choices – Page 6 – Amy Linnea

Appetite

Published on February 1, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

How is it?

Your appetite for God?

What’s on the menu?

Heart sugary with a side of forgiveness?

Worship and thankfulness?

Gut wrenching prayers?

Pleas for change?

Or have you been skipping meals?

Ignoring your appetite for God?

Maybe you have a snack once in awhile, whispering a prayer here and there.

Sure way to lose the weight of God’s influence.

His blessings.

His peace.

When one’s appetite for God is healthy, the body is strong, resisting easier Satan’s taunts.

However, the opposite is also true.

When we indulge on worldly gain, ignoring the meat of God, our bodies rarely resist the devil’s temptations.

Even worse, when those worldly gains eat up our time, it always becomes more and more and more, never really satisfying.

And God becomes less and less and less.

Where are you?

Where do you fall on the menu of God?

If you have fallen into the circle of poor diet, stop.

Decide today no more.

Open Psalms and begin again.

Grab that pen and begin to journal all God has done for you.

Pray earnestly, seeking the face of God and His will for you and your loved ones.

And do it again the next day.

And the next.

Your strength will grow and before you know it, you’ll be craving God more than the world.

Then, my friends, you’ll know you’re appetite has changed.

For the better.

Photos by Bundo Kim, Erik Mclean, Stella de Smit, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Bigger Person

Published on January 25, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Ugh.

I don’t like that.

Being the bigger person.

Don’t like being the one to apologize first.

To begin the amends.

To swallow my pride.

To open the floodgates of forgiveness.

Rather have the other person go first.

Makes me feel better.

You?

When my honest selfishness invokes horror upon reading what I wrote, I stop.

I think about what God would want me to do.

1 Peter 3:9 reminds us not to “repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”

That’s pretty clear.

Doesn’t mention being first, but fortunately the verse goes on.

Verse 9 continues, ” On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

I for one want a blessing.

You?

The other side of the coin is this: who do I want to please?

God or Satan?

I’m guessing Satan is pretty darn pleased when I stick my feet in the mud, determining to withhold forgiveness unless asked and pleaded with from the other guilty party.

Know God is pleased when I make the first move.

While it’s fun to feed my flesh, it, in turn, pleases Satan.

Yuck.

Double yuck.

I want to please God.

More than anything, I want to give Him my everything.

That includes forgiving others when they wrong me.

First.

Being the bigger person.

And what if they never ever apologize?

I can move on, because I don’t need it.

All I need is God.

I am responsible for me.

Can’t be responsible for others.

Can’t let others’ sins weigh me down anymore.

As 1 Peter says, “I will be blessed when I repay evil with a blessing.”

Time to make the switch and be the bigger person.

Photos by Lina Trochez, Felix Koutchinski, Alvin Mahmudov, & Dương Hữu on Unsplash

Watching

Published on December 28, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Are you aware that others are watching you?

Watching you react in this life?

Watching you respond?

Are you aware?

As Christians, we are a witness for God.

We are a witness either for God or against Him.

When we, as Christians, respond with love for others, serving them and meeting their needs, we are the face of God.

When instead, we, as Christians respond with selfishness, wanting the best for ourselves, we are also a witness of God.

But when we respond with selfishness, we mar His face.

Placing God in a negative light.

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Where do you frequent on a weekly basis?

Do waiters look forward to your visit or try to avoid serving your table?

Ever asked them about their day?

God is love.

And as Christians, we are full of His love.

We should be spilling Him out everywhere we go.

When we leave a space, it should be better then when we entered.

Better because we have determined to be an honorable witness for Him.

He has given us this life.

He has also given us a charge to make disciples across the earth.

How many people have you come across on this earth today?

Create a desire in others for God through your witness.

With His help, create that desire.

Don’t destroy it instead.

Photos by Josh Hild, Swaminathan Jayaraman. Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum. Nick Cooper, & Emmanuel Maceda on Unsplash

Christmas Peace

Published on December 21, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Peace on earth.

That’s the Christmas message.

Peace on earth.

Jesus was born on this earth to bring peace.

Everlasting peace.

Forever.

Christmas is a time when the whole world takes a breath.

Slows down.

Pauses.

Peace on earth.

Previous wars have stories of cease fires a bit on Christmas Day.

Peace.

Families come together, remembering the reason for the season.

Peace.

Gifts are exchanged in good will towards men.

Peace.

Is there peace in your world this Christmas?

How peaceful are you?

What is your focus?

If your world is not a replication of Norman Rockwell, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If your family relationships are not what they should be, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If your job, finances, or location are not what they should be, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If you’re unhappy with yourself, unmet goals furthering the decline of your health, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

Christmas time has developed into the most stressful time of the year instead of the most wonderful time of the year.

Because there is no peace when you focus only on providing the perfect Christmas.

Enjoy not finding that amazing gift.

Find humor in your un-sprinkled cookies.

Because I can guarantee you this: the stable where Jesus was born smelled a whole lot worse then those burned cookies in your oven.

Peace on earth.

Focus on Him.

The rest is just icing on the cake.

Or cookies as it is in my case. 🙂

Photos by Marcus Wallis, Diego PH, Josh Boot, Yeshi Kangrang, Kira auf der Heide, Alex Ware on Unsplash and me. 🙂

Scrooge

Published on December 7, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 12:28

Ever read A Christmas Carol?

My eighth graders read it with me this month.

I know we’ve all seen the movie or the play twice or a dozen times.

We know the story well.

But have you actually ever read it?

It’s so much better.

The text portrays the struggle like no movie can.

The struggle between selfishness and generosity.

Between hate and love.

Good and evil deep in one’s soul.

The wrestle between habit and change.

The text opens depicting Scrooge as a vile human being.

He’d rather kill the poor than shove meager crumbs their way.

He looses the love of his life because his “golden idol” has replaced her.

It takes trips to his past, present and future to finally change Scrooge’s heart for good.

Stave 4 depicts his future.

His soul is overcome with grief at how his sorry life is forgotten, all his worldly gains vanishing into the hands of thieves.

His grief is profound, even gut-wrenching.

At the end, Scrooge is found begging for the chance to change his future.

He is pleading with the Ghost of Christmas Future, desperate to know if there is still time to change what is to come.

To my eighth graders, I posed a question:

What if God showed you a movie of your future, based upon your character of today.

What would you see?

And I ask you.

Are the choices you make today creating the future God wants for you?

Or are you forging ahead on the path to death?

May it not be so.

Let us wake from our sleep, recognizing how much God can accomplish through us.

May we recognize the choices God brings to us and choose wisely.

And may God bless us, every one.

Photos by Erwan Hesry & Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

First to Forgive

Published on November 16, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

My forgiveness towards others should not be dependent on how sorry they are.

Or if they even ask my forgiveness towards them.

Because they might not.

Might not think they were wronged.

If you find yourself in this boat (and we all will time and again), you’re in great company.

My company, but that’s not who I want to focus on.

Jesus.

He’s our greatest example of forgiving others before we asked.

While suffering on the cross, Luke 23 records Jesus declaring, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus forgave the people around him, while they were still hurling insults.

He forgave those who murdered Him before they repented.

Way WAY harder to forgive that than our petty situations.

And He forgave us before we ever asked.

He has forgiven us already.

But we must claim it.

We must ask Him for what has already been done.

Only then are we set free.

Only then are our sins wiped away.

In turn, YOU will be free when you freely give others forgiveness.

Who in your life has not asked forgiveness of you?

Have you already forgiven, exchanging the hurt for God’s peace?

Photos by Alireza Esmaeeli & Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Renew

Published on November 9, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Are old Christians allowed to have smudges?

Smears and smudges on their hearts and minds?

Of course.

You know we all do.

Wait, what is an old Christian?

Not a new one.

One who has walked with God a bit.

A few days, years, or even a lifetime.

We all talk about new Christians, those babies who are new in their faith.

We give them lots of liberty because after all, they are just learning!

Not sure we extend the same grace to old Christians.

Or should I say more experienced Christians.

We make mistakes just like all the rest of humanity.

Our dedicated lives get distracted.

Our character becomes selfish.

Our moods are affected by other sour souls.

When this happens, rare as it is, what do we do?

It’s so not rare, am I right? 🙂

Psalm 51: 10-12 confirms the fact that humans need to renew their hearts continually before Almighty God.

David writes, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

David, the man who clearly was used by God several times in the Bible we still read today (think important person!), needed God to clean out His heart.

He needed God to renew God’s spirit within him.

To replace his selfish human-self with God, Himself.

Are you asking God for a clean heart?

To renew your spirit with His?

We cannot function without God’s power surging through our veins.

That, folks, begins with our heart and soul.

Freely ask God for more of Himself.

If David asked, so can you.

Photos by Cristian Newman & Clay Banks on Unsplash

Something More

Published on October 26, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And to them he said, “You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.” Matthew 20:4

Within your life, there will always be something.

Something more to be unhappy about.

Something more to whine about.

Complain about.

Honestly, there will be always be something more to cry about.

Breaking your heart.

Am I right?

Comparing your life to others is usually the culprit.

One’s mood can crash to the floor if we allow a view into someone else’s garden to spoil the view into ours.

What is your view?

Isn’t it easy to compare?

When we compare, we become critical.

Critical of the other, delving into pride.

Or critical of ourselves, stooping into self-pity.

Gardens are all different.

Lives are all different.

In reality, even those who seem to have it all together, have their sinful secrets.

Their moments of crap, so to speak.

Enjoy the garden God gave you.

Investigate the new plants He has planted for you.

Water it and feast in it’s beauty.

Ignore the other gardens until you can gaze at theirs with absolute delight for them.

Delight for your friend’s garden.

If you find yourself unable to, remove all social media from your life.

Just for a season.

Remove it, turning your focus to Jesus and the garden He has brought to you.

Spend your new free time on your garden and Jesus.

Learn to appreciate it’s beauty.

And then stay off social media forever.

Or not. 🙂

Photos by fotografierende on Unsplash

No Longer Slaves

Published on October 19, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And the hand of the Lord was upon me there. And He said to me, “Arise, go out into the valley, and there I will speak with you.” Ezekiel 3:22

What if you were no longer a slave to fear?

What if you decided not to sit under the rule of anxiety, worry, and doubt?

What if you decided you were not that girl who reacted in fear?

Or you are not that boy who lashes out in anger when wronged?

What if you were no longer sitting in darkness alone?

What if you declared instead your life was now God’s alone?

What if you pushed aside all your fleshly misgivings and plunged forward into what you know God wants for you?

What if you stepped out of the boat and walked in faith into God’s plan for you?

What if you put your strong feet where your mouth has been all these years?

What if you declared today is the day the Lord has made, and I will now rejoice in it?

What if you actually stopped, laid your burdens down, and ran into the arms of Jesus without looking back?

What if today was the first day of the rest of your life trusting God completely instead of your old ways?

I can tell you.

If you do that, you will be forever changed.

You will smile bigger than before.

You will walk freer than ever.

You will be filled with God’s peace, which is beyond understanding.

The what if can only be answered by one person.

You.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Bottom Line

Published on October 12, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

When you strip it all away,

When you remove all of the extra fluff,

When you focus on what is truly important,

You focus on God.

God is everything.

He is the beginning and the end.

He is eternity.

Eternity is infinitely longer than life on earth.

Next to God, people come next.

How much are you praying for the people God puts into your life?

Praying they will know God with all of their heart, soul, and mind?

Because that’s all that matters.

Jobs come and go.

Houses are built and eventually crumble away.

Children are born and grow, leaving to live on their own.

Meals are prepared and eaten.

There will always be more to do.

There’s only one thing certain that will last forever.

Your relationship with God.

And your loved one’s relationship with the Almighty.

Again I ask,

How much are focusing your temporary life to bring more with you to heaven?

It’s easy to let the pleasures of this world distract your focus from things eternal.

God wants us to enjoy this life, yes.

But make sure you also focus on your people.

They need your prayers more than you know.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Undisturbed

Published on September 28, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus was human.

Fully God, yet chose to be human.

There are many things we could talk about, but let’s concentrate on peace.

Jesus was the epitome of peace.

In the Bible, do you see Him distressing ever?

In the Garden of Gethsemane?

On the boat in the storm?

When Lazarus died?

Serving lunch with 4 loaves and 2 fish?

Or was it 4 fish and 2 loaves?

Doesn’t matter as it wasn’t enough for just His disciples and him!

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Through all of that and more, Jesus was not distressed.

Not panicked.

His face was undisturbed.

Look at His face when you lack peace.

Remind yourself He is in control.

Empty yourself of inward-focus.

And focus on Him.

Focus on His undisturbed self.

If God, who created all things and knows all things, is undisturbed, why on earth are you?

Peace, be still.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Greatness

Published on September 21, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. Psalm 78:4

Greatness does not lay in the office one holds.

Greatness does not exist in the way a person looks or what one possesses.

Greatness pours from character.

Excellent character.

Character that produces servant leadership, stirring the will to follow, bringing others alongside.

Greatness does not exist apart from God.

Apart from God, we are not great.

Humans can do good things, yes, but on our own strength, our good things fall flat.

Flat as a pancake.

Greatness lies within all of us.

It’s there, waiting for God to call it forth.

Sometimes, God calls it out of us, asking us to walk on higher ground.

To walk above it all, carrying others alongside.

In order to be used by God,

In order to be called into greatness, we must submit ourselves to Himself.

Submit ourselves to His will for us.

Not think of ourselves first and foremost.

Coming from DC last week, George Washington comes to mind.

His humble servant heart was called into greatness by God.

God used him to orchestrate our great country.

Think of the consequences if Washington had said no to God.

Had instead secured himself into the safety of Mt. Vernon.

What would our country be like today?

Would America even exist?

Submit yourself to God and see where He takes you.

Even if it’s influencing your immediate world, His greatness will be noticed.

The greatness God wants to call you into may or may not rise to the level of our founding fathers, Billy Graham, or Amy Carmichael.

But it just might.

Photos by AMY MECHAM on Unsplash

Resist

Published on September 14, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

How do you resist God?

With what words or actions do you tell Him no?

He will never insist.

He will never beg.

He simply tells you His truth and waits.

Waits for you to come to Him.

No manipulation.

No threats.

So how do you resist Him?

Ignoring His prompts to share His grace.

Busying your schedule, crowding out time in His Word.

Choosing entertainment before praying for your family.

Deciding against what you know is right, obeying your flesh instead.

Listening to the lies in your head instead of His truth you know.

Succumbing to selfishness instead of serving.

The list goes on and on.

Resisting God equals loving ourselves more.

But what if you invited God to take over?

What if you, instead of focusing on yourself first, asked God what He wanted?

Continually asked God what His plans are for you each and every moment?

What if you considered God all day?

Instead of merely before bed when you pause and pray?

We resist God when we focus on ourselves.

Instead, resist yourself and focus on Him.

Focus on God.

Photos by Nathan Dumlao, NeONBRAND, & Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Belief

Published on August 31, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

How high is your belief?

Belief in God.

Belief in His goodness.

Belief in His faithfulness.

Belief in your God-given gifts.

How much do you believe?

How deep?

I can say things until I’m blue in the face.

Others can share God’s truth over and over.

But unless you take His words into your heart, they mean nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

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We all have our own choices.

To believe God or not.

To believe Him when things are rolling along nicely.

But to also believe Him when you’re plodding along in a deep dark forest.

How deep is your belief?

Even when you cannot feel His hand, do you know He’s still there?

Even when you’re disappointed yet again, do you look instead to His faithfulness?

It’s normal to flip a bit.

To flip on belief when a doubt enters your brain.

A thought pops into your head, planting a doubt, and you respond like you almost agree.

Instead, when little doubts land on your arm, slap them like a mosquito, killing them on the spot.

Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Doubt that is.

Why?

Because doubt always leads to something else.

If you don’t immediately slap that doubt away, it stays in the corner of your mind, coming to the surface every so often.

Something else a few minutes or hours later will try to confirm that doubt.

Now you’ve got a bigger problem.

That “confirmed” doubt has doubled.

Folks, it only gets worse from there.

Doubts are believed when belief in ourselves overtakes our belief in God.

When we determine it’s up to us to be happy.

It’s up to us to solve our moments.

Our belief in God is the cornerstone of everything.

If we don’t believe He is enough, we search.

If we don’t believe He is faithful, we doubt.

If we don’t believe He is here, we panic.

Keep your belief deep, so your roots are well watered when the ground above is parched.

When life is cracked and dry, you will still thrive because your roots are well-watered.

Choose to deeply believe, because life is very real.

Photos by Liam Pozz, Jeremy Bishop, & Christopher Paul High on Unsplash

Thank you

Published on August 10, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings, I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7

Are His praises ever on your lips?

Is your thankfulness dripping off your tongue?

It’s so much easier to complain.

Grumble.

Whine.

It’s easier because it’s more natural.

Natural in our human mindset.

But what if you turn it all around?

What if you change your focus to how good He is?

What if you change your laundry list prayer life to a time of thankfulness?

God is so good to us.

My summer has been anything but restful.

Moving.

Organizing our material possessions and selling things we deem ridiculous to own.

Sudden job loss.

New house delays and issues to deal with.

Launch new business from scratch.

Start of a new school year with my school under construction.

Whew!

Believe me, I’ve complained. 🙂

And when I’ve complained, my world becomes ugly and gray.

Full of despair.

But when I’ve changed to thanking Him for all of it, it’s amazing to me how my world, my same world, becomes beautiful and bright.

Full of hope.

Declare how good He is and thank Him in advance.

You’ll be surprised at how peaceful and hopeful you’ll be.

But that really shouldn’t surprise you.

Focusing on God always points us to rest.

To Him.

To His goodness.

Thank you God for all of it.

Thank you God for finishing our beautiful home and bringing the workers.

Thank you for fixing our website and delivering our materials soon.

Thank you for giving us Your wisdom in all that we do.

Thank you for giving me and my teacher friends grace and peace as we enter the new school year still under construction.

Thank you for surrounding our children with godly friends and influences.

Thank you for always taking care of us and going before us every step of the way.

You are so good.

So good to us all.

Thank you.

Now it’s your turn!

Photos by twinsfisch on Unsplash

Ugly Poster

Published on July 20, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

What does it look like?

The big ugly poster you see when you begin to think poorly?

When you start dwelling on the nasty?

What does it look like?

Your big ugly poster.

Because you tend to hold it up too much.

You’ve seen it enough times to know what it looks like.

Mine really doesn’t have any pictures on it.

It’s mostly black.

Dull.

Frankly, all it does is obscure my view.

My view of all my blessings.

You?

Guessing yours is similar.

Sometimes the big ugly poster can change, adding hurt from the past.

Or dreams that were crushed.

Or people who have broken you.

Or situations you wish were different.

Guess what happens when you only see the big ugly poster?

Your mood becomes absolutely horrid.

Your fears begin to hold center stage in your vulnerable brain.

Hopelessness and despair become your companions.

Time to put it down.

With God’s help, put it down.

Tear it to pieces.

Train your arms to never scoop it up again.

And if you forget, throw it down instantly, as if it were poison.

Because it is.

Your big ugly poster is poison.

The antidote to fear is security.

Look around and see how God has provided for you.

The antidote to hopelessness is hope.

Open your eyes and see all the blessings God has poured out on you.

Remember.

That’s the answer.

Remember God is in control and remember all He has done for you.

And will do.

Stand up straight.

Straighten your crown.

And smile.

And while you’re at it, step on that poster.

Photos by Kelly Sikkema, Corinne Kutz, Brandi Redd, JESHOOTS.COM, & Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash

Stealer

Published on July 13, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

What steals your peace?

Your joy?

What types of things get your goat, causing you to focus on the ugly?

Turning your eyes away from life?

Anything can steal your peace.

I’m guessing lots of things do with you, with me, with us.

They can be little stupid things, or big ones.

Pictures.

I love hanging things on my walls.

My husband not so much.

He prefers clean walls.

Me, too, but I also like a few pictures.

So, we compromise.

Could we let our differences steal our joy?

Of course!

One can justify lots of moods, can’t we?

But should you let it steal your joy?

No!

Enjoy the compromise.

What?

Yes, enjoy the compromise.

Let it change you.

Our new home is sporting natural Nebraska grass.

I think I even see a couple large sunflowers sprouting from the earth.

All around us are neatly manicured lawns with lovely sprinklers turning on every morning.

We notice them on our daily walks.

But not us.

We still have the natural grass, I mean weeds.

Tons of weeds.

Supposed to be finished a couple weeks ago, but there’s been rain delays.

That annoyance can steal our joy.

Pull our eyes away from the incredible home we now love.

Focus on the blessing, not the not yet completed annoyance.

Let it change you.

Forgot to unthaw the frozen chicken for dinner and now your hangry attitude is beginning to color your vision?

You can either be perturbed beyond belief, creating an atmosphere of toxicity or you can choose to focus on the yes.

Yes! Food is readily available, easily obtained from another section of my ample pantry or convenient nearby drive-through.

I also don’t have to daily plan for hours, coaxing a fire or hauling water to feed my family.

Hallelujah!

Satan knows how to steal our peace.

Why?

Because he’s known you for years.

Wants you to be miserable.

So, the next time something pops up to steal your peace, say no.

Don’t let it.

Don’t let the joy stealer anywhere near your mood.

Focus on the Peace and Joy Giver, who created all things.

Focus on Him and the little annoyances will all fade away.

Today, I choose to focus on Him.

Will you?

Photos by W A T A R I, Kat Yukawa, Jason Long, Tikkho Maciel, & Zhu Hongzhi on Unsplash

Fear’s Enemy

Published on June 30, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:19

Truth.

Truth is Fear’s enemy.

Why?

Because Fear wants you to ignore truth.

Fear wants you to focus on worry, neglecting all things true.

What are you afraid of?

What fear has gotten a hold of you?

Ever think you’re not good enough?

That’s fear.

God’s truth holds that you are enough just by being you.

Fear of rejection begs us to ignore ourselves, bowing instead to unloving our very selves.

Afraid you’ll lose your job?

Doesn’t God hold all things in His hands?

Doesn’t He promise to bring you your needs like He clothes the flowers in the fields and the sparrows of the air?

Can you be a Christian and still fear?

Absolutely.

Why?

Because we forget Whose we are.

We forget and turn instead to our flesh filled minds, churning out our own responses to life.

When Satan (or fear) whispers a doubt in your mind, what is your response?

Do you agree with it?

If so, that’s an invitation for fear to move on in.

Makes it even easier the next time, which I can guarantee you will happen.

You know that.

What if, instead, you refused it?

You declared God’s truth instead?

You would win, that’s what.

Your mood would stay out of the toilet.

Satan wants fear to rule your life.

To dictate your every move.

To make you apprehensive of making any mistake at all.

To become afraid to use your voice, standing up for yourself.

To worry about being alone.

To worry about being a substitute wife, because you’re not his first one.

To compare yourself to others who have had space in a loved one’s heart.

Fear is based on the faith of the unknown.

The what if.

Don’t you dare base your life on what if.

Base your life on what now.

Base your life on what now with God.

He knows.

He cares.

He’s enough.

Kick fear to the curb.

And slam the door.

Photos by Yusuf Evli, Aaron Burden, Adam Muise, & Aime Cox-Tennant on Unsplash

Set the Pace

Published on June 15, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 1 Corinthians 11:30

How fast do you live life?

At what speed do you spend your minutes?

Fast and furious with a never-ending list waiting to be accomplished?

In a tizzy when things are not completed on the timeline you have declared as law?

Hurriedly completing tasks as you rush past moments that matter?

How’s your mood during all of this?

Fabulously happy and content?

Or are you miserably managing to keep the pace, wearing instead a frown?

If you look around, you will see it all.

All that needs to be done.

I know.

I just moved.

It’s been 3 weeks and I had hoped to be all settled, pictures hung and hot meals on the table from my newly inventoried freezer.

Seriously?

Yep.

It’s laughable.

I mean, yes, I could throw things into nooks, but hubby and I want to literally go through everything, keeping only what we wish.

And that, my friends, is a daunting task as we filled our 920 square foot garage with all of our earthly belongings.

And some were in the house as well.

Gulp.

My pace lately has been busy.

Why?

Because I know it’s a season of settling.

That’s ok.

But I realized something today as I stood for a half hour drinking my coffee.

I felt guilty thinking of sitting, so I was standing.

What?

It’s like I knew I had way more to do, so I stood, thinking I could quickly jump to move something before taking another gulp of my morning liquid gold.

For heaven’s sake, sit down.

In order to accomplish more of what God wants us to do, we must carve out space to sit.

To sit and not do.

To sit and marvel at all we have done.

All God’s done.

Instead of looking at life as a frantic pace with a never ending list, change your focus.

Focus on your priorities: God, spouse, kids, all else.

Yes, organizing my new house affects my spouse and kids, honoring God; however, God never wants you to accomplish His will at the expense of your sanity.

Overall, your pace should reflect God.

Your face should reflect God.

Your life should reflect God.

And God reflects peace.

When your life reflects God, His peace will fill your mind, body, and soul.

When your face reflects God, your body will react to life with peace.

And when your pace reflects God, your schedule and activities will be peacefully attained.

And your list will end, because you’ll allow yourself to sit.

Can I get an amen?

Allow yourself margin to sit.

Sit back and enjoy all the blessings God has given you.

It’s not a guilty pleasure.

It honors God to thank Him.

Thanks, God. 🙂

Photos by Albert S, Kelly Miller, Markus Spiske, & Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

What Then

Published on May 25, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

What if I told you there is a Friend who knows your name?

Not only your name, but every thought you’ve had, every tear you’ve shed, every smile you’ve given?

Who longs to be your first confidant and constant lifelong companion?

What if I told you there is a Provider who will meet your every need?

Who longs to shower you with blessings if you let Him?

Who will not only give you food to eat, but food for your parched and weary soul?

What if I told you there is a Comforter who hears every cry?

Whose heart breaks with yours, yearning to remove every one of your burdens, big or small?

What if I told you there is a Protector who carries all authority in heaven and on earth?

Who longs to stand not only at your physical door, but your mind as well, slaying giants seen and unseen?

What if I told you there is a Shepherd who wants to guide your every step, keeping it from slipping?

Who longs to gently steer your words, thoughts, and deeds towards life and not death?

What if I told you there is a Father who wants to give you everything you could ever possibly need?

Who longs to not only protect you, but love you unconditionally, providing you with wisdom, truth, and every good thing?

What if I told you His name is Jesus and all of it is real.

True.

Available.

Today.

What then?

Remember Who He is.

Remember Whose you are.

And trust.

Always.

Begin again, today.

Release

Published on May 11, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

What if you decided to release all of the junk?

All of the junk you keep in your brain?

Un-forgiveness of others.

Memorized list of how each hurt you?

Deservedly yes, but it was so yesterday.

You’re only hurting yourself, you know.

Internally, your body reacts poorly when you hold onto things.

How do you know if you still have junk?

The thought of that person brings it all up again.

Washes over you like a sickness.

What if you released it?

Deliberately deciding not to hold onto it, no matter what it is?

Declaring yourself unoffendable?

What if, the very next time someone “hurts” you by their words, you, instead of launching into poor me, decided not to claim that pain at all?

Refusing to participate?

You’d enjoy freedom.

If people cannot offend you , you will remain peaceful.

Not a license to turn you into a doormat.

Talking about little things.

Snide remark from a child.

Spouse not treating you perfectly.

Taking a boss’ criticism personally instead of separating it into doing your job better.

Jesus wants His kingdom to come here on earth.

Was He wanting us to live our salvation in freedom on earth?

Not wrapped up by the bondage of past offenses?

Freedom in Christ means the freedom to forgive.

Forgive and forget.

Doesn’t mean you are blindly trusting others who have proven themselves unworthy.

But the pain isn’t kept.

The pain doesn’t keep you in bondage.

Your body cries out for freedom.

Your mind cries out for freedom.

Your soul is free.

Let’s choose that freedom today.

The choice is yours.

Photos by pan xiaozhen, Gianandrea Villa, Robert Metz, & Jason Dent on Unsplash

Your Grave

Published on May 4, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Have you walked out of your grave?

Seriously.

With our God’s saving power pulsing through your veins, you are free.

Free.

You are no longer bound by the death of this world.

Death from words has no power over you.

Deathly situations will no longer paralyze you.

Death from fear of the unknown no longer consumes you.

The absence or death of joy, filling yourself instead with insecurity, can no longer claim you.

So,

Have you walked out of your grave?

You’ll know because you’ll feel the freedom God so desperately wants to give you.

When God saves your soul, first and foremost, you are headed to heaven.

When you die, you no longer worry where you will forever remain.

However, there is a second part.

God longs for you to be saved from this world here on earth as well.

Saved from the death all around you.

Saved from deathly words swallowing you up.

Saved from deadly situations paralyzing you.

Saved from fear of the unknown consuming you.

Saved from joyless living, aligning yourself with insecurity and unloving thoughts.

Jesus wants to redeem your life on earth, too.

He wants you to walk around completely loved, completely valued, and completely prized.

Why?

Because you are His.

His beloved.

He has saved you from not only eternity away from Him, but He has also saved you in this world.

You are victorious.

You are free.

Together with God, you are victorious over anything this world throws at you.

Have you walked out of your grave?

Photos by Rubén Bagüés, Jonathan Farber, Scott Rodgerson, Alexander Andrews, & Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

Stand Up

Published on April 27, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

When it comes down to it-

When the rubber meets the road-

When the time has come-

What will you decide?

What will your choice be?

Will you stand up?

Mock?

Or stay seated?

When life turns a corner….

When left unsupervised….

When no one who matters is looking…

What will you decide?

No one can see your heart.

Literally, no one can see your true self.

But we can see your actions.

Your words.

Your inaction.

Those reveal your true self.

They witness the desires of your heart.

So I suppose, yes, we can see it.

Your true self.

Clearly.

But beyond the rest of the world, your God sees.

Nothing escapes His notice.

Nothing.

Whether you trust Him for your life or not, He sees.

He sees everything.

Absolutely everything.

Your tears He tenderly watches when no one else is there.

Your triumphs He rejoices as He longs to see you thrive.

But He also sees your blunders.

Witnesses these as well.

When you bend to the world, spewing forth ugly words, He sees.

When you succumb to popularity, demeaning those inferior to you, He sees.

When your will bends to the winds determined by your peers, He sees.

When you mock authority in secret or in public, He sees.

When you pretend to follow God, He sees.

When you laugh with degrading jokes, participating in your heart, He sees.

He sees and He knows.

While you might succeed at fooling the world, you will never fool Him.

God, our ultimate judge.

Stand up for what you know is right.

Stand tall among the crowd.

When you do, that little guilty feeling which always accompanies an error big or small, will dissipate.

Be a light.

In this world, you’ll either bring light or darkness wherever you go.

Which would you rather do?

Next time you face a questionable situation, will you stand up, mock, or stay seated?

Stand up.

Photos by Vladislav Babienko, Javier Allegue Barros, & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Listening

Published on March 30, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Proverbs 4:20

How are you listening to God?

Are you even listening?

Or are you talking to God, demanding what you wish to be…?

We all have plans in our head of how we wish life to unfold.

We all have ideas of where we’d like to go in this one life.

Ever think about what you pray for?

Do you spend most of your time asking God for things?

Showing Him your laundry list?

How much time do you spend praising Who He is?

Reminding yourself of the absolute awe you should feel?

Or listening?

How much time do you spend silent, listening to His whispers to your heart?

In life, the rule is to listen more than you speak.

How about in prayer?

We should listen more than we speak.

Listen to the heart of God.

Yes, ask Him for His provision, protection, and peace.

But devote most of your prayer to listening.

If you’re too busy talking, you might even miss your answer.

Obedience to God

Published on March 23, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. Deuteronomy 5:33

When we obey God, His power rushes through us to others.

Why?

Because “behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God”.

An incredible preacher, Oswald Chambers penned that phrase in the last century.

The thought is so profound, I’ve spent days thinking of it.

When we love others with His love, we affect eternity.

When we become the hands and feet of Jesus, His love touches others through us.

When we obey God, His power is unleashed.

His love is let out.

His healing is released.

His peace is felt.

Think you’re insignificant?

Focus on this: your obedience can allow others to see God.

God.

God?

Yes, God.

Oh my.

Photos by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Daily Effort

Published on March 9, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Walking in life-giving steps requires daily effort.

Deliberately stepping into what God has for you is a choice.

It’s rather easy to stumble, falling into death.

Death?

Walking into self-pity.

Agreeing with rejection.

Joining with unloving.

Listening to fear.

Satan knows our weaknesses.

Tempting us is rather easy as we are so used to succumbing to his pitiful ways.

We are so weak.

Yet, with God, we are strong.

So very strong, we have literally no idea.

No idea, whatsoever, what power is ours.

Power that can shut down the devil’s temptations in an instant.

Guard yourself.

Guard myself, how?

Writing down your precious blessings from God.

Listing scriptures which proclaim the truth of God over the lies of Satan.

Tuning into worship music, filling your brain with the praises of God.

Telling fear to go.

Cancelling the assignments of rejection.

Declaring God’s power over all.

Then stepping back in line with life.

The life hidden under God’s all-powerful wings.

But you must also choose to stay.

Choose to stay aligned with God.

Completely.

Walking with God produces life.

He’ll take all of your fears and lay them to rest.

Believe Him.

Because He is life.

Your life nestled safely in His hands.

Photos by Olia Gozha & Ben White on Unsplash

Real Life 2.0

Published on February 23, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 43:5

Ever have a pity party?

Honestly, they’re fun.

It’s fun to wallow in poor me.

Why?

Because when we join our pity party, we feel comfortable.

Safe.

It just feels right to complain.

To utterly concentrate on the ugly.

It’s like the Sadness character in the movie Inside Out.

Nothing you can do to change her mind.

She’ll always just be sad.

Now wait, isn’t it OK to be sad?

Why are you dumping on being sad?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to be sad.

Normal, in fact.

Healthy.

It’s healthier to be sad and grieve something then to simply ignore it, pushing your feelings down to your toes.

But the feeling of sadness and grieving is not a pity party.

It’s not poor me.

It’s simply sad.

You are choosing to grieve, but not demanding others give you a behavior green card.

An allowance to act however you choose, because after all, you deserve to after what you have been through!

I’ve had a pretty bad week.

Actually a bad 2 weeks.

A week ago, we found out our 8 week old unborn child was only 6.5 weeks and did not have a beating heart.

Then a few days ago, we discovered it was not meant to be.

And I’ve been waiting for my body to cooperate and get back to normal ever since.

Hence my foul mood.

While it’s perfectly normal for me to feel sadness, to grieve what will never be, I crossed the line.

I had a big old pity party.

I moved from sad to depressed.

It was not pretty, folks.

Real life.

While I know in my head what is the truth, I still chose to wallow in myself.

Aren’t you supposed to count your blessings when you’re down?

Yes, but that’s not as fun as feeling plumb sorry for yourself.

I even had several cookies.

And lots of wine.

But God’s faithfulness prevailed, as it always does.

I’ll never get those days back, but I can remember for the future.

Remember the clear difference between pity and sorrow.

With God’s grace, I’ll choose wisely next time.

Will you?

After all, it’s real life.

Photos by Paola Chaaya, Pim Chu, & Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Real Life

Published on February 16, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18

Life is real, folks.

Messy.

Super messy.

Why?

Broken world.

Selfishness.

Lies of the enemy we believe.

Death.

Are you aware that when God created our world, death was not yet present?

The Garden of Eden was brimming with life.

Death was nowhere until sin entered the world.

The death that surrounds us takes many forms.

Depression or deep grief is like death as in it robs us of hours or days.

Death of dreams happen when life becomes twisted and hard.

When we no longer are able to choose what we wish, faced instead with choices we hate.

And then there’s literal death.

Loved ones who leave us.

Unknown babies who grow in heaven.

Not to mention our own selves.

Real life is not Instagram happy faces.

It’s not Pinterest worthy decorated homes or birthday cakes.

It’s not a perfect family photo.

Sometimes, it’s gut-wrenching grief.

But pulling yourself up and starting anew.

It’s homes that are not always happy, with laundry overflowing, and lop-sided birthday cakes made with love.

It’s usually perfectly messy homes that are loving and comfy.

It’s real family relationships with yelling and arguments, filled with selfish moments.

But family relationships which genuinely care and in the end, hug and love no matter what.

Real life is not perfect.

Real life is messy.

Frankly, it can be disastrous at times.

But when we all admit our imperfections, life becomes simpler.

No, we don’t have to live up to that imperfect expectation.

We’re not perfect.

But God, who created us and never makes mistakes, knew that.

He knows it.

And He loves us anyway.

Let’s stop pretending everything is OK.

Because when we admit it’s not, God steps in and fills our many cracks.

Me, I have lots.

Photos by Steve Johnson, Alice Achterhof, Mike Petrucci, & NASA on Unsplash

Life

Published on February 2, 2019February 2, 2019 by amylinnea2 Comments

What is life?

Something or someone that is alive.

Breathing.

Growing.

Potential.

How does life begin?

God.

He is the author of life.

He created the world and everything in it.

How does life end?

Natural causes, accidents, and illness.

Or by choice with the hand of a “bad guy”, murdering a life undefended.

Recently, our country has heard the heart of people who want to choose life or death for the defenseless.

Those involved wish to declare themselves god.

They want the authority to kill innocence just before or after birth.

For what reason?

It’s unclear.

Convenience.

Unhealthy child, although that definition remains murky at best.

Thinking they know a child’s future will be a “non-quality” life.

Could I argue that some living people have non-quality lives?

Sitting around, depressed and living off of other people’s money, not contributing to the good of society?

Yet, those adults still deserve a chance.

Why?

Because they are valued human beings.

We must declare that babies are human beings.

No matter the stage of development in or out of the womb.

If babies are humans, then they fall under the laws of protection.

If babies are non-humans, they fall prey to nothingness.

It’s legal to kill nothing.

Why?

Because it’s nothing.

Destroying life is a choice.

A choice of convenience for only the adults involved.

May God open our eyes.

May He show us just what is going on.

And may God have mercy on our country.

Photos by Kate Krivanec, Liane Metzler, Kelly Sikkema, Alex Hockett, & Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Simplicity

Published on January 5, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me. Psalm 116:6

I’m struck at how simple our faith needs to be.

Just plain simple.

We make Christianity so darn complicated.

We become experts, insistent on our own interpretation of things.

We condemn ourselves from standards of perfection.

We become puddles of insecurity through our lack of faith.

We compare ourselves with the giants of our faith.

We mess up.

We listen to the lies of Satan whispering in our ear.

We bow to the idols of our flesh.

All of this heaps buckets of guilt and condemnation.

Usually topped with feeling our faith is not large enough.

Thinking we must do even more!

Let’s go back to the simplicity of faith in God.

Jesus said we must have faith like a small child.

Just know God is God and He is in control.

That is enough.

We don’t have to perform beyond that.

We don’t have to top anything.

We don’t need to prove our faith to anyone, including ourselves.

Place your trust in God.

Child-like trust.

Claim that.

Then relax and trust that He is good.

He works all things out in His perfect way.

His ways are above yours and mine.

Shrug off the man-made burdens of our faith and simply believe.

We don’t have to know everything about God and His ways to trust Him.

You can choose, though, to keep trusting in yourself instead of God.

He’s given us that choice.

However,

God has not and will not ever let you down if you keep trusting Him.

Simply trust, believe, and rest.

And like a little child, take your peace.

Photos by Johannes Plenio, Marjorie Bertrand, & Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Be Still

Published on December 22, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 25

Lord, what are Your thoughts this morning?

Be still.

Be still and know that I am God.

I am above it all.

Everything, big or small.

I am above your children.

I am above your husband.

I am above your job.

Your health.

Your house.

Remember Who I am.

I am the Great I Am.

I Am means I have always, are currently, and always will be.

As a result, you can be still.

If you choose.

Be still and know that I am God, trusting in My perfect plan chosen specifically for you.

Be still, my child, be still.

I am here.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Emil Vilsek, Donnie Rosie, Denys Nevozhai, & Maria Shanina on Unsplash

Focus

Published on December 15, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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. Romans 12:2

What is your focus?

Yourself?

Your needs, wants, and desires?

I get it.

It’s totally natural.

When you focus on your own self, nothing else matters except for your happiness.

Satisfying your needs.

Children naturally look out for number one and our job as parents is to curb that selfishness.

Tantrums usually result when children have little consequence for displaying that me-monster.

You’ve seen the horror unfold in stores.

Good parents are those that take the child out, not giving in.

Hopefully, as we grow into adults, we focus less on ourselves, and more on other people.

Parenting thrusts us into this role whether we want to or not.

I can remember staying home for years with the children.

My needs were second to theirs; however, their daily “after lunch quiet times” away from me provided sanity, key to my mental state.

Focusing on others with physical work is relatively easy.

Physically hard, yes, but easy in a way.

Unless you are grumbling and complaining as you work, thinking of only your “put out” state of mind.

On the other hand, mentally focusing on others and not yourself is an entirely different ballgame.

For example, what if your spouse communicates differently from you?

Should you focus on your natural point of view or theirs instead?

Imagine the difference if you focused first on your spouse, turning to yourself last.

What if your students at school or your own children at home seem to come from another world entirely?

Enter that world and look around.

Mentally.

Little people need authority from parents and teachers, but the focus can still be them.

Authority which oozes love and acceptance.

Think of Jesus.

He would patiently listen to children, calming them down with his love and authority.

And if He was married to your spouse, He would think of them first.

Always.

As Christians, Jesus DOES live in us.

We can be His hands and feet.

With strangers.

With children.

With our spouse.

The next time an issue crops up, don’t immediately switch the focus to yourself.

Keep focusing on Jesus.

Give yourself a time out if needed.

Yes, moms need those as well. 🙂

Invite God to wash your mind with His.

To give you His focus.

To see what He wants you to see.

And to ignore what He wants you to ignore.

Photos by Elena Taranenko, Dmitry Ratushny, Joanna Nix, & Keegan Houser on Unsplash

True Thankfulness

Published on November 24, 2018June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1

Are you thankful?

Truly thankful?

For all of it?

Good things are easy to list.

Health.

Joy filled days.

Grocery stores brimming with food.

Meaningful jobs.

Secure homes.

Fuzzy socks.

Steaming hot coffee.

Loving husbands.

Precious children.

But…

How thankful are you for the darkness?

For every thing that has broken your heart?

A spiteful boss.

Ungrateful children.

A friend’s betrayal.

Abandonment of a spouse through death or divorce.

Children born in heaven.

God has a purpose for all things.

All of it.

Every little thing.

Thanking Him in the good times is easy.

Effortless.

Thanking Him in the bad times, is not.

It’s painful.

Sounds almost ridiculous to even suggest.

I mean, how can we possibly even think about thanking Him for the darkness?

I ask myself, can I thank God for my life?

For my entire life?

Everything?

Honestly?

I can try.

Found it’s easier if you can thank Him for pain AND redeeming you all at the same time.

Well, here it goes.

Thank you, God, for the relationship rupture and my dear sweet husband.

You know best when allowing things to happen.

Thank you, God, for child heartaches and our precious relationships now.

Thank you, God, for the babies in heaven and the promise of new life for a bit.

Thank you, God, for the agony.

And thank you, God, for the relief.

The blessings I have are brighter when viewed through the prism of pain.

I know I’m more thankful, because of it.

All of it.

More conscious of the blessings.

My husband is, too.

It’s when you can thank Him for all,

For everything,

That you know you’ve put Him first.

Your trust in Him is secure.

Why?

Because you know He is in control.

Absolute control.

And you are safe in His arms.

Completely safe.

Ok, now it’s your turn.

Photos by Chris Lawton, Lina Trochez, Steve Halama, Guillaume de Germain, Ben White, & Simon Maage on Unsplash

Will You?

Published on November 17, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Will you keep trusting God when all looks wrong?

Will you keep your faith as it looks like God has turned His back on you?

Remember Job?

Job kept his faith even as his entire life fell apart.

Life as he knew it melted away.

All of his children died.

His business failed.

His home burned.

His possessions were a total loss.

His wife was livid as she blamed Job for it all.

His friends gave him bad advice.

He was alone.

He felt God had turned His back on him.

But Job’s faith never faltered.

He stayed faithful.

He never wavered.

And God restored him.

In God’s perfect timing, Job was completely restored.

Do you have that kind of faith?

If God took away everything in this life, would you trust Him still?

God’s not likely to do just that.

However, life will sometimes look like God is absent.

Gone.

Not with you.

But He is here.

Always.

Rest assured, God is in complete control.

God never lost control in Job’s life.

God simply allowed Satan to test Job.

God had Job’s back.

And God has your back.

Always.

When your life feels as though God has left, will you trust Him still?

You should, because He is faithful.

He restored Job and He will restore you.

Completely.

But you must be faithful.

Trusting.

Completely.

Like Job.

Allow God to work.

And rest in the knowledge that He is sovereign over all.

Even you.

He sees you.

Every little thing.

Hallelujah.

Photos by Marita Kavelashvili, Federico Bottos, Katie Drazdauskaite, & Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash

The Other Side

Published on November 10, 2018September 25, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

The devil is laughing.

Literally full of glee.

People are so dumb and we give him plenty to chuckle about.

8th grade boys writing about how dumb serving the less fortunate is.

A daughter who ignores her parents and sneaks out anyhow.

A student who steals answers from his teacher.

A cell phone which demands the attention of the husband, ignoring real life instead.

A company who devalues their workers, looking instead at the bottom line.

An advertising company selling inferior products, lying to their loyal customers.

A news show inflaming facts, intentionally stretching the truth to anger the population.

And that’s just the things we see…..

A child’s snide remark, confirming the lie in the mother’s head, declaring her unfit.

A bully’s words sinking into a teen, confirming their lowered status.

A boss devaluing his employee through unnecessary long hours away from home.

A young adult who moves out turning her face from God despite her upbringing.

The devil is laughing.

Because we are so fooled.

He shows us people with whom to compare, stirring jealousy and discontent.

He creates doubt in our abilities whether it is dinner, meetings, or haircuts.

He causes anger when he convinces us how important we are compared to others.

Why do we fall for his foolish ways?

Because we are human.

Fallen.

We choose it.

But there is another choice.

Life.

Specifically, the tree of life.

Remember the Garden?

There was a choice handed to Adam and Eve.

If you eat, and disobey God, you will be like Him.

You know what happened.

Folks, the devil has been laughing at us from almost the very beginning.

Time to stop.

Time to choose life every time the devil provides us with his choice.

His days are numbered.

That’s why he works on us.

He wants to take as many as he can to the pit.

Or, with Christians, he wants us to live in the pit each and every day, decreasing God’s influence on others.

Ouch.

But laugh instead at him, because the jokes on him.

We win.

Let me hear you laugh.

We have already won, we currently win, and we will always win.

Why?

Because God has done it all for us.

Choose life and live as if it matters.

Turn the tables and laugh instead at the devil.

Feels great, doesn’t it?

Photos by Ben White, Justin Young, Tim Mossholder, Lucas Lenzi, Priscilla Du Preez, Marcus Cramer & Scott Webb on Unsplash

Published on October 27, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:1

There will always be more.

More teacher books to read, lessons to try, activities to save.

More recipes to try, nutrition to evaluate, exercise methods to investigate.

More decorating shows to watch, websites to pursue, ideas to glean.

More clothing to see, outfits to make, stores to shop.

We will never reach the pinnacle of knowledge in any area of our life.

There will always be more we could know.

More knowledge to glean.

More, more, more.

I find this overwhelming.

Why?

Because I want to do my very best in all things.

I want to be the best teacher, so I read blogs, read books, tweak lessons, and constantly keep looking to make my classes even better.

I want to be the best self, so I keep pursuing blogs, saved links, and books to find that formula which will set me up for success.

I want to be the best Christian wife/mother/daughter/etc, so I read books, blogs, and save even more books on my future reading list, which I admit will could never all be read in my lifetime.

Folks, we don’t have to prove ourselves.

God loves us and accepts us.

Knowledge is wonderful, even ordained by God.

But it can become a religion of sorts.

An idol in the very least.

Yes, we should keep pursuing knowledge.

But not at the risk of feeling inadequate if we don’t.

The lie of having to know everything is false.

It will never happen.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you will never know all in whatever area you focus.

Use your God-given talents to work, improve, and pursue knowledge.

But let God guide you.

If your saved links or saved emails, or list of books to read all of a sudden vanished, would that almost be a relief to you?

That is an indication of information overload.

If you don’t want to be so bold as to delete years of saved “bookmarks”, then place a time limit on your knowledge search.

Give yourself 20 minutes a day to read your book or saved link.

Devote an entire day to plunge beneath the waters and organize, deleting unnecessary items.

Whatever you decide to do, simply remember this.

God knows all, so we don’t have to.

He ordains your steps when you trust in Him.

Allow Him to guide your knowledge search, knowing you are already enough.

You have already secured His love.

Thank Him for your knowledge thirst.

Then sit back, take a drink from your book, and savor the satisfaction of being enough.

Because you are.

Photos by Joost Crop , Valentín Betancur , Miguel Orós , & Nong Vang on Unsplash

Open House

Published on October 20, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

It’s open, come on in.

Whose there, you ask?

Fear.

Doubt.

Jealousy.

My house is open, so they walk right in.

Unknowingly, I invited them.

How?

Through believing lies in my head.

Honestly, I thought they’d leave.

But they don’t want to leave.

In fact they refuse to leave without me demanding them via God’s power.

Why don’t I ask them to leave?

Why haven’t I?

Because I’m comfortable with them.

The bondage feels familiar.

It’s who I am.

They came into my house so long ago, I can hardly remember feeling freedom.

My house guests have not only stayed a long time, they have completely moved in.

In fact, I even built them rooms.

I made room by kicking out peace, love, and security.

Has God come by lately?

Well, I haven’t invited Him over for a bit.

It’s been awhile and my house is slightly messy.

Messy with fear, doubt, and jealousy.

I’m afraid to clean up.

I don’t think I can.

But I’m jealous of my friend’s clean house…..she has so much peace from God.

I want that, too.

Does this sound at all familiar?

Declare God’s truth and pray this prayer:

God, please come back into my life.

Cleanse me from anything that is not of You.

Fear, doubt, and jealousy, leave now, in Jesus’ name.

I declare my house to be a house of God.

Amen!

Now walk confidently in God’s power.

His peace.

And close the door to fear.

In fact, change the locks.

Because God is back in control.

Photos by Mona Eendra, Alfred Leung, Leyre Labarga, Jose Aragones, & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Fear

Published on October 13, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

For I am the Lord your god who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

That one.

I’ll take her.

She looks like an easy target.

I’ll whisper a lie into her head and wait for her response.

Should I tell her no one really likes her and she’ll never measure up

should I remind her of all her recent sins, convincing her she’s trash?

Eh, doesn’t matter.

Either lie is believable.

Oh good.

She took it.

Believed it, too!

You can tell by her mood, which has plummeted downward.

Oh, and the tears.

I’ll come back again tomorrow, whispering another lie.

Wow, it worked!

This is seriously almost too easy.

Destroying people with lies is amazingly simple.

You say this girl is a Christian?

Well, glad she’s not walking in God’s truth.

If she was, she would declare my words a lie.

Does she even know Whose power is hers?

Thankfully, she seems to have forgotten.

My job is done.

She looks defeated, no longer able to fulfill God’s plan for her.

Score, I win again!!!!

Time to find another victim.

I’ll return now and then, making sure she’s still under my thumb.

Who knew my job as Fear would be so dang easy?

Photos by Michael Mouritz ,Soragrit Wongsa , Jeremy Perkins , & Eric Ward on Unsplash

Doubt

Published on October 6, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:31

Where is my next victim?

I’ll pick him.

Over there.

The one looking at his phone.

I know… they are ALL looking at their phones, but I mean the one over there.

The kid wearing a striped shirt.

I’m going to whisper a doubt into his head.

Great- he looks concerned.

What do you know….looks like I succeeded.

It’s tomorrow and I’m at it again.

I see him getting ready for school, so let’s pile on the doubt.

Oh good, he thinks he’s the stupid kid walking around at school.

He just threw his things down in disgust at himself.

Let’s confirm the doubts and really take him down a few pegs.

Wait, he’s a Christian?

Not sure if that matters.

Look, we got him to skip praying, so I can move in yet again, confirming the doubts yet again.

No, instead, I’m going to double the doubts.

What is my name?

Fear.

I tend to rule.

No, I do rule.

I have absolute power when folks give it to me.

How do they give it to me?

Succumb to the lies I tell them and don’t believe the truth.

I’m only silenced with the power of God.

But if I can get them to forget all about that, I win.

I am so used to winning, it’s almost boring.

I’m serious.

My job is so easy.

Oh no.

That kid I taunted is in Bible class.

He’s listening to the teacher proclaim victory over fear.

Let me quickly plant a doubt.

Shoot, he declared the truth in immediate response.

Now they are praying and he is agreeing.

Guess I have to leave him for now.

Time to find another victim.

Let’s try her…..

Photos by Issam Hammoudi, Michał Parzuchowski, Ryoji Iwata, & Lukas Juhas on Unsplash

Disappointing People

Published on September 29, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Ready for a bombshell?

Mind blowing reality check?

People are not perfect.

Shocker?

People will fail you.

Regularly.

No, really?

We often become disappointed in people.

Could even say all the time.

It’s almost like we expect them to be perfect, especially in their actions towards us.

We expect people to act entirely better then ourselves.

It’s almost like we allow ourselves to behave however we please, expecting others to never falter. Ever

Whose standard are you holding yourself to?

I’m not asking for perfection from you.

You can’t be perfect either.

Just don’t expect perfection from others.

You do, and you’ll continually be disappointed.

Continually.

Spread the grace of God you’ve been given to others.

Love them even when they fail you.

Even when they disappoint.

Newsflash.

I can guarantee that you, in turn, also regularly disappoint them.

You’ll want the same grace extended from them to you, regularly, won’t you?

Give grace.

Walk in forgiveness.

And smile with absolute gratefulness at the blessings of those surrounding you.

Photos by Nicole Honeywill , Pascal Lottenbach , & Ivana Djudic on Unsplash

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