone or soul-weary I may be!!  Just thinking...
Let's do a little bone & soul dance today...dmc

Hand Crafted, Carved & Deeply Breathing

"Come to Me and rest. I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath... Slow down and cling tightly to My hand." (39)
The one thing we cannot live long without...our next breath! Even labored breathing can be especially exhausting, and we often forget how blessed we are to breathe with ease. This was brought home to our family when, during that last year before my sweet daddy passed on to heaven, he had to rely on oxygen tanks, tubes, mask, etc to keep his oxygen levels within a functional range. So, all the equipment and precautions that go with that kind of special care became a primary focus, especially for my mother who tenderly and graciously attended to dad. She shared the following insight...
"The thought of the oxen's yoke in Mt. 11:29 always intrigued me, then a Bible scholar explained that a good farmer hand carved the yoke to fit each of his oxen. Thus, I can trust Jesus that my individually designed yoke will not be more than I can bear. Jesus said in Matthew 11:30, 'My yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light.' Now, my job is to rest in Him and trust Him." And she did just that..."yoked" to Jesus while caring for daddy!
It's good for me to remember to breathe deeply in this uniquely carved yoke that God has hand-crafted for me. Afterall, I am also God-crafted, in His Image! This helps me to deeply breathe in His presence "with each breath." Gen.2:7 tells us that "the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils and the man became a living being."
Even our very breath is a gift from God and every breath we take is an opportunity to take in more of His restoring Presence. May we use our breath to glorify Him as we bear His Hand-Crafted yoke today!
Blessed with Breath...dmc

Monitoring Mind-Set

"Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace."(38)
Good News! We get to choose our mind-set or the direction our mind goes. A mind that wanders or that's out-of-control will often lead to worrisome thoughts or wayward thoughts that impact wayward choices. These thoughts and choices alter an entire lifespan and ultimately our entire eternity! Yikes!
I often snag my thoughts just to monitor if they are producing "Life and Peace." If I don't snag those thoughts, they will snag me. "For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)
My friend, Kay, reflects on her perky little 3 year old grandson whose parents had come up with a great parenting tool. Kay shared this with me...

When he does something wrong and even when he does something right, they often ask, "Did you make a good choice or a bad choice?" He has gotten to where he talks about making good choices on his own. It is so cute, but so profound also. Lord, help me to make good choices today!!!

What a great example of how we can monitor a mind-set that lends to "good choices!"
"The only thing we can grasp without damaging our soul is His hand." (38)
Double checking my thoughts today...dmc

The Faith-Friendly Fog

"Bring Me your weaknesses, and receive My Peace....I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides...(keeping) you close to Me." (37)
Years ago a seasoned pastor's wife shared with me the secret to her gentle, God-confident demeanor in the midst of painful circumstances and stressful challenges. She described her walk with Jesus as a "faith-friendly fog." While I did not understand it at first, I now deeply appreciate the "faith-friendly fog."
I've discovered it protects us from seeing too far ahead into the future and from looking too far back into the past. Thus, we are kept from unnecessary fear and needless shame. Fear that comes when we anticipate an uncertain future and shame that comes when we rehearse a unpleasant past. So, we do not have to "wear ourselves out with analyzing and planning." Like a pilot trusting his instruments while flying through a fog, we can trust God's instructions while we are flying through our foggy times.
Maybe you have seen this clever quote from a marquee... good to remember!

No God, no peace
Know God, know peace

God in the Fog Gives Peace...dmc

Unwrapping Today's Gift

"When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world... Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen... Each day is a precious gift...Receive today's gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly."(36)
Today's devo reminded me of a long trip we made on Christmas Day several years ago. Four adults and three grandchildren, packed to the max, in "Rhonda" our Honda Odyssey headed to Ohio from Oklahoma to celebrate the holidays with our oldest son's family. Because we had about 16 hours of driving time, I had packed Christmas gifts in backpacks for the kids to each open, one at a time, paced throughout the trip. Each gift was a big deal, entertaining them for miles!  Then their focus would return to the big backpacks, laden with more gifts, waiting to be discovered and opened.
Like eager children, we can look to a Heavenly Father who has packed gifts into each day; gifts to 'receive gratefully and unwrap tenderly.'
May we gratefully enjoy today's gift, making the most of each mile in this God-adventure.
Gratefully Unwrapping My Day...dmc

Plugged into His Presence

"I am renewing your mind. When your thoughts flow freely, they tend to move toward problems...(getting) snagged on a given problem. A renewed mind is Presence-focused. Train your mind...I am always present...I will light up your mind." (35)
How quickly we can forget the obvious...HE has always been here, HE will always be here, HE is HERE, right now! One of Jesus' names, Immanuel, means "God is with us." (Matt. 1:23)
Our minds were made to think, but WHAT we think about is our making! Rather than getting "snagged on a given problem" we can train our minds to "seek Him." He certainly has the power to "light up our minds." (Brain imagining technology proves that!) It's like plugging our brains into the power source of His Presence! As His presence fires up the neurons of our minds, transforming and renewing how we think, our interactions with others can be encounters with His light, shining through us!
Melissa offered a great example of how she is overcoming old thought patterns!

"I have come a long way in training my mind to be focused on God! I grew up with a negative attitude about everything. Maybe it was due to certain events that happened in my life, but I was determined not to change. When I decided to live my life for God, I didn't want to be that way anymore. No, it hasn't been an easy road. I still have those thoughts and attitudes pop up and the world doesn't help any with this either, but I don't listen to the world anymore. Now I give all those thoughts and attitudes to God as soon as they enter my mind and he helps me glorify him with a whole new outlook!"

You inspire us! Thanks, Melissa!
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Plug in & Shine on...dmc

The Simple Option

"Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you... Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you." (34)
"Walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7
 Herein lies two options for how we can conduct our daily lives.  It's not all that complicated.
1. By Faith - responding in a way that maximizes God's ability to intervene - hope-filled living!
2. By Sight - responding in a way that minimizes God's ability to intervene - doubt-filled living!
It's pretty simple...I can lean into God or lean into my own understanding! (Prov. 3:4-6)
So, today, I will intentionally be...
Simple! ...dmc