Stay in Peace

November 12, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

Friday evening I found myself in Cleveland traffic during rush hour. What was I thinking? This I knew: I needed to stay in peace. People were definitely in a hurry. There were speedy drivers switching lanes like they were in a Nascar race. Some drivers pushed for the outside lane and others flew in from the onramp. I wasn’t in the mood for a race and dodging the incoming traffic also seemed like a crazy choice. So I went with the flow: I ignored the cars that zipped through all three lanes, didn’t worry about the stop and go in the right hand lane, and steered clear of the fast lane. My drive to Pennsylvania in the middle lane that night was so much easier when I didn’t worry about what everyone else was doing. Keeping my peace (and singing at the top of my lungs) made the drive a pleasant one.

We need to keep our peace at all times. When we spend our days worrying about what everyone else is doing, we lose our peace. Let’s face it, people often do things that upset us, annoy us, or make us angry. We need to stay focused on God so we can stay in peace. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) Wouldn’t we like to sit down and have our bodies and our minds at rest? Troubling thoughts bring us down. They are too heavy to carry alone. THAT’S when we need to turn our thinking over to the one who can handle it all. “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 GWT) Wouldn’t it be nice to sit and relax without any worries? Let’s stop the overthinking, because I’m pretty sure the couch is calling…

Things to do today:

Drop your cares on God’s doorstep.
You can also click on the blue lines above for an uplifting song and another blog about being positive: Shoulders and It’s Okay, You Can Let Go.

Brighter Days Ahead

It’s Not Over Yet

October 29, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

It might be putting it mildly to say I’m a Buckeye fan. Last night as I watched the game I kept thinking of the work I absolutely had to do. So even though my team was behind, I hit the record button, intending to watch the rest of the game later. I knew the truth about my team-they may be down right now, but it’s not over yet. I tried not to think about the game, but as I left work I had to check the score on my phone. Imagine my delight to see my team had made a huge comeback and won the game by a point! Later, as I watched the two teams battle, I was able to relax, because I knew how it ended. But the commentators didn’t-they were so negative towards whatever team was struggling. Why is it easier to talk about the negative than it is to focus on the positive?

When things around us are off balance, we need to remember: it’s not over yet. We don’t have to focus on the negative in any situation because it will just bring us down. Although it’s easier to look at the negative, we can rely on God’s strength to focus on the positive. “…Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10 NLT) Sometimes that means we have to tune out the negative people around us and tightly grab ahold of good thoughts. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV) If we only look at what’s wrong in our lives, we’ll miss all the things that are right. So next time we get caught in the ‘rain’, let’s take the time to look for the rainbow.

Things to do today:

Think good thoughts.
You can also click on the blue lines above for an uplifting song and another blog about being positive: The Comeback and Think Good Thoughts

Brighter Days Ahead

Shelter in the Storm

October 22, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com Leave a comment

This summer as my family camped at Meadowbrook Campground in Bascom, I was thankful we had shelter. We were all relaxing in lawn chairs and smiling as the kids played around us. My Uncle Keith and I kept noticing some black clouds that seemed to be moving our way. We asked if it was supposed to rain and my brother said there wasn’t any rain in the forecast. “And anyways,” he said, “those clouds you are watching are blowing away from us.” I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did anyone tell the clouds it isn’t supposed to rain?” Sure enough, a few minutes later the sky erupted with rain. We jumped out of our chairs and ran under the awning of the camper. Standing there in the surprisingly cold summer shower, we were glad we had shelter in the storm.

Even better than a camper’s awning, God provides shelter from the storms of life. When we are going through tough times, with the wind and rain hovering above us, we can step under the protection of God. “God’s glory will cover everything. It will be a shelter from the heat of the day as well as a refuge and hiding place from storms and rain.” (Isaiah 4:5-6 GWT) When we’re facing a trial and fighting for our lives, it’s easy to just feel fear. The crisis overwhelms and isolates us. But God can change that. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.” (Psalm 46: 1-2 NLT) Let’s step out of the storm and into a perfect place of protection. “…you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” (Psalm 32:7 NLV) Always present and ever vigilant, God is our shelter in every storm.

Things to do today:

1. Ask God to shelter you in the storm.

2. You can also click on the blue lines above for these uplifting songs: Eye of the Storm and Cry Out to Jesus

Brighter Days Ahead

Stay in the Fight

October 14, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com Leave a comment

I had fun today watching my niece Taylor play in a 7th grade volleyball tournament. Even though her team was a bit of an underdog, I still wanted to tell her to ‘stay in the fight.’ Most sports are about process: learning the skills, practicing the skills, and putting them to the test. Since I’ve watched her team over the season, I can see the improvement they’ve made. Today they played well and even battled to take a game from the number one seed. They ended up losing the match, but they are making forward progress! Although today ended this season, there are still many volleyball games in Taylor’s future.

We have difficult days when we just want to shut down, to mentally ‘check out’ of our lives. But we also need to stay in the fight. We can’t look at a difficult time and think our lives are over. We must remember this is one moment in time, and we have many good days ahead of us. We may feel alone in this, but that’s just not true! “The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you. So don’t be afraid or terrified.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 GWT) We can ask God to shelter us during the long days and sleepless nights. “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) Even when everything seems to be coming against us, we shouldn’t give up. Although we can’t always see it, God is fighting battles for us. “…the Lord your God is the one fighting for you…” (Deuteronomy 3:22 NASB)

Things to do today:

Ask God to shelter you through this tough time in your life.
You can also click on the blue lines above for these uplifting songs: You’re an Overcomer and I am Not Alone

Brighter Days Ahead

It’s Okay, You Can Let Go

September 30, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com Leave a comment

Let go: Leaves fall to the Ground. — It’s Okay, You Can Let Go

Why is it that all the trees are starting to turn in my neighborhood, but the tree in my yard continues to stay green? I should just tell it, ‘It’s okay. You can let go.” But I know it won’t. Every year I watch all the trees display glorious blends of fall color, but not mine. No sir. Not this tree. Even when the city posts the last ‘Fall Pick-up’, my tree stays green. Really? That’s when I want to climb it and shake it, (but I am afraid someone would call the police and that could get awkward). If I miss that last pick-up, there’s no where to put all those leaves when they do decide to fall. I am going outside to have a talk, to the tree I mean, and state firmly, “It’s okay, you can let go.”

That tree isn’t the only thing that holds on too long. We do that too. We hold onto worry and fears way too long. Erma Bombeck once said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” If we could just learn to give all those worries to God; His peace would come pouring in. “Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 GWT) I don’t know about you, but having my thoughts and emotions guarded by God sounds like a pretty good deal. They can really mess me up! God is saying right now, “It’s okay. You can let go. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22 NLT) We’re not going to trip when we get up from the rocking chair of worry. Instead, we’ll “run and not be weary…walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Point to ponder: What do you need to let go of today?

Brighter Days Ahead

Help is on the Way

September 24, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

Help is in the Way: Lighthouse at night — Help is on the Way

No one ever wants to make a 911 call. But if anyone dials that number, help is on the way. FTMC is a hospital near my house. Late in the evening you can see the hospital sign from quite a distance away. The light is a beacon, calling all who are hurt to come in. It’s packed with staff doing their best to bring comfort, care, and kindness in what is too often unpleasant and painful circumstances. If we stopped to peek in the windows we would see nurses, doctors, volunteers, receptionists, physical therapists, and a plethora of other personnel striving to meets the needs of the hurting patients. The Life Flight helicopter can be heard above my house on an all-too regular basis. When it’s needed, you can be sure they’re coming to help.

I’m so glad God stands ready to help us too. If we dial a ‘911 prayer’, help is on the way. “God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 CEB) During the battles that go on and on, we can find rest as we draw near to God. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2 NLT) Despite what it may feel like, we’re never in a fight alone. In fact, it’s best to take a step back and let God handle it. “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) Feeling overwhelmed today? Pick up your prayer ‘phone’ and make that call, because help is on the way.

Point to ponder: Is there an area in your life where you need to ‘pick up the phone’?

An Awesome God

Don’t Forget-God Remembers

September 17, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 4 Comments

Do you ever forget anything? I sure do. Today it was some things I left at my niece’s house-who lives 30 miles from mine. I’ve also went into the kitchen to get something and I can’t remember why I went in there. (Actually, that works out just fine, since there’s snacks in there.) I even try to write myself notes so I don’t forget. I’ll place a sticky note right on the door if I have something specific I need to take with me. However, sometimes that’s a problem if I forget to write the note that’s supposed to remind me. I sure wish I didn’t have those moments of forgetfulness.

Here’s good news-God doesn’t have that problem at all. He doesn’t have to put a note on the door to Heaven that says, “Don’t forget…” Even on those dark nights of pain, in circumstances that cause confusion, or in a never-ending trial, God remembers his promises. “The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. (Psalm 145:13-14 NLT ) He remembers to care for us. When life comes at us hard, we can count on God’s faithfulness. “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” (Psalm 9:10) Don’t forget that God promises to give us peace. He doesn’t want stress, anxiety, or fear to be in any part of our day. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray abut 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.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT) , Let’s commit this to memory: God is faithful.

Thought to ponder: What are some of God’s other promises?

An Awesome God

Stay in this Season

September 9, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

Is my calendar correct? It says the month is September but when I go shopping I see workers putting out Christmas decorations. I don’t know about you, but I plan to stay in this season. Fall is my favorite time of year, (don’t get me wrong, Christmas is my favorite holiday, but I’ll happily wait until December to celebrate it). I like so many things about autumn: the colorful leaves, the ‘sweatshirt’ weather, Ohio State football games, and big, crackling bonfires. I’m sure I could even list a dozen more. But even if the retail market is trying to push me into the next season, I am going to cherish the moments in this one.

Even without the stores trying to dictate our calendars, we get ahead of ourselves. We look at tomorrow and forget to live in today. God planned this very day for us. “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT) It’s good to look ahead, but there’s also value in this day. Admittedly, some days are tougher than others. We’d like to run through the difficult and frustrating days. But those days serve a purpose too. They make us stronger and help us learn patience. We must hold fast to this truth: God has perfect timing. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV) On the rough days of life, let’s remember the good things we have in our lives. Let’s be thankful for the many ways God has been faithful to us. “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT) It’s that time of year again when the season is changing. But instead of looking ahead to the next one, let’s stay in this season and see what the harvest brings.

Question: What can you thank God for in this season?

Brighter Days Ahead

Joy is Essential; Joy is Your Strength

August 26, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

Joy is Essential

Joy 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. 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”

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

Brighter Days Ahead

Become Overwhelmed

August 19, 2017 dora.wilbur2015@gmail.com 2 Comments

If I think too much about what’s in the news, I could become overwhelmed. It’s filled with stories of violence, hatred, and fear. We are inundated with a sense of hopelessness and problems too big to turn around. The radio speaks of crime, corruption, and the threat of war. Yet when I look out my window, I see neighbors mowing the lawn of the elderly. I pass a friend helping to catch a puppy who has decided to play in the middle of the street. My Facebook feed shows friends at the county fair, beautiful smiling babies, and the (sometimes) excited faces of kids’ first day of school. It’s two sides of a coin really. We can become overwhelmed with negativity, or we can become overwhelmed with hope.

God wants to overwhelm us with 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) We see his plans all around us. It’s in the life of a young missionary who boarded a plane for Nepal immediately after the earthquakes. Why? She wanted to overwhelm the Nepali with hope. What about churches coming together in Norwalk, Ohio to provide schoolkids with free backpacks, shoes, and socks for the upcoming school year? What about the Salvation Army that quietly serves free meals to kids all summer long? Despite what I see on the 6:00 news, I will focus on these stories. “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: the faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:21-23 NLT)

There are countless stories that won’t make national headlines. We need to focus on these ones. So I ask you, what causes you to become overwhelmed with hope?