Getting Direction

Perfectly Designed

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Waterfall flowing into a gorge
Rainbow Bridge and Falls, Watkins Glen State Park

Recently I had the opportunity to hike in Watkins Glen State Park, located in New York’s Finger Lakes region.  It didn’t take long to see it was best to stay on the path.  The 2 mile trail ran through a narrow gorge  and boasted 19 waterfalls and over 800 stone steps.  The trail led us within 4 feet of the river and peaked over 1,000 feet above it.  There were multiple stone bridges,  a spiral staircase encased in rock, steep towering cliffs, and natural and manmade trails.  On our 2 hour hike through the gorge, we trusted the unique and helpful trail.  It was perfectly designed for viewing incredible rock formations, experiencing beautiful waterfalls, and keeping all hikers safe (as long as we stayed on the trail).

God has a path for us to follow too.  It is perfectly designed; we just need to trust him as we walk it out.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)    We don’t have to fight the problems that come against us; God will gladly step in to help.  When our days are difficult and we are standing between a rock and a hard place, he makes a way for us. “I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars.” (Isaiah 45: 2, GNT)  God’s perfectly designed path is unique for each of us, where we can marvel at its beauty and experience delight along the way.  “You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight. ” (Psalm 16:11, NET) Here’s the key: stay on the path. 

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God for guidance as you move through your day.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘God’s GPS’ and listen to songs ‘I Will Follow’ and ‘You Never Let Go.’
An Awesome God

You Can’t Replace a Great Friend

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You can’t replace a great friend.  This is true of my friend Diane, who battled cancer for 3 and half years and recently lost the fight.  Besides being such an amazing friend, she was also a loving wife, a proud mom to 3 boys, a caring teacher, motivating coach, and all-around special person.  How can you replace the smiles, the laughter, the easy-going ways of someone so incredible?  How do you replace the caring, the helpfulness, the vibrancy of such a person?  The truth is, you can’t.  But Diane holds a special place in my heart, right where all the beautiful memories are stored.   “A friend loves at all times…” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV) And that, quite simply, is irreplaceable.

God is an amazing friend too. He truly and deeply loves us. “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5, NIV) He is there when we need him.  He stands by just waiting to help.  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ” (Psalm 46:1, NIV) He wants us to be filled with joy. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11, NIV) The Lord watches over and protects us.  “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4, NLT)   God wants to hold a special place in our hearts.  In that way, his love is eternal.  “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV) Having God as our friend, quite simply, is irreplaceable.

Things to do today:

Read a similar blog called ‘A Good Friend’ and listen to songs  ‘Dancing with the Angels’ and ‘Go Rest High on that Mountain.’

                                    In loving memory of my friend, Diane Majoy

Getting Direction

Don’t Quit Now, You Can Do This

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I recently went to Paddle and Climb, a store in downtown Sandusky that rents paddleboards and kayaks, sells sporting equipment and clothes, and has a 32′ rock wall for climbing.  That was the purpose of my birthday outing with friends, to scale the wall, (‘Rocky’ music playing in your head right now would be appropriate).  Chad helped us that day and gave good advice, helpful tips, and encouragement along the way.  One rock face was particularly challenging for me, and I didn’t make it to the top.  When I was tired and ready to give up, Chad said, “Don’t quit now, you can do this.” He even climbed with me, encouraging me as I went.  With the support of my helpful guide, I successfully made it to the top.

The challenges we face in life can make us feel like quitting too.  But we don’t have to face any of them alone!  God wants to walk beside us: giving advice, helpful tips, and encouragement along the way.  “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame…” (Isaiah 58:11, NIV) When we’re not sure what to do next, we can listen for his voice.  “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV) Sometimes we’re just tired and feel we don’t have what it takes to keep going.  God has a remedy for those days too. “The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired. ” (Isaiah 40:29-31, CEV) With the support of our helpful guide, we can keep going!

Things to do today:

Read a similar blog called ‘Stay in the Fight’  and listen to songs ‘Overcomer’ and ‘Don’t Give Up.’

 

Brighter Days Ahead

We Can Ask God for Help

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On his visits to my house,  my nephew’s favorite thing to do is to climb the tree in my front yard.  The problem is, he’s only 4, so reaching even the bottom branch is impossible.  Even with no chance of success, he keeps trying to climb it.  Benjamin reaches as high as he can, he stands on tiptoes, and he even tries to climb the trunk.  Eventually, he asks me to lift him up.  Then he immediately reaches for a higher branch and takes those little tennies and steps onto the lowest branch.  His face instantly lights up like he’s standing on top of the world.  I like that I get to be a part of his success, and that he asked for my help. It makes my day to see him so happy.

God likes to make our days better too.  He watches us struggle and waits for us to ask for his help.  Unfortunately, we often try to fight our battles alone.  Why do we do that?  We can ask God for help. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, BSB) We don’t have to worry and fret about the storms that surround us.  We can ask God for help.  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NLT) Instead of struggling in the valley, let’s ask God for help so he can lift us to the mountaintop.  It makes his day to see us happy.

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God for help.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Good, Good Father’ and listen to songs ‘Need You Now’ and ‘You’re Gonna Be Okay.’
Brighter Days Ahead

We Need a Change

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We Need a Change
Sunlight Over Spring Flowers

Yesterday my family had  a garage sale at my house.  The day started cold and rainy and we wondered about our ‘brilliant’ plan to have a sale on this day.  Let’s face it-this cold, wet, and dreary weather has held on too long-we need a change.  Throughout the day people talked about the cold day and the length of the winter; it seems we’re all hoping for a change in the weather.  We actually ran a small heater in the garage and bundled up in jackets and blankets.  We took turns running into the house to get warm and repeatedly drank hot tea to ward off the chill.  Who thought we’d need to do that at the end of April? Looking at the forecast for next week, I am happy to say warmer temperatures are heading our way.

We need change in other ways  too.  Perhaps a sickness has held on too long, or a particular problems lingers on.  There are times stress, worry, and fears remain in our lives long after their ‘expiration’ date.  Take heart, right now God is planning good things for us.  “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT) The faithfulness of God gives us hope when we need a change in our circumstances.  “I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope:  Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! ” (Lamentations 3:21-23 HCSB) When winter lasts way too long, we need a change. That’s the perfect time to let hope rise…while looking forward to the beauty of a new season.

Things to do today:

  1. Get your hopes up and believe for change.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘A New Season’ and listen to songs ‘Promises’ and ‘I Need a Miracle.’

 

Brighter Days Ahead

Timing is Everything

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Spring flowers on a garden path...
Timing is Everything

It’s that time of year when I realize it won’t  be long before I’ll be mowing the lawn on a regular basis. The bumps in the yard right now make me feel like I’m walking across a rocky terrain.  Seriously, sometimes the ground is so uneven I think I should be wearing ankle protection.  As I was pondering what to do about the rough ground, I saw a man rolling my neighbor’s yard, so I went and asked him to take care of my lawn too.  It was a heavy  lawn roller and really did the trick on my uneven ground.  Apparently, timing is everything because the owner said springtime is the perfect time to do it.  So perhaps the ankle protection should go back to the store…

God knows quite a bit about timing too.  As we are rushing to get through the problems in our lives we forget to recognize at that very minute God is going ahead of us and continually works on them .   “We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, CEV)  When we’re pleading for an end to our problems, God is calmly smoothing out the road before us.  When we’re thinking this is an impossible situation and nothing will ever change, changes are happening.  God is secretly preparing good things for us.   “I will go before you and level the uneven places; I will shatter the bronze doors and cut the iron bars in two. I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches from secret places…” (Isaiah 45:3-4, HCSB) Sometimes we forget that timing is everything, but God never forgets.  “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV)

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God for strength during this current challenge.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Perfect Timing’ and listen to songs ‘Jesus Take the Wheel’ and ‘Shepherd.’
Think Good Thoughts

What Are You Thinking?

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Vibrant sunbeams in the sky.
What are you thinking?

I’ve been redecorating my bedroom and I’m not sure it will ever get done.  I can only hope that I’ll get my act together and finish.  What was I thinking? My problem is when I change one thing, like the bedspread, it makes me think about changing something else, like the color of the walls.  Then I think about the artwork and the curtains.  Can you see where this is going?  Actually, the bedrooms almost done, but the master bath needs an update too-although that shouldn’t take too long.  But I’m thinking that room should be painted too…hmm…

Unlike us, Jesus doesn’t have any indecisive thoughts.   It’s very clear, we don’t think the way he does.  “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8, NLT) When we’re thinking about our troubles, he’s thinking about peace.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIT) When we’re thinking about our weakness, he’s thinking about power.  “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT) When we’re thinking ‘It’s hopeless’, he’s thinking about hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT) When we’re thinking about surviving, he’s thinking about thriving.  “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. ” (John 10:10, NET) Jesus’ thoughts are hope-filled, over flowing with goodness and life.  With that in mind-what are you thinking?

Things to do today:

  1. Get our thoughts in agreement with Jesus’ thoughts.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Think Good Thoughts’ and listen to songs ‘Voice of Truth’ and  ‘There’s Hope in Front of Me.’
Brighter Days Ahead

At a Crossroads…

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At a Crossroads
At a Crossroads

Crossroads Community Church in Norwalk, Ohio is celebrating 10 years of being in their current building.  Ten years ago they were at a crossroads-in order to move ahead,hurdles would have to be scaled.  Just the financing for such a project is staggering.  Then add the careful planning that had to go into the big decisions that were made: location, size, and placement of church and parking lot on the land. After that comes the gazillion (Is that even a word?) other decisions that would have been made starting from the ground up.  Just thinking about it overwhelms me!  One thing I know for sure: they built the church on a firm foundation.  How do I know?  It’s still standing.

We all come to a crossroads in our lives where we need to make a decision.  Do we want to carry on as we are: in worry, stress, and pain? Or do we want to start building something new with a firm foundation?  Jesus is the Rock we should build on.  “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.” (Isaiah 28:16, NLT) In the storms of life, our ‘house’ will stay standing because God himself watches over it. “The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.” (Psalm 121:5, HCSB) We don’t have to live in a house filled with anxiety;  we can  live in a house filled with peace.  God’s already dropped off the welcome gift on the doorstep. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  (John 14:27, NIV) So the only question is: will we pick it up?

Things to do today:

  1. Accept the peace that God is offering.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Hold Fast to Peace’ and listen to songs ‘Prince of Peace’ and ‘Perfect Peace.’
Brighter Days Ahead

Even With Obstacles…You Can Keep Going

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Even with obstacles, we need to keep going.  I learned this one summer when my friends and I hiked the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland on what had to be the hottest day of the year.  The trail itself offered its share of challenges with much of it covered in rocky terrain.  We climbed over, then slid down, giant boulders on a regular basis.  The sun beat on our backs as the flowing waters of the Potomac River tempted us from far below.  One of the biggest challenges was scaling a steep cliff face along the Potomac’s Mather Gorge.  Although we consumed water regularly, the weight of it in our packs seemed to get heavier as the day wore on.  Despite the deterrents that day, I’m happy to report we kept going and made it to the trail’s end.

We all have obstacles that try to block our path: health issues, relationship problems, and challenges in the workplace.  But we can keep going.  God’s message is clear: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) So often we waste our energy trying to figure out why ‘something like this’ would happen to ‘someone like us’.  Instead of fretting about the problem, we need to trust in the one who knows what to do about it.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:4-5 NASB) Although we’re in the valley right now, we can keep going, because the mountaintop is just ahead.

Things to do today:

  1. Trust God is going to bring you through this current challenge.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘The Battle is Yours’ and listen to songs ‘Trust in You’ and ‘Eye of the Storm.’
Think Good Thoughts

It’s Time to Change the Station

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Sunrise over a Mountain
It’s Time to Change the Station

I wish I would have know it was time to change the station when I couldn’t fall asleep the other night.  Instead, I started thinking  negative thoughts about myself and didn’t quit.  ‘I could have done more to help a student,  I should have called a friend the day before, I should have watched what I said to someone…’ The list of my problems went on and on.  According to my nighttime musings, I couldn’t do anything right.  But instead of trying to think of something else, I let the negativity play over and over in my mind.   Although my thoughts weren’t doing me any good,  I stayed on that station for hours, eventually falling into a restless sleep.

We live in a negative world, and it’s easy to get caught up in it. But that’s not God’s desire for us.  God wants us to continually renew our minds.  Renewing our minds means we let go of all the lies that hold us back and grab hold of the truth. “Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, GWT)   God wants us to live a positive and uplifting life. And because he lives inside us, we can overcome negativity.  “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NHEB)

Let’s replace the dark thoughts with good thoughts-ones that bring peace, joy, and strength.  “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV) When the thoughts we’re having are all negative, that means it’s time to change the station.

Things to do today:

  1. Change the way you think.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Think Good Thoughts’ and listen to songs ‘Redeemed’ and ‘Break Every Chain.’