The Invisible Reality

"The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel...it is tuning into ultimate reality. I am far more Real than the world you can see, hear, and touch. Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see...perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." (209)
I was reading an interesting fact from a well know author, Mark Batterson of Washington DC. He was reflecting on how fearfully and wonderfully we were made... for example the human body has approximately 100,000,000 (one hundred million) sensory receptors that enable us to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Neurologists estimate that an average three-year old has 1,000,000,000,000,000 (one quadrillion) synaptic connections! (Now, that explains 3 year olds!)
This means that our ability to imagine things in our mind is far greater than our ability to interpret physical reality. Mathematically speaking, imagination is ten million times more powerful than our five senses! This means that if we choose to limit our reality to what we can perceive we will limit our world to only our five senses. Since we know that faith is all about confirming "things we do not see...(and) perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses," we are challenged to live beyond our five senses.
Faith is "tuning in to ultimate reality...confirming things we do not see" and being certain of an invisible Savior. Faith requires that we imagine what our five senses can’t perceive or confirm. According to neuro-research, this "extra-sensory perception" is ten million times more powerful than our senses! (paulwilkinson.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/faith-is-living-beyond-our-five-senses)
Ephesians 3:20 says it well, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and throughout all generations for ever and ever, Amen."
The article ends with, "And to top it off, no mind has conceived of what God has prepared for us!" Our glorious future is God's reality!
Tuning in to our Godly ESP...dmc

PS - This is Joe's dad, CB Colaw's, heavenly anniversary.  July 18, 2012 at 7:35 pm, at that very moment, Dad's reality became "immeasurably more!"  Wow... imagine that!

Prioritizing the "Better Thing"

"Come away with Me for a while...follow me on a solitary path, making time alone with me your highest priority and deepest Joy." (208)
Time alone with God can be such a challenge to achieve. I discovered it can easily be pushed aside...but at a great cost. I learned through the various seasons of my life, that the issue was not so much 'How Much' time, but that there 'Is' time! I made it a priority to carve out some time to intentionally focus on Him.
When our sons were little and my "solitary" time was extremely limited, or non-existent, just pausing to refocus on Him, on His Word, on the ways He had blessed us, was especially beneficial and it helped my weary, starving soul to be revived.
I still have to intentionally guard my time alone with Him. So many worthwhile activities, time sensitive tasks and daily distractions can steal away that sacred, precious time with Him.
Like Mary, in Luke 10:42, it's a matter of choice... choosing "the better thing" and spending time at His feet, even if it is briefly with kids in tow, while the washing machine is whirling, the phone is ringing, the breakfast dishes are still in the sink...I am much better off...
Choosing the "Better Thing"...dmc

Policing Self-Pity

"Self-pity is a slimy, bottomless pit. Once you fall in, you tend to go deeper and deeper into the mire...well on your way to depression, and the darkness is profound. Your only hope...look up...see the Light of My Presence shining down on you...rays of hope can reach you at any depth." (207)
Self-pity is basically feeling sorry for myself, making myself my primary focus, the object of my full attention. It is one of the most seductive and pathetic forms of existence. Why? Because one can become so absorbed in yourself that you will hyper-focus on all the reasons you believe you're entitled to be catered to and accommodated. It is pathetic in that it is pathological to well-being and constructive living. Once that kind of mindset tracks its way into someone's brain it can override constructive reason and even alter character development and healthy expressions of personality... ultimately altering one's whole life! It's very hard to praise and worship God when all you can see is yourself! It's very hard to encourage and appreciate others when all you see is yourself! What a shallow, pathetic way to live!
I have absolutely NO tolerance for entertaining that kind of toxic thinking in my own life. I find it poisonous and paralyzing. I've counseled people who have grown up in settings where self-pity was allowed or even modeled. It can be very hard to retrain your brain to take a different mental route that helps one to override self-pity. Self-pity is like a spiral stairway leading down to a very dark mental prison.
I personally find it very helpful to keep a good sense of humor (not to take myself so seriously) and to fill my mind with things to be thankful for and my life with praise music. I stay tightly connected to God's Word. Then, I practice repentance...repenting each time I catch my thoughts wandering down pity-paths...asking God to infuse my pathetic ponderings with His more noble, honorable thoughts.
Here's my practical 'next steps' out of self-pity....
1. Be quick to honestly recognize it.... Repent! Stop the pity immediately!
2. Get up, move my body. Exercise, go for a walk, clean out a drawer, etc.
3. Do something for someone else. Be generous and meet someone else's need.
4. Be grateful. Remind myself of all the blessings in my life. Express my appreciation for someone via a note, text, email or phone call.
I find it impossible to be used of God when I am wallowing in self-pity! What a waste!
Policing Self-Pity & Promoting Praise...dmc

Thrust of Trust

"Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command... When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame... Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain... (instead) affirm your faith... enjoy My presence... trusting Me at all times." (206)
Worry is a strong habitual thought pattern that many people develop, but do not enjoy or benefit from. Worry robs us of so many things...like peace, health, confidence, relationships, and joy!
Learning to "throw off" worry with "one quick thrust of trust" equips us to move forward with God-confidence. I believe God honors our efforts to "throw off" and to develop some trust-thrusting ability. Like building spiritual muscle that will glorify God!
I really liked what Amelia shared:

"I am a chronic list maker. My list for the day is always longer than I can accomplish. But if I don’t have a list I don’t get nearly as much done—or I forget something important. I have been accused of “worrying”. So, what is the difference between worrying and planning? As I thought about it, I was prompted to check the dictionary. A plan is a “detailed method for the accomplishment of a goal”. Worrying is “to feel uneasy or troubled”. As long as I am trusting God I don’t feel uneasy or troubled. Now I feel a lot better about my lists!"

Thanks, Amelia, that speaks to all us "chronic list makers!"
Strength-training My Trust-Thrust Muscle...dmc

Next Step - Going UP

"Keep walking with me... Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain... take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction... there are sparkling surprises just around the bend." (205)
What is the "next step" UP the "high mountain?" In my own life I find that the next step DOWN the mountain is usually much easier than the next step UP the mountain.
Reflecting on the children's poem about Jack & Jill going UP the hill; I want to warn all "Jacks" that they can lead the way... up the hill OR down the hill. One can certainly fall (like Jack did) but we need to carefully protect our "crown" or head. If our thought processes become broken, if our decision-making is broken, "Jill" and the whole rest of the family will start "tumbling after."
I am grateful... for a Savior who knows which way is UP.... for a life partner who holds my hand! Both offer strength and encouragement as we forge our way "UP the high mountain!"
Stepping UP...dmc

Fixed, Focused & Fine

"Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My Righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love." (204)
There are so many things I would love to "fix" about myself... flaws, oddities... or things that just annoy me about myself! But keeping my focus on me is such a waste of energy. I find that I am a much healthier, happier, hopeful and helpful person when I "fix my eyes on Jesus the source and perfecter of my faith." (Heb. 12:2) He causes the essence of my soul to be much more sweet and satisfying... after all, He is "fixing" and perfecting my faith... and "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!" (Heb. 11:1)
Getting all Fixed Up...dmc

Whispering His Name

"...Whisper My Name in loving trust. This simple prayer can restore your awareness of My Presence." (203)
I have had many incidents where whispering Jesus' name made a huge difference in the situation... and in ME! The name, "Jesus" means God Saves!!! I am so grateful that I can bring God's power and presence into any situation, thought or encounter...just by whispering Jesus' Name, especially since worry also tends to whisper.
Research indicates that most people respond best, after coming out of surgery, or some other distressing time, if they hear their own name. To hear one's own name speaks powerfully and impacts deeply, even if it is softly whispered.
It blesses me to know that Jesus knows my name and, even more, that when I speak or whisper His name...He hears! I want to be sure that I am daily...
Responding to Jesus' Name...dmc

Jealous Eyes on Us

We have a "jealous God."(202) Who wants us to protect and highly treasure our relationship with HIM because He protects and highly treasures His relationship with US!
Years ago I wrestled with why that was so... why such a big, powerful God had to stoop to such a petty human emotion....jealousy!
However, I learned what Godly jealousy really means. God is jealous over His people because He loves us and does not want to share us with influences that would compromise our ultimate welfare. God does not leave His children vulnerable to evil. He loves us and wants to help us keep our focus on Him, magnifying and exalting His name TOGETHER (Ps. 34:3), When we do this we will be protected from distractions, or deceptive false gods, that tempt us to make poor choices. Without a steady focal point on a Holy God, we are easily seduced into compromise, led into confusion and ensnared with hurtful habits. God's jealous eye on me causes me to have...
Grateful Eyes on Him...dmc

Planted & Pruned

"Relax in My peaceful presence...I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts that I have planted in your soul. Relax, and enjoy our friendship." (201)
One Sunday, while we were in Hawaii, the message in the beautiful new Kihei Chapel, was taken from the John 15 passage, also referenced in our devotional today. The key point of the message was that those who are branches in The Vine (Jesus), will experience pruning times, no matter what! Spiritually dead or withering branches are cut off, but the fruitful branches are continually being pruned...why? To produce even MORE fruit!
This is how Jesus "brings out the best in us." "The very gifts (He) planted in our souls" are the means by which we are able to produce fruit every day!
The beautiful blooming bushes, where we stay in Hawaii, are continually being pruned, once or twice weekly. However, one year, a number of fruit-bearing trees and especially the plumeria trees around our condo-complex were being radically pruned. We were shocked as we watched the lush, flower-laden branches drop to the ground, leaving a stark tree trunk with stumpy naked branches sticking out. Next year, when we returned, we saw how pruning really prompted unbelievable beauty ...flowers, fruit and lush foliage... the fulfillment of faithfulness displayed in nature!
During that same year we experienced some radical pruning in our personal lives. Both Joe and I had a parent go to heaven; his mother, my father. Gratefully, both were ready and looking forward to heaven, but their absence was certainly a huge loss for us.  It was a kind of relational pruning. Taking a lesson from nature, I prayed that even this kind of severe pruning would be an example of Psalm 34:8, where the fruit of my life could encourage others to....
Taste and see that the Lord is Good!...dmc

Renewing Benefits Brains

"Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts...be transformed by the renewing of your mind...letting My thoughts reprogram your thinking." (200)
It is totally possible to have a renewed mind. I share a quote, from one of Dr. David Amen's past email updates on brain research, as a compelling example.
"Jim Fallon is a neuroscientist at the University of California Irvine who has spent nearly two decades studying the brains of psychopaths and murderers. Thanks to brain imaging, he has detected certain patterns of brain activity—or inactivity—that are common in violent types...Jim is a kind man with a sharp mind. You can imagine the surprise I got when I read an article on NPR.org entitled “A Neuroscientist Uncovers a Dark Secret,” which says that Jim himself has the brain of a killer. According to the article, Jim comes from a long line of violent people, including the notorious Lizzy Borden, who was accused of taking an ax to her parents in 1882. When Jim scanned his own brain, he found the same patterns he sees in murderous psychopaths. Genetic testing showed that he also carries the same genes found in people who commit violent acts. But Jim isn’t violent. Why not?
Because your genes are NOT your destiny. By living a brain healthy life and having loving relationships and a positive attitude, you can deactivate those negative brain pathways and those risky genes and turn on other ones that are more beneficial to you." (amenclinics.com@mcsv63.net. Newsletter sent 7/6/2010 2:27 PM)
More and more I believe our thought life strongly determines the strength and health of our relational and spiritual journey!
The following scripture passage puts it clearly. "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now, choose life so that you and your children may live. Love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life..." (Deut. 30:19-20)
Choosing Life and Life Giving Thoughts...dmc

Birthing Something Blessed

"When you seek My Face...Be prepared to be blessed bountifully... Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me. When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy. This is eternal life here and now..." (199)
Years ago just before Christmas, during my quiet time, I was reading in Luke 1 about how the angel, Gabriel, came to Mary telling her she was blessed and highly favored by God and would soon "conceive and give birth." When Mary asks how that could be because she had not been "intimate with a man," (vs. 32) he says something most perplexing. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." (Luke 1:35)
When Joseph is also pondering how all this could be, the angel tells him, "what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit." (Matt. 1:20)
I believe that the Holy Spirit can come upon us with life-giving, God-inspired concepts that can change lives, saving "people from their sins." (Matt. 1:21)
There is nothing as fulfilling as seeking His Face, being willing to receive and give birth to something "here and how" that blesses another with eternal life. God's best gifts are often birthed into this world through those who have spent intimate time with Him, spiritually receiving, conceiving and giving birth to God-inspired thoughts.
Celebrating "New Life"...dmc

Beyond Chariots & Horses

"Some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those... Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them. Don't try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with Me... (this) will keep your mind in My Presence..." (198)
Psycho-therapy offers many theories, strategies or techniques to deal with troubling patterns of thought. All can be quite helpful, however, as Christians, we have an amazing advantage... confession!
"If we confess... He is faithful and just to forgive... and to cleanse us."(I John 1:9) That includes our thoughts, all our thoughts! We confess to be forgiven and cleansed... that's SO therapeutically and spiritually sound!
Other counseling techniques can be like "chariots & horses," accomplishing a lot, however, we are wise to "trust in the name of the Lord our God." (Ps. 20:7)
As a counselor I may travel in a therapeutic "chariot" or ride on a healing "horse" once in awhile, however, I most often rely on a very practical and spiritually sound strategy... confession!
It's SO good for the soul... I know that from personal & professional experience!
Soul Confessing Often...dmc

Holy Ground Hawaiian Style

"Make space for time alone with Me... seeking My Face. Be still and attentive in My Presence. You are on holy ground." (197)
An interesting custom in the Islands is the practice of removing your shoes when entering into a home. Most homes will have a little sign saying something like this, "Hawaiian Style: Please remove your shoes. Mahalo!" (Check out: www.bananapatchstudio.com) Most traditional Island churches also practice this custom. Incidentally, I think Moses would have made a good Hawaiian! (Ex. 3:5)
It has been a good reminder to me that I need to strip off the things that would hinder entering into His Presence. The good news is that as I leave my time alone with Him, I leave lighter, less burdened, stripped of sin and stress. What a great way to go into my day! What a great 'custom' to get use to, after all, isn't it forever going to be...
Heaven's Style: All Sin/Stress/Burdens....Removed!
A Big Mahalo (Thank You)...dmc

A Glorious New Adventure

"Draw near to Me with a thankful heart... Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our love-relationship...I am totally trustworthy. I long to make your life a glorious adventure... I am always doing something new within My loved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you." (196)
My precious mother, after being with daddy nearly 60 years, stepped into stages of grief after his passing. We all know that dealing with death can be an ultimate challenge, because it means we "must stop clinging to old ways." She made a conscious decision to do her grief-journey alongside others' on similar paths. In her "new adventure" she decisively touched others for God's glory. As she stepped into grief, she also stepped out in faith, getting to "know (Him) in greater depth and breadth," she became an inspiration and encouragement to many others.
No matter what our age, there are new adventures all along this earthly journey. Even when our hearts are breaking, it's good to know... God's "love-relationship" with us means "nothing can separate (us) from (His) loving Presence!"
Thanks, mom, for being a living demonstration of a love-relationship with our earthly father AND with our heavenly Father!
With Deepest Gratitude...dmc

His Works & Fireworks

Happy 4th of July! In the US this day is all about celebrating our national freedom! Throughout the country flags wave, bands march, patriotic songs are sung and fireworks fill the night skies. It's a grand celebration!
As citizens of Heaven, worship is our celebration and we become demonstrations of His Works, singing the songs of spiritual freedom. "When you worship Me in spirit and in truth, you join the choirs of angels who are continually before My throne... your praise and thanksgiving are distinctly audible in heaven... gratitude clears the way to My heart." (195)
"True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24)
On July 4th I like to read from John 4. It reminds me of my own spiritual freedom. The whole chapter is a display of divine fireworks, His Works, in the lives of those who needed freedom from sin and even freedom from death! (John 4:47-53)
We have great reason to celebrate and something eternal to sing about... with the Angelic Choirs! Think of it! So, watching Fireworks reminds me to let my praise burst forth with grand heavenly celebration!
His Works really Work (on any day, not just the 4th!) ...dmc

The Interceding Mind-Set

"My children make a pastime of judging one another - and themselves...I am highly offended when I hear My children (judging) one another or (indulging) in self-hatred... There is no condemnation for those who belong to Me." (194)
This is one of the greatest Truths for me! As a 'recovering perfectionist' I have wrestled with self-condemnation for years.... and to prayerfully challenge that tendency has helped me to move deeper into "the mind-set of the Spirit (which is) life and peace." (Rom. 8:6)
Developing a transformed, renewed mind helps to better "discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." (Rom. 12:2)
Activating the "mind-set of the Spirit" can seem more of a challenge, at certain times. But I can rejoice in this fact... that "the Spirit Himself intercedes for us...and He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God... (working) all things together for good... (conforming us) to the image of His Son."(Rom. 8:26-29)
When tempted to judge myself (or anyone else) I will consciously, intentionally, mindfully partner with the Holy Spirit. Choosing instead to be...
Covered with His Intercession...dmc
PS - Aren't we SO grateful for "Heaven's mercy seat?" Thanks, Melissa, for sharing a video of the Revelation Song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNjFSc28TdU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

God's Voila' Ability

"Living well is both a discipline and an art... staying close to Me, the divine Artist... I work My way in your life." (193)
Maui has become an island of many artists. The lush scenery, colorful birds, flowers and ever-changing ocean just inspire creative minds to be even more creative. When there, we will often watch the various artists paint, carve, sculpt or mold their craft into highly sought after treasures.
Our lives are to be examples of God's Craft-ability at work. Daily He fashions us into extensions of His own Image.
I marvel at His handiwork in nature and in the hearts and lives of those He's placed in my world. It is "both a discipline and an art," the way He crafts His Image into our hearts. All my insecurity, inadequacy, insufficiency, and vast inability can be miraculously God-crafted... and voila'... His image appears in living color! It's God's Voila' Ability at work in each of our lives! I suppose that makes us....
God's Voila' Treasures...dmc

Soaking & Unscrambling

"Spend time soaking in My Presence...gazing at Me... This time alone with Me is essential for unscrambling your thoughts and smoothing out the day before you. Be willing to fight for this precious time with Me...the evil one's determination (is) to distract you from Me. Delight yourself in Me, for I am the deepest Desire of your heart." (192)
I've discovered that the best way for me to stay well-anchored in the midst of life's numerous demands is to intentionally guard my devotional time with Jesus, no matter what!
There were seasons of life when the "soaking" time was quite varied and even haphazard, especially during those demanding baby-days, toddler & teenage stages of parenting. Even though I was often distracted, I came to realize, all the more, my inner strength would have to be found in snippets of silence and scripture. So, carving that into my day became a priority.
Even now, in this season of life, I am still having to protect my daily time alone with God. I've discovered I also need extended "soaking" times. Time to pull away for several days or even weeks. It helps me unscramble my thoughts and re-anchor my priorities. It's good for me, my marriage and ministry!
May you discover your own spiritual soaking times, even if it's a snippet, on the run.
I am so grateful to be...
Soaking with Jesus...dmc

Renewing Truth Frees Us

Setting you free, "this is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit... sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing your entire being on Me. Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness... I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. I died to set you free."(189)
To be set free from our entrenched ways of thinking, our typical ways of behaving and our conditioned ways of reacting is humanly impossible. We need to be radically honest with ourselves and admit... We need a Redeeming Savior to free us from our own destructive traps!
So, Jesus freely offers us His radical answer,"If you continue in My Word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) Freeing Truth and authentic discipleship seem to go together.
From experience I know this is true! The more I "continue in His Word" the more freedom I experience, especially in my thought life. New thoughts tend to "burst freely upon (my) consciousness... paths of newness" seem to appear in the landscape of my mind, like a fog lifting over the horizon. The possibilities for life seem endless and eternally impacting, the more I "continue in (His) Word!"
No wonder the enemy works relentlessly to keep us distracted and detached from God's Word! The possibilities for eternal significance in each of our lives greatly threatens Satan's plan. What is Satan's plan? To spiritually sabotage us and to eternally ensnare us! Yikes! So, I am...
Prayerfully Pondering Truth Paths & New Possibilities...dmc

Wake Up, Perk Up

"As you get out of bed in the morning, be aware of My Presence with you. You may not be thinking clearly yet, but I am. Your early morning thoughts tend to be anxious ones until you get connected with Me. Invite Me into your thoughts by whispering My Name." (188)
Over the years I have noticed that my first waking thoughts can often be anxious or even rather self-sabotoging. I can easily start the day feeling anxious about the demands of that day, filled with many I-should-have, could-have or if-I-would-have thoughts that accuse and can undermine me.
So, I do much better when I promptly redirect my first conscious thoughts. I will often think of a praise song or some inspirational hymn. Even some children's songs can perk me up as I am getting up. Dr. David Amen's challenge, to think of at least 5 things you are thankful for each morning, has been proven to change the neuro-chemical environment of our brains. Even smiling, first thing in the morning, according to brain research, can jump-start our day in the right direction!
I want my brain to be spiritually and neuro-chemically healthy so that I can be most productive and pleasant all day long. It radically helps me, when I "face the day cheerfully." Incidentally, YOU are one of my 5 things I am thankful for today!
Waking Up with Praise...dmc

Beyond Instinct to Insight

"Taste and see that I am good. This command contains as invitation...and a promise." (187)
"Taste and see" invites me to deeply experience Him. I have learned that the more of Him I have tasted and seen, the more convinced I am that He is indeed very "good!" Even though His ways are often mysterious, far beyond my understanding and I may be tempted at times to "doubt (His) goodness," I choose to trust God and to gain a better understanding of Him.
Proverbs 2:3-11 says I can "call out to insight...to understanding... seek for it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then (I) will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God... For wisdom will enter (my) mind, and knowledge will delight (my) heart. Discretion will watch over (me) and understanding will guard (me.)"
Whenever my "human instinct to doubt (God's) goodness" overtakes me, I call out for insight, for understanding... I seek it out... I search for it... And even when I do not fathom His ways, I choose to "spend time enjoying (Him) and experiencing (His) goodness." Why? Because of the promise... His goodness is greater than my doubts!
I do not want my relationship with Him to be based upon my flawed, finite perspective. I want my relationship to be based upon His flawless eternal insight and love for me!
Challenged to trust Him, even when I do not understand Him...dmc

Spiritual Deep Breathing

"Rest with Me awhile... Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey... it is in the present moment that I meet you... Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment." (186)
Breathing is a crucial present-moment activity we all must do to sustain life. Most of the time we take it for granted and tend to overlook such a critically important task. Years ago when our son battled asthmatic episodes, there were times when taking the next breath became such a priority that nothing else even mattered. Our whole focus was on his next breath!
When our other son was only a few weeks old, his infant chair tipped over and he landed in such a way that his windpipe collapsed. As I gathered him into my arms, I was finally able to position his little body so that he could make a small gurgling sound, keeping him breathing. I held him in that awkward position until we had emergency medical assistance.
In both cases, future worries and past regrets were none-issues... the primary focus was that next breath of precious air!
In creation, God breathed his Spirit into Adam’s dusty, lifeless body and he became a "living soul." (Genesis 2:7) After Jesus rose from the dead, before he ascended back into heaven, He breathed His life-giving Spirit on His disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”(John 20:22) The Psalmist says that our lives are like "a breath" or "a vapor." (Psalm 39:5 & 11; 144:4) But, I especially love how the book of Psalms closes with this great reminder: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)
Days away, on our annual study vacations, are "breathing breaks" that help us to breathe in "deep draughts of (His) Presence." Our daily routines tend to cause us to become breathless and spiritually asthmatic, so we need to intentionally schedule in times of deep spiritual breathing.
Breathing Deeply Today...dmc
PS - Happy Birthday to our grandson, Hayden, who's a delightful breath of fresh air in our family!
Lots of Love & Aloha from Grammy & Papa!

A Boat Load of Worship

"Stay calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what... Nothing takes Me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents." (185)
The devo today reminded me of Matthew's account of Peter stepping out of the boat, walking to Jesus on the water, then "when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught hold of him... Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, "Truly You are the Son of God!" (Matt. 14:29-33)
There are a number of amazing moments in this story... Jesus walking on the water, Peter daring to do the same, Jesus' immediate rescue when Peter cried out, "Lord, save me!", the winds suddenly stopping and finally... the impact all this had on "those in the boat." It was a spontaneous worship service!
No matter what the circumstances may be, I want everyone in my "boat" to end up...
In Worship...dmc

Loving My Savior & My Spouse

Making a love relationship work WELL can offer quite a challenge. I find it interesting how a rich, rewarding relationship with God can strongly parallel the rich, rewarding relationship I can enjoy with my husband. I realize that many marital relationships are too strained to be rich and rewarding, and we've certainly navigated through our own relational landmines! But paralleling the two relationships offers me a constructive option of response that I like. It creates the dynamic intersecting of the two most critical relationships of my life; much like aligning two lenses for a clearer, more favorable perspective.
I especially like how the Amplified Bible puts it... "The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:17) Ah, yes, the focus is NOT on "past sins" but the many reasons to "rejoice over you."
The devo for today pictures the love relationship this way... "Open your hands and your heart to receive this day as a precious gift from Me... I rejoice when you glance My way... the gift of thanksgiving opens your heart to rich communion with Me... thankfulness is the best way to draw near Me... I take great delight in you; I rejoice over you with singing." (184)
I certainly want Joe to view me from such affirming lenses! Especially since we are in the midst of being together, continually, for 3 weeks!! It's our annual study vacation. Stressing with each other would be such a waste of our time and energy. Beginning "each day with a sunrise, announcing (God's) Presence" and maintaining a thankful, open heart definitely sets the stage for a great day rejoicing over my Savior...and my Spouse!
Rejoicing over the "Good Guys" in my life...dmc

Light Dispels Dark Thoughts

"Hold My hand - and trust. So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well... Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence." (183)
I suppose we all know what it's like to battle with anxious thoughts that overwhelm us and mess with our sense of sanity and peace. When one of our grandsons was 6 years old, he went through a time where he was battling some scary thoughts at bedtime. He would call and want to talk with "Grammy" until he could fall asleep. While I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the little guy, his ponderings made my heart ache deeply. It just seemed so unfair for such a young, tender heart to be so troubled and unsettled.
As adults, with well-seasoned, battle-bruised souls, we know what it is like to be plagued with distressing thoughts. However, it seems all the more cruel for similar thoughts to invade our younger more vulnerable ones. So, this Grammy crafted a plan, via long-distance, over the phone, to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)
With his Daddy's help a list was made, detailing his troubling thoughts. Then he was asked if Jesus was bigger and stronger than each of those thoughts. Of course, Jesus was! Then Daddy took Noah's list of scary thoughts and placed them in the flame of a candle. Watching the flame consume his fears illustrated how Jesus is the Light that overcomes all our scary thoughts. That powerful Truth and graphic illustration helped to comfort a 6 year old's anxious heart.
No matter what our age, it's good to remember that "the Light of His Presence" melts away "fearful, anxious thoughts" along with the sinful ones that tend to haunt and harass us!
Submitting all thoughts to His Light...dmc

Ordinary Olive Trees

"A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation. Gently bring your attention back to Me, whenever it wanders away. I look for persistence- rather than perfection- in your walk with Me." (182)
As I reflect, there are some 'ordinary heroes of faith' that have inspired me. It's not been the ones who've lived perfectly but those who have lived persistently.  They maintain a determined mindset and lifestyle of faithfulness. Their love for God, His Word, and the family of God are inspirational examples of positive persistence, strategically making God the priority of their lives. While others may be like spiritual super-novas that burst on the scene initially then quickly fade away in the daily disciplines of spiritual maturity. I want to be more like the ones who are "like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God... in the presence of (His) faithful people..." Ps. 51:8-9
Each 'ordinary hero' is needed in our midst. God uses the presence of ordinary individuals to inspire many others, often without them even knowing it! So, "Thank You" to all the 'ordinary olive trees' whose positive persistence deeply inspire me!
These "olive trees" tend to not "neglect meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage each other... (so as not to) grow weary and lose heart... maintaining a clear conscience... conducting themselves honorably." (Heb. 10:25, 12:3, 13:18)
While being perfect seems impossible, being persistent can be inspirational. I want to be positively persistent not perfectly pathetic!  It all springs out of a properly balanced, God-glorifying, healthy thought life!
Striving to be positively persistent....dmc

Priority of Perspective

"Thank Me for the very things that are troubling you... It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time... Thankfulness awakens you to My Presence, which overshadows all your problems." (181)
The devo today mentions how we are tempted to indulge in complaining which will set the stage for "torrents of rage and self-pity." This makes much more sense to me after reading research on the way our brains work. Because the atmosphere of the brain is highly sensitive to the neuro-chemical climate of our thought patterns, the overall landscape of our mind will reflect the impact of our most-often-selected attitudes and thoughts. Choosing thankfulness over resentfulness makes a huge difference!
While reflecting on Numbers 11-14, Joe and I were captured by how a handful of grumblers, complaining about food, helped set the stage for a toxic mindset of criticism and complaints. Examples: Miriam & Aaron criticized Moses' leadership. Later 10 of the 12 spies returned from Canaan with a negative report, which put such fear and doubt in the peoples' hearts that they ended up stuck in the desert, dying, when they could have enjoyed a bountiful life in the Promised Land.
We must protect the landscape of our minds (and our homes) from deserts of criticism and complaints. Thankfulness leads us into the Promised Land of bountiful living, no matter what our circumstances may be.
Quick Caution:  Like Caleb and Joshua... Thankful living means we may be in the minority when we're making a Godly positive perspective our priority.
So, what can we do about it? We can respond like Job! In the midst of his own world of troubles, while fault-finding friends gave him flawed counsel, God told Job just to pray for his criticizing friends. And watch what happened... "the Lord restored...(and) blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the earlier (part of his life.)" Job 42:10-12
I'm challenged to be more like Caleb, Joshua & Job!
Taking on the Prayerful Positive Perspective...dmc

Captured in Timelessness

"I dwell in timelessness: I am, I was, I will always be...Meet Me in timelessness." (180)
In 7th grade I was given the assignment to read and report on a book entitled, "A Wrinkle in Time." It was very intriguing...the concept of escaping the limitations of time! I remember one of my concluding thoughts was that perhaps we are presently living in "A Wrinkle in Eternity"... that our "time" is really just a wrinkle in the broad eternal folds of timelessness! I still believe that today!
I am grateful that we have a Savior who "dwells in timelessness." I love to think of my devotional time as an opportunity for me to momentarily step alongside the Eternal, briefly escaping my own time-bound "wrinkle!"
Slivers of timelessness can capture us whenever we enjoy His presence... whether we are here, on an island Sabbath, or home in an ocean of daily demands!
Enjoying a Timeless Savior Any Time...dmc

Dad's Radar System

On my first Father's Day after Daddy had gone to Heaven my two sisters and I joined mom on a conference call to pause and ponder how blessed we had been. (I was vacationing in Hawaii, mom was in Oklahoma, and my two sisters were in Indiana and Oregon.) We were so grateful for a father who made it a priority to place us in environments that helped us to develop spiritual eyes and ears. Dad had a kind of High Powered Radar System that worked to guide and also guard his three daughters. Dad's radar system included a sensitivity to subtleties that could potentially harm us and also a keen sensitivity to spiritual influences that would be advantageous. Today's devo reminded me of how Dad tutored us to be extra-aware!
"I speak to you continually. My nature is to communicate..." through "glorious sunsets... loved ones... gentle breezes... I speak softly in the depths of your spirit, where I have taken up residence. I rejoice each time you discover My Presence. Practice looking and listening for Me. Gradually you will find Me..." (179)
I'm thankful for a Dad who helped us discover and develop an extra-awareness of God at an early age.  As an earthly father, he helped us tune into our Heavenly Father!  To those who have not been so Father-Blessed, remember that your Heaven Father delights in you. (Num. 14:8, Ps.18:17-19, Prov. 11:20, 15:8)  He calls you the "apple of His eye." (Ps. 17:8, Zech. 2:8)
So no matter what, we've all been...
Father Blessed...dmc

Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone Appointments

"Dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you... Glorifying and enjoying Me." (178)
Joe and I have found it especially fulfilling to be an extension of God's generous heart to others. The year we were celebrating our 35th anniversary, we'd gone to a nice restaurant in Kihei, Maui. Late into our meal the waiter stepped in alongside our table and asked, "What would you say is the secret to a long, happy marriage? My wife and I have been married 11 years, we have 3 kids and we're not doing well."
In just a few short minutes we gave him our best marriage tip... to choose the kind of Love that goes far deeper than the issues that challenge marriage.  To say often to each other, "I want our love for each other to go deeper than this issue/incident/disappointment/misunderstanding, etc."
It also opened the door for us to be an extension of God's generous heart. We tipped him well and told him to take his wife out, so he could share with her his decision to have a love for her that went far deeper than the irritations and issues they were currently facing.
There's no doubt...it was a powerful, God-ordained encounter. My friend, Kay, calls this a DA... a Divine Appointment! I love that concept! Any ordinary day can become extra-ordinary with just one DA. I love how God can bless us and others with just one Divine Appointment that can happen...
Anywhere Anytime with Anyone...dmc

Well Graced, Well Paced

"You are My beloved child... walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you... keeping in step with Me... stay close... I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes." (177)
It's a strange mix for me. Most of the time I live with a sense of urgency, in a hurry, off to the next thing. However, some of the more soul-enriching, life-expanding things I would like to accomplish seem just beyond my reach, pushed somewhere into future days. Learning to be paced well requires a good measure of grace for me.
The Old Testament story of Jacob returning home with his large family and flocks has given me a good example of being well-paced.
Rather than driving them hard for even one day, Jacob choose to "continue on slowly, at a pace suited to the livestock and the children..." (Gen. 33:13-14)
Having young grandchildren and aging parents gave me opportunity to learn the benefits of pacing well, of being respectful of the weaker, more vulnerable ones. Even today, on our early morning walk, I told Joe how much I enjoyed our brisk morning walk and appreciated his thoughtfulness to pace with my shorter stride.
Jacob's tender, careful attention to his family and flocks reminded me of how the Good Shepherd of our Souls, gathers us, His lambs, and carries us close to His heart. (Is. 40:11)
So, when I'm anxious to move on...I must remember He sets "the pace in keeping with (my) needs and (His) purposes!" He graciously keeps me...
Paced Well...dmc

God's Delight - Our Laughter

"Learn to laugh at yourself... don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax... Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places... (it) rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise... I delight in hearing My children laugh." (176)
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts I was given as a child was the gift of laughter. I can remember so many hilarious moments. Even very simple things, or moments when I could have been embarrassed, became absolutely a "hoot!" That was one of the ways my parents helped us to learn to cope with the more awkward moments of life.
My dad, with all his physical challenges, still had a very healthy funny bone! According to research, the benefits of laughter impact one's physical, emotional and social life so much that it is often a prescribed therapy! Laughter really IS "good medicine!" (Prov. 17:22)
Praise God for the gift of laughter and for others who know how to tickle our funny bone, since God delights "in hearing (His) children laugh." I need to intentionally be...
Tickling My God-Given Funny Bone More Often...dmc

Dust on the High Road

"Stay on the high road with Me... walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence, living in My Peace. This is My unique design for you, planned before the world began." (175) "For we are His creation-created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10
This particular verse has spoken to me many times. It baffles my mind to think that God had me in mind far before 'my time.' On the time-line of humanity, there's a little speck of 'dust' representing my life. With all my unique frailties, flaws and mixture of efforts, God was preparing... in the big and little things of my life... "good works" to be accomplished for His Glory!! That inspires me, motivates me and keeps me focused on HIM. It's all about using the 'dusty vessel' of my life in the most rewarding way possible...to magnify my great Creator!
My precious Daddy, who is now in Heaven, spent his whole life with some significant 'dusty' issues, living with the painful ramifications of a crippling birth defect. Yet, he seldom complained and was determined to make life a never-to-be-forgotten adventure. Quick-witted and incredibly creative, he inspired and humored all of us! Most of all, he LOVED his Creator who had "distinctly designed" a "different path" which became "the High Road" he was "called to walk." With all Daddy's challenges, he knew how "to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with (his) God." (Micah 6:11) So, today I am grateful and...
Trusting God with My own 'Dusty' Issues...dmc

Beyond the 5 Senses

"Focus on things that are unseen...You must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over-stimulation of the senses, that blocks out awareness of the unseen world... The goal is to become aware of unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world." (174)
The more I learn about how God created our amazing brains, the more I appreciate biblical Truths. The way we process information, coming in from the five sensory receptor sites in the brain, is a phenomenal gift! However, it can dominate and dictate our thinking, unless, we have disciplined our minds to re-think and biblically evaluate a train of thought. When we take the time to respond wisely, rather than just reacting to a given situation, we can access higher level thinking skills. Which, incidentally, tend to produce the Fruit of the Spirit, glorify God and promote peace!
Usually during this time of the year Joe and I take time to gear down and refocus on the Unseen Creator Who created some awe-inspiring islands! "Let them give GLORY unto the LORD, and declare HIS PRAISE in the islands!" (Isa. 42:12)
Aloha...dmc

An Ermine Anniversary

Today is our Wedding Anniversary! We married in 1975... doesn't that sound like a loooong time together!? Hollywood celebrates famous couples who can make it a full year together! Many go their separate ways within the first few years; very few experience a full decade together!
That's not us! We're not famous, far from Hollywood, but we feel abundantly blessed, loved "with an everlasting love... lifted out of the sea of despair... wrapped in an ermine robe....of righteousness." (173)
As Christians, even more so as Christian couples, we can learn alot from the ermine. Did you know an ermine is a small animal with an impressive coat of fur? In warmer weather it is a rich red-brown. In areas where the ermine experiences an inch or more of snow for at least forty days of the year, the color of it's fur will change to a luxurious white. However, the tip of it's tail always remains a conspicuous black. The winter-white fur is highly prized, and has been used historically in the robes of famous royalty. It has also become a symbol of purity. What captures my interest is that the ermine's regal white "robe of righteousness" is only revealed in winter!
As Christians, when we are in a spiritually cold, wintry season of the soul, we need to allow God to 'pursue us, embrace us, sing a Love Song to us and wrap us in His ermine robe of righteousness.' I like my friend, Renee's insight that God will often use US to be His royal robe wrapped around others who are in their own wintry season. After all He calls us "a chosen race, a royal priesthood." (I Peter 2:9) How amazing is that? What a great way to wrap up and secure a relationship for the many seasons of married life!!
Interestingly, an ermine is often confused with a weasel, until the winter season arrives and the royal difference is strikingly obvious. Praise God for couples who have discovered & live out the royal difference! (I'm sure glad I didn't marry a weasel! And I don't want to BE one either!)
Putting on my Regal Robe, Singing His Songs of Love...dmc
Caution: Watch out for "the Weasel!" (He pops in... around the mulberry bush? Wink!)
Also, Happy Birthday to my sweet mother, Dorothy Volesky, who daily dons her robe, inspiring us!

New & Refreshing

I just LOVE the devotional for today! "Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit's fruit." (172) To let God create "something new" in us. To be "a bubbling spring of Joy that spills over into others' lives." What a wonderful way to live life...open to the "new" thing God desires to do in us!
I have some "bubbling springs of Joy" in my life; they are so good for me. I've also discovered others who are more like wonderful deep "reservoirs of the Spirit's fruit." Both are the result of being open to "something new."
I need the bubbly ones and I need the deep ones... all God's glorious gifts to me... all so refreshing! As my friend, Kay says, "we actually need both...they offer balance in our lives!"
Praising God for Bubbling Springs & Deep Reservoirs...dmc

The Defining Difference

"Let Me help you get through this day... Stay alert to the many choice-points... there is a better way. You can choose to walk with me along the path of Peace...watch how I transform trials into blessings." (171)
Have you noticed people who choose "the better way?" People who walk "the path of Peace?" People who are more aware of their blessings than their trials?
What is the defining difference? At each moment or point of choice, they are far less likely to complain, to "moan and groan," less likely to focus on negatives and difficulties. They have made a choice, and continue to choose, to "walk with Jesus," to "lean on Jesus," to think like Jesus, having "the mind of Christ." Phil.2:5
Checking my Choice-Points today...dmc

Vulnerable or Available

"The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts... You are not alone in this struggle for your mind. My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help... Ask Him to control your mind." (170)
Our thought life highly dictates our entire lives. We are only as healthy as our thoughts! We can be vulnerable (to the enemy) or we can be available (to the Spirit.) "The mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace." Rom. 8:6.
The mind-set of the enemy is death, hostile toward God, unable to submit and unable to please God. (Rom.8:6-9)
Well, that makes it mighty clear, so I'm...
Checking My Mind-set...dmc

Get a Good Grip

"Rest in Me, My child. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen... As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours." (169)
Our minds' abilities are absolutely phenomenal, yet our minds also have some interesting limitations. We can only successfully hold to one thought at a time. We may bounce in and out of various thought processes in a short amount of time, but in each of those momentary bursts of brain activity, we are constructively processing individual trains of thought, one at a time! That helps to explain why, if we hyper-focus on solving future problems, we may forget to enjoy God's "strong grip" holding our hand, right now.
So, "when on my bed, I think of You, I meditate on You during the night watches because You are my help; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You. Your right hand holds on to me." Ps. 63:6-8
He has the ability to look into our future and will make the necessary provisions. He directs the God-focused so that today's choices will take care of tomorrow's concerns. That's taking trust to a whole new level!
Mentally "Getting a Grip" on Him...dmc

Pockets of Darkness, Lenses of Love

"Look at other people through lenses of Love; see them from My perspective...it pleases Me." (168)
Love is such a powerful antidote to all dark and vice-like responses. To respond with love when another has reacted in spite, or out of their "pocket of darkness," is one of the most liberating privileges of a Christian. To walk in love is often uphill, yet well worth it. Giving in to a reactionary vengeance takes little effort, however it is always a severe waste of your human dignity and especially costly to your eternal soul.
So choosing to love another, when their sin or faults would say otherwise...elicits great respect because it requires a grace-filled soul.  Grace in action deeply impacts my personal life, helping me overcome "pockets of darkness" in others and even within myself.  Using "lenses of Love" radically changes and enhances the perspective around me and within me.
"Seek to live in My Love, which covers a multitude of sins: not only others' sins but also yours." 1Peter 4:8
Checking my Pockets & my Lenses...dmc

Bridges & Branches of the Mind

"I know everything about you, far more than you know of yourself." (167)
The complexities of the human mind, all the networks of thought patterns and behaviors, are far beyond our ability to explain or to understand. Hidden, somewhere in the neuro-bridges and branches of the brain, lies the sick and seductive tendencies of the soul. Patterns that taunt us, haunt us, until we feel helplessly overcome. Yet there's SOMEONE who knows and totally understands us!
Even more AMAZING... we often continue to resist honest confess to the One who honestly knows and loves us anyway! Perhaps, our great flaw is the tangled thought patterns of pride woven in the mind where we blindly hide, becoming trapped and imprisoned in our own "offensive, hurtful" ways! (Psalm 139:24)
May our own bridges and branches not sabotage our own good choices. Confession IS good for the soul...and for the mind! It brings sanity and sanctuary...to our hearts, our homes, our health and our heritage! Hallelujah...
Bringing every network of thought into the Light of His Presence...dmc

Welcome Christ not a Curse

"My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me. Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry... worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me." (166)
An "anathema" was like welcoming a curse upon someone or an evil upon yourself. The opposite of that is Maranatha which welcomes Christ upon someone or something; even meaning to welcome Christ's Return.
This struck me so powerfully... I can either welcome a curse or welcome Christ into my thoughts. It will depend upon what I choose to do with the problems and challenges that come my way. If I worry, I basically welcome all the troubles that come with that worry, much like a curse...anathema.
If I keep my focus on Christ, I am basically welcoming Christ's Presence into the situation. "My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me." (166)
Even if my awareness is flawed or faulty, my faith can become more God-aware and welcome all the blessings that come with...
Maranatha...dmc
PS - "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" Rev. 22:20

The Beauty of His Face

"Seek My face...my world is filled with beautiful things; they are meant to be pointers to Me, reminders of My abiding Presence." (165)
Seeing God's face in the midst of life is such an awesome way to selectively view things, gaining a fresh perspective. For me, God's face is reflected in countless ways especially through beauty, nature, music or the special bond of caring relationships.  I have also seen God's face in unfolding infancy, childhood wonder, young love, resiliency, solitude, pain and aged wisdom. There are so many "pointers" that "declare (His) Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear."
Fine Tuning my Sight & Sound to See & Hear Him...dmc

Homesick for Eden

"I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill." (164)
As long as I can remember I have battled a sense of deep disappointment over things I do that fall short of "perfect." My tendency to self-scrutinize can steal away joy and momentum. So, I need to take my eyes off myself and intentionally refocus on Jesus, and as I do, I sense His reassuring love!
Sometimes, I wonder if I am just homesick for my ancient roots, the Garden of Eden, where life was as perfect as life can get... at least here on earth!
Eden's Girl  (with a whole LOT of fig leaves!) ...dmc

Restored in Challenging Times

"Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust...(although) dotted with difficulties... (and) certain to riddle you with anxiety... Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness...as you stay close to Me."(163)
The usual response to a high level challenge is low level confidence. This sets the stage for anxiety and failure. Often other lives are at stake and our response to "challenging times" can have a devastating ripple-effect!
The good news is, when we head into the challenge, we can also experience peace, "regardless of the day's problems."
In the past few years there's been a cry for leaders who are innovative, perceptive and sagacious enough to build momentum in the midst of decline and recession. We need leaders, and we need to BE leaders, who can prayerfully lead the way through these "demanding days." 
Jesus tells us to "grip (His) hand tightly and stay in close communication... Regardless of the day's problems, (He) will keep us in perfect Peace!" That's quite a promise!
We've got a Good Leader with a Good Plan for Challenging Times!
Restoring My Confidence...dmc

Happy Anniversary to Charles & Amber (my son & his beautiful wife).
What a huge blessing you are to your family, to so many others, and especially to us! God bless you with many more years of love & laughter!

Spiritually Sleepy

"Fears and worries...will encircle you, seeking entrance, so you must stay alert. ..turning back fear before it can gain a foothold." (162)
Remember a time when you tried to "stay alert" and it seemed impossible to do so? I have certainly struggled with staying alert, even dreaming that I was AWAKE, when I had really briefly fallen ASLEEP ...driving down the road! Yikes!
As our boys were growing up they would sometimes vacillate from being spiritually passionate and then spiritually indifferent. At times, when they didn't seem as tuned-in and alert to spiritual things, they were also more inclined to give in to temptation. So, I would occasionally ask if they were getting "spiritually sleepy."
I know that when I become spiritually sleepy it's harder to "stay alert" and fight off the fears and worries this world throws my direction.
Keepin' My Eyes Wide Open...dmc

PS - I'm including some great insights from Kay, Melissa & Carolynn. Thanks, ladies, for your awesome comments & great wisdom!
From Kay...This devotion also reminded me of 2 Tim. 1:7: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. That is what I want! So, why do I get fearful of stupid things, like speaking to a group of people, doing something new, etc?! I do not want to be spiritually sleepy. I definitely needed this devo! I actually should have read it yesterday, before I spoke to a group of out of town visitors:)
From Melissa...I like that Kay! I've been there. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." I know I will always have some sort of fear or worry in my life (I'm human), but having God's love will quiet that fear/worry."My Peace displaces fears and worries".(162) The only thing that I really fear is living life without His love and that is why I must take time to be in his word. "Sit quietly in My Love-Light, while I bless you with radiant Peace. Turn your whole being to trusting and loving me." (162)
From Carolynn...So, why DO I sometimes get fearful of "stupid" things? I really liked the 2 Tim 1:17 scripture also...I too, want the spirit of POWER, of love and a sound mind. A very wise Christian lady once told me when I am in doubt, needing to make a choice, decision about something, etc., to ask myself the question, "will this choice, action, or do these feelings have eternal consequences?" For me, answering that "plumb line" question honestly has given me much peace and freedom, "displacing fears and worries" (162) 2 Thess 3:16 The Lord of peace himself gives me His peace at all times and in every situation.

God's Emergency Room

"Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind."(161) The scripture for today paints an interesting picture in the original language. "Be still and know that I am God..." Ps. 46:10
The phrase "be still" comes from the word "raphah" which means "to mend, heal by stitching, as a physician stitches a wound."
This reminds me of a memorable trip to the ER years ago when our two sons were in their early teens. The boys had been riding their dirt bikes in the woods near our home. Racing back home, the younger one went down, while navigating a turn, on loose gravel. In an effort to miss him, the older one also went down. You guessed it... I had to take both boys to the ER to remove gravel, set a broken bone and get a knee stitched up. In the midst of all the ER drama, the biggest challenge was getting both boys to "be still" or sit still, while their flesh was scrubbed, stitched and a broken arm set and placed in a cast.
When life leaves me broken, bruised and in need of some mending...it's still hard, no matter what age,  to just "be still" and let the Great Physician do His great work.  However, Matthew 12:20 encourages my often bruised or broken heart, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory."  So, I'm learning & quietly waiting my transformation...
In the Eternal ER...dmc

In the Midst of Messy

"Because the world is in a fallen condition.... Expect to find trouble... At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection." (160)
Learning to have a dual perspective greatly increases my ability to maintain a sense of balance when life gets crazy and complicated. While it is necessary to be aware of what's happening around me, it is essential that I am even MORE aware of what's happening within me... staying conscious of the Holy Spirit's inner promptings within me! How absolutely valuable it is, in the midst of the Mess, to be MORE focused on the Message! Therein lies the secret to discovering the "Peace & Joy that circumstances cannot touch."
Keeping My Mind on the Message not the Mess...dmc

Soaking Up the Son

"Let My Light soak into your mind and heart, until you are aglow with My very Being." (158)
This reminds me of how important light is to the plant world... green grass, spreading trees, colorful flowers, lush vegetable gardens... they all do remarkably better with sunlight. We are spiritually the same... we do remarkably better when we have Son-light! So, let's let the Son-shine in!
It also reminded me of a gospel song from years ago, The Hallelujah Side. (Listen for this descriptive phrase... "the windows of my soul.")
So, where (or who) do the windows of YOUR soul open up to?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAaI455daog&feature=related
With Windows Wide Open...dmc

An Amazing Aura

"This time of focused attention... I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day... (creating) sacred space around you - space permeated with My Presence and My Peace." (157)
I am so grateful for people in my life who have illustrated what it means to have "sacred space... permeated with His Presence and Peace." Even as a child, I remember sensing that certain people had a certain aura about them that created "a safe place...a haven" that sparked life and love in me.
One definition of aura is "a distinctive but intangible quality that seems to surround a person or thing; an atmosphere."
Time spent with Jesus creates a cushion of "sacred space" around each of us! What an amazing thought... what a privilege!
Captured in His Amazing Aura...dmc

God-Aware & Grateful

When & Where are you more open to God?
Years ago, after ministering to people who had gone through a series of good times and bad times, Joe and I were honestly reflecting on our own lives and decided we would be very intentional about staying God-aware and grateful during all the situations of life. When things were going great or even when life was stressful and difficult... no matter what... we'd intentionally stay God-aware and grateful!
We decided we did not want to get into a pattern of earnestly seeking after God only when life was dark and difficult or when we were in desperate need of His help. We decided we wanted to habitually live up-close-and-personal even when life was "filled with good things."  We did not want to be inclined to focus on the good things more than on the Good God behind all those good things!!
It is true... "finding God in every situation" and responding "with thanksgiving and praise" does in fact open "wide the door to (His) Presence." (156)
Grateful for a Good, Good God...dmc

The Pool of God's Presence

The devo for today speaks of how great and overwhelming God is and how man mistakenly tends "to make himself the measure of all things. But man's measure is too tiny to comprehend (God's) majestic vastness." (155)
This makes me think of how silly it would be to fill a large swimming pool with water, one tiny teaspoon at a time! It would take forever and be a seemingly impossible task! Yet, that is similar to how small we are in comparison to God's Greatness.
Yet, a God so Great longs for us to "draw near" to Him! And as we "draw near" He promises to respond by drawing near to us! Incredible! (James 4:8)
I think it's time to dive into the pool of His great Presence; to let His overwhelming "Power and Glory" wash over and around us until we are...
Overwhelmed in Worship...dmc
PS - My friend, Melissa shared how this devo reminded her of the song, Measure of a Man by 4Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lunaZQltWGY

Put Him ON

"Seek My face at the beginning of your day...put Me on and wear Me throughout the day... To wear Me is essentially to have My mind; to think My thoughts." (154)
Have you ever noticed how what we wear impacts our mindset and our behavior? After a long day of work, coming home and putting on some casual clothes allows me to feel more relaxed and helps me shed some of the pressures of the day. However, getting up and dressing up for the day helps me feel energized and ready to tackle the demands of that day.
No wonder Jesus reminds us that... "Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day. This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you." (154)

Dressed & Ready in Him...dmc

PS - Happy Birthday to our oldest son, Michael Kaehl Colaw! Thanks for being a great example of a man who "puts on" Jesus every day!  You are a wonderful, caring son!  We love YOU!

Antidote for Uncertainty

"Every person on the planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is drawing closer to Me." (153)
When our sons were little guys they would sometimes need a little extra reassurance in the middle of the night, especially if they'd had a bad dream. It was always quite amazing how quickly they would fall back to sleep just knowing dad or mom was there.
The uncertainties of this world, like bad dreams, eventually dissipate with the antidote of our Heavenly Father's reassuring presence! Resting in His Presence can help to calm and quiet our anxious thoughts, anywhere at anytime!
His Perfect Peace works Perfectly....dmc

Problem Solving not Soaking

"Your mind leaps from problem to problem to problem, tangling your thoughts in anxious knots. When you think like that, you leave Me out...and your mind becomes darkened." (152)
Problem solving is much different from problem soaking! A problem soaked mind is saturated in tangled, toxic thoughts that impact and eventually assault our brains. A problem solving brain operates much differently.
It reminds me of how cucumbers become pickles! As a child I would watch Mom brew the brine and thoroughly soak the cucumbers. We could observe the change inside those Mason jars over the next days, weeks, months.
Dwelling on problems can begin to dominate and dictate our lives to such a point that we become 'pickled' in our own bitter brew.
It's not likely a pickle will ever turn back into a cucumber, however, we have a Problem Solving Savior who "yearns to help" and "together, we can handle whatever this day brings."
Problems are just a fact of life, but the Presence of Jesus will make the brew...
Sweeter, not Sour...dmc

Gardens or Graveyards

"Bring Me your mind for rest and renewal. Let Me infuse My Presence into your thoughts...giving you glimpses of heaven while you still reside on earth...I want you to walk with Me in the garden of your heart..." (151)
The way our minds build neuro-networks of thought looks similar to branches on trees. We can literally grow a "garden" of fruit-producing 'trees' with the patterns of thought we allow to develop in our minds.
Carefully tending our thought life is critically important because toxic, negative thoughts can neuro-chemically burn the branches, eventually leaving something similar to holes in the brain, where life-giving thoughts could have been! The death of a fruitful, life-giving mind, overcome with oppressive thoughts, is such a tragedy!
Jesus invites us "to walk with (Him) in the garden of our hearts, where (He wants to) take up permanent residence."
It's a process of retraining our thought life, with His help, so we can experience the benefits of a beautiful, God-glorifying frame of mind!
Growing a Garden, not Digging a Graveyard...dmc

Strategically Placed

"There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some...are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence..." (150)
Approaching life from the perspective of "hidden treasures strategically placed" in my daily life is a radical mind reset. I've discovered hidden doors will suddenly open when I look at an encounter, a circumstance, a challenge, a responsibility or some life event as a strategic opportunity to discover God's hidden treasure. Some are timely junctures. Others are timeless life lessons. While others may just be another great God-adventure.
It makes me realize how my life is strategically placed in both the larger and smaller scope of all things; including the time and place of my birth, who I am, why I'm here, how I live, and even when and where I will die! All a testimony of being strategically "in Him" where "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden." (Colossians 2:3)
Strategically In Him...dmc

Beyond My Understanding

"When things don't go as you would like...remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances...even though it is beyond your understanding." (149)
Already this morning I've had several emails of concern about things beyond our understanding. Things that tend to "shatter our thinking." However, in the midst of messy times God is still sovereign. Our "ultimate challenge is to keep fixing our eyes on" Him! What we focus on is what becomes the dominating force of our lives!
When our own understanding is weak we can come "under the mighty hand of God" rather than coming under the messy realities of life. (I Peter 5:6)
Under His Mighty Hand...dmc

But as For Me

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation, My God will hear me." Micah 7:7
There are times when we have to make a decision based upon what we personally believe about God or what we have personally heard from God. What others may say... friend, companion, relatives, those who seem especially close... may really sound more like the words of an enemy (Micah 7:5-6) because they are more focused on the problem rather than His Presence. (148)
It's critically important for me to check out my focus...if it's more on the problem than on His Presence... I'm in trouble! If I take counsel from others who are more focused on the problem than His Presence... we're all in trouble!
"But as for me," I must "wait for God" no matter what others say. Great problem solvers have a way of seeing through the problem in the light of His Presence! It REALLY IS the FOCUS we gain in His Presence that makes all the difference!
Focused on His Presence...dmc

"Light" Insurance

"Stay in the Light of My Presence, receiving forgiveness, cleansing and healing... My illumination decimates the darkness. Come close to Me and let My Light envelop you, driving out darkness and permeating you with Peace." (147)
Certainly this is true when we are dealing with issues of sin in our lives... quickly confessing the sins of "self-pity, denial, self-righteousness, blaming, hatred" and a myriad of other transgressions.
However, I am especially grateful that the Light of His Presence can also drive out the dark emotions of the soul.
Depression, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, loneliness and other emotional side-effects of just being human can submit, subside and dissipate in the Light of His Presence! Living in a fallen world requires some "Light" insurance!
Staying Close to His Light Today...dmc

The Aware Difference

"It is through awareness of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings. Practice the discipline of walking consciously with me through each day." (146)
This is the discipline that will make all the difference...intentional awareness of God's Presence!
No matter what is happening, being more aware of His presence will enable us to override the negatives of insecurity, fear, pride, loneliness or whatever tends to sabotage and defeat us.  So, I'm intentionally re-focusing....
To be God-Aware...dmc

Shedding Blinders

"Do not blindly follow your habitual route, or you will miss what I have prepared for you." (145)
Today, I want to shed my blinders of the familiar and habitual patterns and tap deeper into God's perspective that is "higher" than my ways or thoughts about this day! (Isaiah 55:8-9)
So, what does God see that I have missed?  This could be a revelation day!
Staying Carefully Aware...dmc


Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy  (Michael W. Smith)

A Philanthropic God

"I am a God of abundance. I will never run out of resources... gain glimpses of My overflowing vastness." (144)
To comprehend and access a "God of abundance" stretches most of us. We live in a world limited by self-focused supply-and-demand and poisoned with entitlement and greed. But God operates far differently!
We can "gain glimpses" of the "God of abundance" in God's people. We will find those who operate out of the vastness of an eternal perspective rather than holding to an overly practical materialistic perspective. Those who are in sync with such a philanthropic God tend to inspire us to become a more generous, kind and charitable soul.
God seems impractically generous... an abundance of beauty on some remote flower-laden hillside  where no one sees or stands in awe, an abundance of dazzling delicate detail to the tiniest insect He created, an abundance of shimmering stars in folds of endless space, an abundance of love to the least strategic or powerless of people, an abundance of mercy to the least deserving or downcast, an abundance of potential to the least confident or influential, an abundance of favor to the highly overlooked and most unappreciated soul... We have such an abundant, philanthropic God!
Awed & Inspired by Glimpses of His Generous Heart...dmc

Hazy Horizons

"Instead of scanning the horizon of your life...concentrate on the task before you... Let everything else fade into the background. This will unclutter your mind..." (143)
Have you noticed how an anxious mind is a cluttered mind, a distracted mind, a detached mind?
As a result, I must challenge myself often to keep the focus limited to what God has placed on my present plate, rather than scanning the horizon for additional concerns to stress and depress me. I love to be fully prepared and thoroughly organized, to the point that my confidence starts to build on my efficiency rather than His sufficiency!
So, when the future appears to be rather hazy and undefined, I am learning to praise Him, for He holds my uncertain hazy horizon...
In His Capable Sovereign Hands...dmc

Drawing Near

This may be one of the most comforting Truths of scripture..."Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
I just love the  attentive responsiveness of God. Even, at times, when I may not fully sense His presence, I can intentionally acknowledge Him, turning my focus towards Him and away from distractions and especially away from the enemy's negative influence.  I've also discovered how counterproductive it is to try to "draw near to God" when my speech is dishonoring of God, others or even of myself!  Eph 4:29-32 explains why this happens. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
I'm so grateful that "drawing near to God" empowers us to "resist the devil" and to experience the promise... "he will flee from you." (James 4:7)  So my goal today is to...
Resist the Devil by Drawing Near to God...dmc

Camouflaged in Challenge

"Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength... When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them." (141)
To me weaknesses and difficulties are kind of like miniature doorways. Doorways that cause me to have to kneel down and slowly crawl through, in order to get to the other side. And what's on the other side?  A spacious Son-lit soul in a peaceful mind-scape that embraces, encourages and glorifies God.  How is this possible?  Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9).
Some doorways are more like long, dark, enclosed thresholds, silent and suffocating. As I slowly inch my way along, in the midst of the crawl, I am surprised to discover hidden tools that equip, assist and sustain me. Tools I would have missed, if I had not been on my knees! These tools are not easily uncovered because they are camouflaged in challenge. With each tool, I discover more power, more strength, more insight. While this is not my favorite journey I know Christ sustains me and I do like the end result...
His Sunlight Beyond My Threshold ...dmc

Grow or Go

"When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My hands...Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life." (140)
I like these two options: Grow or Let Go!! That simplifies things quickly.
When I'm "in the midst of the crucible," or when I'm soul-weary and heart-troubled, I can view it as an opportunity to grow or as an opportunity to let something go! Either way I can come out way ahead of where I was at the start!
1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds us to "humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
I repeat... HE CARES ABOUT YOU!!
On the Lookout, Looking UP...dmc

Plug the Drain

The "drainout" condition means "needy people have drained" out nearly every ounce of life we have to offer. Most of us can identify with that! (139)
Joe and I have to walk a careful line, discerning our ability to pace the amount of life we take in and give out daily. One of our strategies is to be sure that when we are together we are investing life INTO each other. We cannot be draining to one another and expect to have anything left to give others. We monitor our conversations, entertainment, environments rather closely to protect each other from wasting energy and life on arguments, worthless discussions and or negative mindsets.
Life can get mighty scrappy and we don't need to scrap with each other! It's a great comfort to look forward to being energized with life when we are together. Operating out of HIS Love seems to energize rather than exhaust.
Praying every night as we drift off to sleep is especially healing for us...it helps us plug the drain!
Protecting what works...dmc

Unsnagged!

"The very act of thanking Me releases your mind from its negative focus." (138)
I really believe that a negative focus, keeping our minds "snagged on a difficulty," is one of Satan's  tricky ways of immobilizing us.  It tends to paralyze our potential and keeps us from fulfilling God's purposes in our lives.
Here's the picture that comes to my mind.  Every little girl knows what it's like to comb through tangled hair and every mother knows what a challenge that process can be!  When I'm focused on a negative issue it's much like the painful process of untangling snarly hair.  Releasing each strand from the tangled web can make for near insanity!
I've discovered that my best antidote for worrisome, negative thoughts is to turn that same thought into a prayer of thanksgiving.  Like rinsing the tangle with a sanctified conditioner, grateful prayer allows my tangled thoughts to relax in knowing God will provide, protect and bless...even before I fully understand all the details, including what the outcome will be,  or should be. It certainly protects me from snarly insanity!!
Untangling the snag of worry...dmc

In the Doorway

"View problems as opportunities to relay more fully on Me...your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me, and increasing intimacy between us." (137)
The devo for today is profoundly impacting. Our secret door to "increasing intimacy" with God lies not in what WE can DO FOR Him...but in what HE can DO WITH us when we are overwhelmed with problems and feeling most needy!  Our various needs remind us of our ultimate need; dependency on God.  Who would have guessed that these "afflictions" (2 Cor. 1:3-11) are protecting us from the "idolatry of self-reliance."  Idolatry will keep us out of heaven...intimacy will make us feel right at home in heaven!
Stepping into the Doorway...dmc
PS - As a child, I remember peeking through a doorway, seeing my mother (Dorothy Volesky) in prayer. It was a peek into my Mother's heart! What a precious memory-gift!

Releasing Mistakes

"Release your mistakes" and failures. (136)
Whenever I mess up, it can really mess with me. Learning to release those things and to disentangle the mental-emotional brain web that tends to capture and paralyze me is a tricky task. Just as I am breaking free it seems like some sadistic spider-man flings his oppressive web my direction and I must mentally wrestle free, again.
To release, rather than wrestle, is key to my freedom. Releasing lets me drop the mental-emotional brain web rather than trying to win a wearisome wrestling match with the inevitable fact that I cannot defend my flawed humanity. Mistakes and failures will be inevitable. Releasing my "morass of mistakes" to Jesus allows His "infinite creativity (to) weave both (my) good and bad into a lovely design." (Romans 8:28)
Releasing the inevitable...dmc

Trouble - The Nasty "Norm"

Now, here's a verse everyone has experienced and could document... "In this world you will have trouble..." (John 16:33)
This is NOT good news. This is NOT how I want to start my day... with a guarantee of TROUBLE! Certainly this topic would NOT put someone on the top motivational speakers list:
Trouble is the "Norm" for the Day... Today and Every Day!
The nasty truth is... we all must wrestle with TROUBLE! No matter how it comes, or why it comes... it will most certainly come into each of our lives.
Jesus reassures us that in the midst of trouble we can have peace and be courageous. Why? Because He has "overcome (conquered) the world." (John 16:33)
"Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle...I am on your side..." (135)  Growing up I was very fortunate to observe what overcoming perseverance looked like. My father, Kaehl Volesky, was known for his "overcoming" abilities and his great sense of humor. A difficult delivery caused birth injuries that made for pain issues that messed with him the rest of his life. However, from the cradle to the grave, throughout his 83 years, he inspired others as a Persevering Overcomer!
I guess it takes some "severe" to help us "persevere!" But the good news is, we don't have to do it alone. Jesus, the Persevering Overcomer, will take our hand... one trouble after another... until we enter the eternal ranks of all The Great Overcomers!
In a World of Trouble...dmc

Re-Engineered Events

"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Genesis 50:20
There is no question that God can trump the enemy. The issue is... I must ALLOW God to trump the enemy! I've discovered that my own thought life can sabotage whatever good God is engineering in my life. Even if the people, situations and perceptions that come against me may have some degree of ill-will or evil intent, God can take what is "meant for evil" and re-engineer "it for (my) good." Exactly HOW He does that is beyond me... but I choose to gratefully embrace His re-engineering process, even before I experience it, but certainly before I understand it.
At any point, in any day, we can be in a re-engineering process. Whenever we are required to make an adjustment, or to flex outside our comfortable, expected norm, re-engineering happens. These times teach us to trust Him - "really trust...with (our) whole being... growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm" us. That's how we can "fear no evil, for (God) can bring good out of every situation (we) will ever encounter." (134)
When God actively re-engineers situations and events there's reason to rejoice!
Re-engineered & Rejoicing ...dmc

Fixed Viewpoint

"Fix your eyes NOT on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence)." (2 Cor. 4:18) Our devo today challenges us to "not search for security in the world you inhabit... instead...focus you attention on My Presence with you." (133)
This reminded me of how various perception puzzles can play tricks on our eyes, on our minds, making us see & believe something far different from what is really there! We think that our perception is the final authority on truth, however, our visual perception can be distorted and cannot always be trusted. Listening to two different individuals relaying the same incident illustrates how perception can be very different and maybe very distorted.
If I embrace my perception as the final word, I may miss God's Word on the matter. God's grander perception and purposes often lay outside my finite fixed viewpoint! How I perceive things has a direct correlation on how I react to things.
What does NOT make sense NOW, is often better discerned later!
Readjusting my limited perception...dmc

Total Trust, Total Thanks

"Come to Me for all that you need... Relax in the knowledge that the One who controls your life is totally trustworthy." (132)
To be worthy of one's trust... total trust... is highly rare and absolutely awesome! God is just THAT... worthy of our trust! God is worthy of praise, worthy of honor, worthy of glory and worthy of our total worship. It is no wonder, He tells us to come into His presence with total thanksgiving... there's just SO much to be thankful for! (Psalm 100)
Even in the midst of personal pain there's reasons to to thankful. So, sometimes we are trusting and thanking Him just because we know He is totally aware and totally "there" on this journey. He is no less than our Totally Trustworthy God!
Just the kind of God I need...dmc

Splendor in the Storm

"Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." (Ps. 29:2) This verse from today's devo is found at the start of a very stormy psalm. The rest of Psalm 29 sounds like a thunderstorm is brewing with vast waters (v 3), shattering cedars (v 5), flashing flames of fire (lightening, v 7), a shaken wilderness (v 8) and the woodlands being stripped bare (v 9) with a great flood (v 10).
With a storm of that magnitude stirring, I would be looking for a place of protection, a place to escape or at least hide. In the midst of all this, David, the composer of this psalm, is stirred by God's splendid holiness. His focus reflects an amazing point of view. He closes this stormy psalm by saying, "The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace." (v 11)
Ah, yes...the place of protection, in stormy times, is a God-given strength and blessed peace..right in the midst of the storm.
Here's a song that reminds us to live in praise in the midst of our storms by Casting Crowns.
"Praise You in the Storm." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2rLXr3cEU
Listening for His Voice in the Storm...dmc

Pleased & Pleasing

"If pleasing people is your goal, you will be enslaved to them. People can be harsh taskmasters when you give them this power over you." (130)
Pleasing people is not a pleasing way to live. It's far too taxing and unpleasant! What a refreshing alternative...to experience His pleasure and to live to please someone who loves us enough to forgive us and to help carry our load. When the Messiah dwells in our hearts through faith...He enables us to be rooted and firmly established in the fullness of God's love. (See Eph. 3:17-19)
It is such a pleasing thing to know God is pleased!
Rooted in His Love...dmc
PS - Happy Heavenly Birthday to my sweet father-in-law, CB Colaw, who went to heaven in 2012! What a heritage...Praising Jesus for you!

Whispering "Jesus"

"I am pleased by your tendency to turn to Me more and more frequently...Whisper My Name...this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong... This is abundant life!" (129)
It is amazing how Jesus' name can rebuke our mental storms. The climate of our cloudy minds can be radically modified by the sunlight of His presence.
His presence makes all the difference. All the tough times, alone times, joy-filled and in-between times are radically modified when we "whisper (His) Name." Just speaking His Name can bring in His Presence!
I like the song by Fernando Ortega entitled, Give Me Jesus. That's the cry of my heart...
Just Give Me Jesus...dmc

Stressed Out or Blessed Out

"On the path of My choosing...you simply have no time for worry." (128)
Worry can sabotage a perfectly good day. I have a little sign over my desk at home... "Too Blessed to be Stressed!" It's a good reminder that God desires to "guide my feet into the way of peace!" Luke 1:79
There's no reason to stress when He is guiding me along the "Way of Peace." That word is especially helpful for today...for every day! After all, it's hard to enjoy how really blessed I am when I'm feeling really stressed! Being stressed-out spills out, impacting those around me. I want to be so blessed-out that it spills out blessing those around me today!
On this God-Chosen Path of Blessing...dmc