Guard Your Thoughts!

Only let positive thoughts in…

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

My brother owns a contracting business that largely centers around land restoration.  Because I work with him, I’ve been in some pretty interesting places and done some pretty interesting things.  I’ve worn waders and walked across a wetland, rode a 4 wheeler while ‘spraying the edges’ at a controlled burn, and unfortunately got a Ranger stuck in a very wet marsh, more than once!  I’ve planted hundreds of trees, walked through weeds that were way over my head, and sprayed herbicide from a punt boat my brother was ferrying.  However, my favorite activity is caring for the trees in our tree farm.  But one time this summer, I wasn’t in the tree farm for over two weeks.  Upon returning, it was overrun with 3-4′ weeds!  It didn’t take me long to realize you can’t let your guard down when you’re caring for trees.

We Have to Guard our Thoughts!

This is also true in our thinking.  We have to guard our thoughts.  The world comes at us hard: it is constantly giving us something to worry about.  However, we don’t have to listen! Romans 12:2 (ESV) states,  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  When everything seems hopeless , we must  fill our minds with something hopeful.  Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) states: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Did you catch that? PERFECT PEACE. We can believe God when He says, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

Things to do today: (Click on links above for easy access.)

  1. Read another blog called ‘Hold Fast to Peace.’
  2. Listen to the song, ‘You Say’ by Lauren Daigle.

 

It’s Coming Together

It's Coming Together
Feeling puzzled? Don’t worry, it’s coming together…

My mom likes to put challenging 1,000 piece puzzles together.  When she dumps a box out I can’t help but think it will never come together; it’s just a jumbled mess that doesn’t look like anything promising.  And yet each time I check in, it’s coming together.  She had one with old-fashioned Christmas ornaments all hanging on blue beads.  Another one was a solid picture of sprinkled and frosted doughnuts which, quite honestly, just made me hungry.  A recent puzzle was shelves of books and their many titles.   With patience, little by little, a picture begins to form.   It doesn’t happen overnight and mom has to keep working at it, but each time the final picture eventually comes together.

Trust the Timing

Unfortunately, sometimes life can be a complicated puzzle.  It just seems like a bunch of events that produce nothing but problems and chaos.  But take heart, God is working in your life right now to bring it all together.  From Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”   God had you on His radar for a long time.  Psalm 139:16-17, “You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are your thoughts about me God!  They cannot be numbered!”  Grab ahold of this thought-you are always on God’s mind.  He’s looking at all the seemingly impossible parts of your life and He’s fitting them together to create something beautiful.  So stay steadfast and keep watching, because you can be sure, it’s coming together.

Things to do today:

  1. Trust in God’s perfect timing.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Timing is Everything’ and listen to the song, ‘Glorious Unfolding.’

There is Always a Way Through

Making forward progress...

Recently, I went hiking in the mountains in Phoenix, Arizona with my brother and niece.  We found that it could be difficult to make forward progress!  We went out every day and each trail offered new challenges and different mountain views.  Sometimes we walked alongside towering saguaro cactus and other days the trail was dusty and full of jagged rocks.   On top of that, one park contained every shape and size of boulder, a seemingly brown landscape without greenery.  The trail was difficult to follow and we often found ourselves backtracking to find the main path. The size of the rocks and the incline of the mountain made it hard to find places that allowed passage.  However, with a heart full of determination, we found there was always a way through.  And on the other side, we found the bright sunshine and blue skies again.

Making Forward Progress

Life has a way of impeding our forward progress too. Sometimes were in a place where there is a rock AND a hard place surrounding us.  But remember, there is always a way through.  Finding the way forward can be tricky, but we don’t have to find it in our own strength.  God says, “I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling. This is my solemn promise. ” (Isaiah 42:16, CEV)  That means He may take you forward in a way you weren’t expecting, but here’s the key: you’re moving forward. Keep leaning on God, because on the other side, there’s bright sunshine and blue skies.

Things to do today:

  1. Got Questions? Ask God for direction.
  2. Read a similar blog called: ‘We Can Ask God for Help’ and listen to song ‘Way Maker.’

Overflowing with Joy

A present brings joy.There’s something about the Christmas season that is simply magical.  It’s literally overflowing with joy. Two of the things I really like are the sights and sounds.   My taste in the music of Christmas is a bit eclectic: I love ‘O Holy Night’ but I can easily join in when I hear ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.’  (Perhaps not my proudest moment…)  Similarly, don’t even get me started on the lights.   Popping with colors or stunning in white-I find them mesmerizing.  I’m pretty fond of Christmas sugar cookies too, occasionally eating them Christmas morning for breakfast.  (Don’t judge me; that’s on my schedule again this year.) Christmas feels like a beautiful present filled with glad tidings and great joy.

It’s time to shout aloud and sing

From the beginning, Christmas was always going to be overflowing with joy.  On that first Christmas Eve,  the night began unremarkable for the shepherds.  But then an angel showed up and ordinary flew, (pardon the pun), right out the window. “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.”(Luke 2:9, NLT).  The angel announced the arrival of the Messiah, in the form of a precious baby.  “The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”(Luke 2:11, NLT) When the baby Jesus entered the world, the door to joy was flung wide open.  He  wants us to experience joy at Christmas; but He also wants us to have joy all year.  With that in mind, today is the right time to find the perfect song to bring this gift to life.  “Shout aloud, and sing for joy… because great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 12:6, ISV)

Things to do today:

  1. Pick your favorite song and sing for joy.
  2. Listen to Joy to the World (Pentatonix)  (Click on the song)

Joy is Essential: Joy is Your Strength

Joy is EssentialJoy is essential, and sometimes hard to find while shopping. Today while I was out and about, I came across a good sale.   With perseverance, I found a great-looking pair of comfortable shoes.  Later in the day, I was surprised to find two right shoes.  Unfortunately, I am not saying the shoes were just right; I am saying the box contained two right shoes.  Those shoes weren’t working for me, but somehow I found them. However,  settling for shoes that don’t fit  wasn’t even an option.

 Joy is Your Strength

Jesus wants us to experience joy is all areas of our lives.  On tough days, we believe that things will never get better.  We go through the motions of life, but without any joy.  However, joy is essential.  Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT)  On the dark days, we should cry out to our Creator.  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)  In prayer,  we can ask God to take our difficulties and replace them with joy.  “When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.” (Psalm 94:19 HCSB) Joy is an essential part of our lives. Likewise, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) Let’s not settle for living a weak life.  Instead, let’s gain strength by celebrating the joy of living.

So I ask you: Where is your joy?

Things to do today”

  1. Reflect on how the baby Jesus entering our world brought the gift of joy.
  2. Listen to song, ‘The Joy of the Lord is your Strength.’

Hope for Tomorrow

Aurora-BorealisWhen I look back to my childhood I remember the excitement of the night before Christmas. We all waited in wonder.  Clearly, we had hope for tomorrow.  My four brothers dreamed of bicycles, bb guns, and toy trucks.  I wanted stuffed animals, an Easy Bake Oven, and Barbies.  Unfortunately, more times than I can count, my Barbie found herself strapped to the back of a mini bike.  (It could have been any brother, but Doug was definitely a creative schemer.) For Barbie’s sake and mine, I changed what I asked for the following Christmas.  But on Christmas Eve I still knew, “There was hope for tomorrow.”

The shepherds of long ago looked forward to a new day when they received an unexpected visit deep in the night. “ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:9-12, NIV) 

Even in the midst of our troubles, we can stand firm in the land of hope.  The God who promised the shepherds a Messiah on that long ago night, still remains faithful today. Consistently, “The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases: His compassions never end. They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NET)  Moreover, we can look to the Heavens, and have hope for tomorrow. 

Things to do today:

  1. Meditate on your favorite promise of God.
  2. Listen to song: Mercies (New Every Morning) Matt Redman

 

 

 

There’s More Ahead

One of the reasons I like hiking so much is because you know as you move along a trail there’s more ahead.  It makes me hope for the next bend in the trail. Recently I hiked with my niece Tasha in Phoenix, Arizona.  We traversed smooth, sandy paths and sharp-edged trails. We even climbed over 4′ boulders on our way to the summit of a mountain.   Sometimes a curve on the mountain trail displayed a vista view of the valley below.  Other times we’d see ‘The World’s Tallest Cactus,’ (in my opinion), or  the dramatic incline of the trail ahead.  Continually, we relished in the anticipation of seeing something amazing.

The Wise Men of old must have felt the same way.  They knew there was more ahead. Seeing the star in the east and hearing about a baby that would be King of the Jews, they went in search of Him.  Indeed,  “…they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matthew 2:9-10, ESV) 

We also have hope of more to come.  Although the world is in a turbulent state, we have the assurance of another world that looks quite different. The weeks leading up to Christmas are a good reminder that everything changed when love entered the world at Jesus’ birth.  So this Advent season, may we be blessed with abundant hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NASB)

Things to do today:

  1. Reflect on the real gift of Christmas: Jesus coming into the world.
  2. Listen to this song: Hope in Front of Me (Danney Gokey) 

 

There’s Always a Reason to Hope

There's always a reason to hope. My mom and I recently  visited Maria’s Sunflower Field of Hope and learned there’s always a reason to hope.  We walked a path through the gorgeous flowers and saw prayers written and attached to the sunflowers. The prayers from Maria Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation funds several research studies across the country that have led to new clinical trials and breakthroughs for children’s cancer. It was started by Megan and Ed McNamara in 2007 after their daughter Maria, 7, died from a brain tumor. The display stands as a giant reminder that there’s always a reason to hope.

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. That’s exactly what God wants us to have when we look towards the future.  He wants us to believe for greater things.  My favorite verse on hope is from Jeremiah 29:11.  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Doesn’t that bring comfort? The Creator of the universe wants to give us hope. In those times when life wears us down, we can be sure God wants to give us the strength we need.  “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV) Perhaps we need to take a lesson from the sunflowers and continually face the ‘Son.’  They are a good reminder that there’s always a reason to hope.

Things to do today:

  1. Read a similar blog called ‘Confident Expectation.’
  2. Listen to songs of hope: ‘There’s Hope in Front of Me’ and ‘Trust in You.’

 

Hold on Tight!

away-1356948_1920My nephew and I love to go hiking in the reservoir near my house. One day while walking along a familiar path, we were surprised to see a huge vine hanging down right in the middle of the trail.  Immediately, we arched our necks to look up towards the huge treetop where the vine started.  Seeing it was secure, we knew Ben had to try it out.  It was pretty high off the ground so we were both a little nervous. There was a notch near the lowest point so I lifted him up and put his foot there.   My only instructions were ‘Hold on tight!’   As with a swing, I pulled him back and let go.  I’m not sure whose smile was bigger as he conquered this new experience.

During these trying times, we need to remember to hold on tight.  We have so many questions!  It seems every where we turn it’s hard to know who to trust, what to expect, and when this pandemic will end.  The Bible is filled with promises that we can grab hold of during this crazy time.   Here’s a good one when you are feeling afraid. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)  You are not facing this current crisis alone, God is with you.  He is not leaving your side.  In fact, He is constantly watching over you.  “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.”  (Psalm 121:8, NIV)  Hopefully, someday soon we will look back and give thanks that this world crisis is over.  In the meantime, we need hold on tight to God.  You can be sure He is holding on to us.

Things to do today:

  1. Read a similar blog called ‘A Strong Tower.’
  2. Listen to songs to comfort you.  Here are two: ‘Eye of the Storm’ and ‘You’re Gonna Be Okay.’

***You can click on the colored words above to read the blog and listen to the songs.

God Watches Over You like an Eagle

God watches over you like an eagle

Recently, while walking on a trail along the Huron River, I watched an enormous eagle fly overhead.  At one point, he flew directly above me and his large wingspan cast a shadow over me.  I imagine God is high above us constantly watching too.   I couldn’t help but ponder the eagle’s qualities.  His ability to rise above a storm, his keen eyesight, and his speed in flight to name a few.  But one quality always stands out for me: the way he cares and protects his eaglets.  The eagle couple build their nest high in the trees to avoid predators.  Also, they take turns watching over the nest, rarely leaving the eaglets alone.  If it’s cold, they shelter the babies in their wings.  For the eaglets, being in the shadow of their parent is a special blessing.

Thankfully, we have a watchful parent too.  God does not take His eyes off His children.  “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:5-8, NIV) Unfortunately, there are always things in our lives that challenge us.  These problems can come out of nowhere and leave us feeling vulnerable.  But we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father misses nothing; His protection never ends.  “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4, NIV) Let’s stay safely in the shadow of our Father.

Things to do today:

  1. Read a similar blog called ‘We’re Never Alone.’
  2.  Listen to positive songs to lift your spirits.  ‘Reckless Love’ is a good place to start.