Brighter Days Ahead

You Can Get Back Up

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Bent Tree in front of Ocean
You Can Get Back Up

I just read a story about a skier and the unimaginable trials he endured as he pursued his dream to be an Olympian. Despite continually being knocked down, he got back up.  His name is Torin Yater-Wallace and his specialty is the half-pipe.  In layman’s terms, the half-pipe is doing aerial tricks on skis, jumping upwards of 25 feet in the air. Although he is only 22 years old, Torin has seen his share of struggles.  From serious challenges within his family as a child and to injuries from the sport itself, he could have given up.  But he didn’t, he got back up.  His trials continued when a medical mistake had a needle puncturing his lung, greatly affecting his first try at the Olympics in Sochi.   But he got back up.  Lastly, a rare bacterial infection had him hovering near death just 2 years before this Olympics.  His skiing competition is up ahead, because even in the tough times, he got back up.

Most of us will never compete in an Olympic competition, but times of testing will come.  Question: When adversity knocks us to our knees, how will we get back up? Answer: Quite simply, the Lord Most High.  “The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 145:14 CSB) Having no strength left, we can reach for God. In doing so, we’ll see, he’s also reaching for us.  “For I hold you by your right hand–I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'” (Isaiah 41:13, NLT) We’re not in this fight alone.  “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT) On the tough days, we keep pushing on, because we CAN get back up.

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God to strengthen you in this current battle.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Stay in the Fight’ and listen to songs ‘Warrior’ and ‘This is My Fight Song.’

 

 

Brighter Days Ahead

This is Only a Season

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Sunlight over a snowy landscape.
This is only a season.

Tonight as I drove home in the late afternoon the sky in front of me appeared gloomy and gray.  The barren trees lined the snow-covered road.  Freezing rain is in the forecast and the ominous clouds seem to agree.  If I let myself, I could easily hide under the covers until winter moves on.  But one thing I know, weather has a way of changing, sometimes quite quickly.  In Ohio we may have 3 inches of snow, then the following day have temperatures in the 50’s with a little sunshine.  I can get impatient when waiting for spring, but year after year it proves faithful, spring indeed does come.  I must remember this is only a season.

We often hope for change in our lives too.   Perhaps we’d like a better job or improved health.  Maybe we need a change in our relationships or in our finances.  When we’re in a tough season, we can cry out to God.  He is always listening. “Our LORD, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall.” (Psalm 55:22, CEV)   When the clouds are blocking our view of what’s ahead, we can trust God is planning to ‘change the weather’.  “I will bless you with a future filled with hope–a future of success, not of suffering.” (Jeremiah 29:11, CEV) Hang tough, just like the cold winters of Ohio, a change of season is coming.  “Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come…” (Song of Solomon 2:11-12, NLT)  Although the sky is dark today, keep looking up, because this is only a season.

Things to do today:

  1. Tell God your troubles, worries, and fears.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘A New Season’ and listen to songs: ‘Cry Out to Jesus’ and ‘Hope in Front of Me.’

 

An Awesome God

A Big Heart

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Girl with Horse-A Big Heart
A Big Heart

My niece has a big heart, especially when it comes to animals.  Actually, Sara has two professions: the one that pays the bills: nurse, and the one that feeds her soul: animal rescuer.  As the animal population in their  yard grows,  my nephew Derrin continues to build fences.  The last time I was there I looked at playful goats, waddling ducks, and furry bunnies.  They also have three (or is it four?) dogs and a cat.  Her biggest rescue, however, was an aging horse named Cody.  She drove across the state to save him.  Her heart immediately connected with that ol’ horse.  Cody found loving care with Sara, and began to grow healthy again.  Recently,  Cody succumbed to a brain tumor and weak heart, but because of a big heart, his last days on earth were good ones.  I’m so proud of Sara.  She makes me think of a quote from Dr. Seuss, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

God has a big heart too.  He also goes to great lengths to rescue someone who’s hurting.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV) God knows when our hearts are troubled. He knows exactly what we need.  “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 NIV) He doesn’t want us to ever feel like we’re facing a crisis alone.  When we ask him to come into our hearts, he is always with us. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT) When the storms of life blow in our direction, we can step into a safe place: the expansive heart of God.

Things to do today:

  1. Explore the expansive heart of God.
  2. Read another blog called You Are Not Alone and listen to songs ‘You’re Not Alone’ and ‘Good, Good Father.’

 

 

Brighter Days Ahead, Hope

A Reliable Forecast

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Purple Montains with Snow
A Reliable Forecast

Sometimes I enjoy the unexpected.  But once in awhile, it would be nice to have a reliable forecast. When people talk about weather in Ohio, I have to laugh.  At one point last week, 22 inches of snow was predicted.  The projected snowfall amounts fluctuated all week until someone posted on Facebook that we could get anywhere from 0-100 inches of snow.  Hilarious. There are times you just don’t know what to expect.  As it turns out, Friday brought rain and 50 degrees in the morning. There were falling temperatures throughout the day, which resulted in icy roads.  Then the day culminated with strong winds and steady snowfall.  It’s hard to know what to expect when the unexpected keeps happening!

Wouldn’t we like a more reliable forecast?  Wouldn’t we like to have something or someone we could rely on?  God is the dependable one.  He is always faithful.  “Your loving-kindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5 NASB) We can lean on  God in every area of our lives.  When storms come our way, he is a willing and waiting shelter.  “…He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him… He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91: 2;4 NLT) We don’t have to be unsure in any situation.  We don’t have to spend our nights worrying about what is going to happen; we can choose to trust our faithful God.  “Those who know your name trust you, O Lord, because you have never deserted those who seek your help.” (Psalm 9:10 GWT) Although tomorrow’s weather is uncertain, with God the forecast is unwavering.

Things to do today:

  1. Let hope arise.
  2. Read a similar blog called God is Faithful and listen to songs ‘You’re an Overcomer’ and ‘I am Not Alone.’
Brighter Days Ahead, Hope

The Gifts I Want to Give

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Present with Twinkling Lights: The Gifts I Want to Give
The Gifts I Want to Give

It’s that time of year again when my mind searches for the perfect Christmas gifts.  Truth be told, all the money in the world won’t buy the gifts I want to give.  I’d like to give my friends and family one more day with the ones they are missing: their husband, their dad, their mom, a special friend, a precious child. I’d like to give my friend perfect health-to completely chase out the cancer invading her body.  A friend’s mom keeps forgetting-I’d like to give her a whole day of laughter, love, and joy.  One friend’s husband has a health crisis.  I’d like to give her a  worry-free day.  To the ones who are hurting in unseen ways, I’d like to give you peace.

I can’t give the gifts I want to give,  but God can. He wants to give you comfort. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NIV) He wants to give you peace. “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart…” (John 14:27 NLT) He wants to give you strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV) Incredibly, he also wants to give you life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) On the first Christmas so long ago, God gave the best gift ever: Jesus.  With this perfect gift, you not only get another day…you get the gift of forever.

Things to do today:

  1. Accept the freely-offered gifts from God.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘The Sun Will Shine Again.’ Also, listen to songs ‘One More Day’ and ‘Take Courage.’
An Awesome God

We’re Never Alone

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blurred-1226286_1920 Starry Night
You’re Never Alone

Long ago on a quiet hillside, shepherds were taking care of their sheep.   Without suspecting this evening to be different from any other, they huddle together for quiet conversation while they watch for animals that would attack the fold.  Then suddenly an angel appears.  It must have been quiet a shock to discover they were never alone.  Incredibly, it wasn’t just one angel who visited that night. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV) It must have been comforting to know that God sent his angels especially to them.

God has angels watching over us too.  Despite how we may feel, we’re never alone.  “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12 NIV) This beautiful season of the year can be hard.  We can feel stress, loneliness,  and pain at the loss of loved ones.  On the dark nights, we must remember we are never alone.  With Jesus birth 2,000 years ago, God came closer.  “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'” (Matthew 1:23, NLT) No matter what the Christmas season brings, whether abiding joy or aching sorrow, we are not on our own.  “…And surely I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)

Things to do today:

  1. Think about the angels who are watching over you.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘You’re Not Alone’ and listen to songs ‘Never Once’ and ‘God With Us.’

 

 

Think Good Thoughts

Hit the Re-center Button

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Three Wisemen-It's Time to Hit the Recenter Button
Love Came Down at Christmas

There’s an icon on Google Maps I appreciate: ‘re-center’.  It helps me when I get a bit off-course; it takes me back to the place I should be.  I need that button even when I’m not in my car!  This is the time of year where things get a bit crazy.   I feel like my mind is going in a million directions at once.  Here’s an example: Last weekend I transported decorative vases filled with glittery stems to the church.  Afterwards, my seats looked like a glitter blizzard had overtaken my car.  Throughout the week I couldn’t stop thinking that my next passenger would have an um….er… decorative bottom.  I’ve also been thinking about the birthday parties my family celebrates this month, the upcoming shopping trips, and the packages that need to be wrapped.  It’s clearly time for me to hit the re-center button.

We all need that button.  Our thoughts, responsibilities, and constant busyness can shift our focus from the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  And when that happens, we need to hit the re-center button.   It takes us back to the place we should be: a place called peace.  “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, NLT) In quietness we remember Jesus is the reason for the season.  The baby born in Bethlehem so long ago brought everything we need: salvation, love, hope, and peace. “For to us a child is born…and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV) Christmas is the perfect season to celebrate with family and friends.  But it’s also a perfect time for reflection. “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5, NIV) Stopping to re-center this busy season will remind us: Love came down at Christmas… and stayed.

Things to do today:

  1. Take time for reflection.
  2. Click on the blue words above for another blog: ‘Love Came Down at Christmas’ and two Christmas songs: ‘Heart of Christmas’ and ‘When Love was Born.’
An Awesome God

Magical and Abounding in Miracles

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Chirstmas Tree: Simply Magical and Abounding in Miracles
Simply Magical and Abounding in Miracles

There’s something about the Christmas season that is simply magical.  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…)  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; I’ve penciled that in my schedule again this year.) Christmas feels like a beautiful present filled glad tidings and great joy.  Simply put: magical.

From the beginning, Christmas was always going to be magical.  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). Imagine getting to experience that miracle-an angel talking…to you.  But wait-there’s more! The angel announces 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!”  With the baby Jesus entering this world, the door called hope was opened.    (Luke 2:11, NLT) But wait-there’s more! “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'”(Luke 2:13-14, NLT)  Who needs a miracle? Who needs their circumstances to change?  Step through the door of hope this Christmas, because it’s simply magical and abounding in miracles.  

Things to do today:

  1. Believe in miracles.
  2. You can also read another blog called ‘Miracles Still Happen’ and listen to two songs called ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Hope was Born This Night’.

 

Brighter Days Ahead

The Destination is Just Ahead

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Beautiful Clouds: The Destination is Just Ahead
The Destination is Just Ahead

My mom and I took a trip this past week and encountered many obstacles.  It was hard to remember that the destination was ahead.  First, the roads were jammed with traffic.  Second, there was road work being completed and three busy lanes merged into one, creating major slowdowns.  Then, a heavy rain crashed relentlessly against the windshield making it hard to see.  Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn and added an extra hour to an already never-ending drive.  Mom and I were weary when we finally reached our journey’s end.  But amazingly, when we were finally in the place we wanted to be, all the earlier trials faded into the background.

Difficulties can get in the way of our hopes and dreams too.  But we won’t give up, because the destination is just ahead.  “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians  6:9 NLT) Remember, we’re not traveling this road alone. God says with his help, our dreams are attainable.  “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” (Matthew 19:26 NIV) The plan God has for our lives is good, so we can travel with confidence.  “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) Let hope arise, because the destination is just ahead.

Things to do today:

  1. Take time to dream.
  2. You can also read another blog called ‘Despite the Obstacles-Keep Going’ and listen to two songs by clicking on the blue lines above: Come to Me and Glorious Unfolding
Fearless

You’re Stronger Than You Think

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Mountains with Evergreen Trees: You're Stronger Than You Think
You’re Stronger Than You Think

The first step in building a house is making sure the foundation is strong. When my youngest brother was building his house, we all went to help the day the basement walls were to be poured. As it turned out, there had been heavy rains the day before and the cement truck had to stay in the driveway.  That complicated things because the chute wasn’t long enough for the cement to pour the farthest walls. This meant the cement had to be carried in 5 gallon buckets by manpower, or in my case, womanpower.  It turns out I was stronger than I thought.  The cement guy filled the buckets and handed them to us, I lugged mine across the wide expanse of the floor, perhaps a bit slower than the men. Even though the task was difficult, pulling on my inner strength kept me going.

Life has a way of sending us unexpected burdens.  Things can come at us that seem impossible to face; but we are stronger than we think.  As we rely on the strength of God, our inner resilience rises.  This allows us to face the difficult days and remain standing.  “The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19 NASB)  God gives us the ability to face the tough days, not barely making it, but standing steadfast in the storm.  We can persevere even when the storms are coming against us; we’ve got what it takes to hang in there.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm…” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NASB) Even on the tough days, let’s keep standing, because we’re stronger than we think.

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God to increase your strength to face the day.
  2. You can also click on the blue lines above for an uplifting song and another blog about standing strong: Eye of the Storm and Standing in the Storm