choices – Page 7 – Amy Linnea

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

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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.

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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.

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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

Toxic poison

Published on September 8, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

Are you affected by poison?

I know we never knowingly ingest the stuff.

I’m talking about subtle poison.

Toxic people.

Toxic situations.

Lies from the pit.

Poison like that is all around us.

It infects us frankly easier than literally ingesting liquid.

So what should you do when you find yourself without warning in the midst of poison?

Suddenly surrounded by the bad stuff?

Refuse to participate.

Isn’t that what they teach kids about drugs?

You bet.

It’s good advice.

Refuse.

Don’t let your heart become drawn.

Set your mind against participation with fear or disappointment.

Keep your head and rise above it, staying in peace.

Poison is meant to infect.

It’s goal is to inflict pain, cutting you to the core.

So don’t let it.

Sounds simple, but in reality, it’s pretty hard.

Our nature tends to succumb to temptation.

In this case, succumbing to the temptation of pain.

Pain is familiar.

Anger is familiar.

Disappointment is familiar.

These toxic reactions are poison.

I have an example.

Recently, someone produced gifts for everyone except for me.

It was a pointed attack, meant for harm.

If I had let the toxic poison sink deep, anger and depression would have clung to my soul.

Instead, I refused to participate, letting the disappointment fall to the ground.

I did not let the toxic power take hold.

If I had, the poison would have won.

Just what the person wanted.

Battling toxic people or situations can only be done with God.

God is on your side.

He is present and fights for you.

He wants every good thing for you.

He is on your side.

Don’t you want to be on His?

You can be when you resist toxic people and situations.

Try it.

I have complete confidence in you.

With God.

Photos by Lisa, Zachary, Bryan, & Seb on Unsplash

Stop

Published on August 18, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinnea3 Comments

But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” Luke 8:50

Stop agreeing with your thoughts which tell you you’re not good enough.

Stop listening to the lies inside your head, telling you you’re not loved.

Stop believing the future is hopeless.

Stop turning to the easy road that puts you behind your goals.

Stop settling for less when God wants more for you.

Stop sitting around, waiting for life to find you.

Stop thinking things will never get better.

Stop acting like a useless Christian.

Start acting like God’s child.

Start believing the truth that you are more than good enough.

Start listening to the truth that you are completely loved.

You are so loved that God sent His son Jesus to die for you.

And Jesus would have died only for you.

Start believing the future is bright, full of possibilities.

Start working on the goals God has magnificently placed into your path.

Start fulfilling the destiny God has for you.

Declare God to be in control of your thoughts, and for heaven’s sake, start walking towards Him.

Photos by John ,Chris , Luke, & Danielle on Unsplash

Attitude

Published on June 30, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalm 9:1

You will never NOT have trouble.

Let me say that another way.

There will always be something.

Some irritation somewhere.

Why?

Because nothing is always perfect.

Sounds like a downer, doesn’t it?

Sorry!

Just bringing us into reality, folks.

Taking our heads out of the clouds.

Up from burrowing in the sand.

What are some of life’s irritations, you ask?

Oh my, the list is endless.

Cleaning up after other people.

(Who am I kidding: sometimes it’s irritating to clean up after myself! Where’s that maid?)

Not finding what you need at a store.

Leaky faucets.

Unnecessary attitude from ungrateful children.

Going to someone else’s favorite restaurant.

Mosquito bites.

The fact that sugar is bad for you, yet it tastes so amazing in food!

Ants crawling on my kitchen floor.

Horrid influences encroaching on loved ones.

Traffic.

Jesus said we would have trouble in this life.

But to take heart, because He has overcome the world.

He has overcome absolutely everything.

Every irritation.

Every issue.

All of it.

So, what does He ask of us to do in spite of any and all irritations?

To trust Him.

To stay focused on what is important.

How one reacts to daily, even momentary irritation reflects to others your relationship with God.

Woah.

How you react to things that do not go your way will either point people to God or away from Him.

Difficult, I know.

Fully aware.

Just start thinking about that.

When your buttons are pushed, does your attitude reflect God?

Look to Jesus for inspiration.

He was irritated, I’m sure, beyond belief on earth.

Think about that.

Walking around with us, He knew what every person should have been doing to increase life’s satisfaction.

But He left us to our own choices.

He never let any earthly irritation mar the face of God.

Ever get hangry?

Jesus was many times.

That’s an incredible irritation.

Purpose to reflect Jesus in all that you do.

And when you fail, keep trying.

Ask God to help you.

He will and it will get easier and easier to succeed.

Just don’t hand me a sad pizza when I’m hangry.

Because God will not be shining through my face if you do. 🙂

Oh, ok, I’ll work on it too…!

Photos by Clem Onojeghuo ,Ruth Caron ,Anton Darius | @theSollers , Michał Kubalczyk , & Álvaro SF on Unsplash

Voice of God

Published on June 23, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12

How do you listen to God?

Are your hands open, always ready to receive?

You can listen to Him during prayer, not merely filling every moment with your voice, but also sitting still in His presence.

He can also speak to you during sermons or while reading something that strikes you as profound, resonating with your spirit, which is God’s.

As I was listening to my eldest daughter yesterday, I heard Him speak through her.

It was advice I knew myself to be true, but this time I knew He was speaking to me.

Are you listening?

He can whisper words of life through your spouse.

He can remind you of His peace when life looks bleak.

He can direct your path through confirmation of circumstances.

He can convict you through any means necessary.

God wants to share His thoughts and plans with you.

He wants to be your Shepherd.

But you must seek Him.

Seek Him through devotions and prayer.

Declare yourself His.

And then listen.

Listen for His voice.

Feel His peace through your obedience to Him.

And smile when He confirms the plans He has for you.

I’ve never heard God’s audible voice.

However, I have known beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has spoken to me countless times.

And yesterday was one.

Listen always for the voice of God.

He will not disappoint.

Photos by Luis Poletti ,Casey Horner , & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Mowing the Lawn

Published on June 2, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

Ever made a dumb decision?

I have.

Like yesterday.

Folks, I’ve decided I like mowing our giant lawn.

I see steady progress and it doubles as exercise.

Plus my dear husband loves the help.

Decided to surprise him for the second time.

Yesterday.

With temps in the 90’s.

Sunshine.

Let’s mow for an entire hour in the sun with high temps.

Great idea!

It was not.

This time I did prepare with some water.

Forced myself to stop and drink.

However, I still came in dripping with sweat, and literally collapsed in front of our lovely fan.

Rinsed off and changed.

But that’s when it all went down hill.

I was sick for the rest of the day.

Could hardly move.

Hours later, I decided to swallow my pride and reach out for help.

My neighbor nurse declared me afflicted with heat exhaustion.

My dear mother wanted me to drink electrolytes as that was the only thing that would help me feel better.

I wanted to, but all I could manage were baby sips.

It was so ridiculous.

All because I wanted to mow.

Once I finally managed enough liquids in my system, I began to feel a bit better.

Today, I’m even better, but still not myself.

Good grief.

Life sometimes demands we “do something” to move forward.

We want to, but it’s painful!

Baby steps will get you there just like giant leaps.

Or in my case, baby sips.

I suppose I should apply that to the lawn the next time that brilliant idea pops into my head.

I don’t have to mow the entire thing at once.

I’ve actually been fired from mowing, unless I mow in chunks.

Or in the early morning hours.

Today will be a better day.

I wish I hadn’t lost yesterday!

But, hey, the lawn does looks great!

Photos by Vectorbeast ,amirhossein abdollahi ,Daniel Watson ,& Zé Zorzan on Unsplash

Sit Still

Published on May 12, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26

We all know what to do.

What God wants us to do.

We are supposed to give Him our burden and trust He will take care of everything.

That’s easy for the first second.

Alright, maybe for the first few seconds.

But what then?

We begin to doubt.

We get upset.

And before you know it, we’ve scooped up the burden once again, placing it back on our shoulders.

It’s so easy to give our burdens to God.

What’s hard is not taking them back.

What’s hard is not beginning to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness.

It’s hard to keep trusting His way when you don’t see any movement on His part.

Instead, what should we do after placing our burden into God’s hands?

Pray.

Pray and trust.

Pray, trust, and refuse to participate with doubt and worry, because they are not your friends.

Sit back and trust, eagerly anticipating how God Himself will solve your issue.

He has promised to dot every i and cross every t.

He is in every situation.

Present.

With you.

So instead of willingly picking your burden back up due to doubt and worry, instead smile as God keeps your burden and relax, knowing He will pull through for you.

Completely.

Photos by Christin Hume ,Annie Spratt ,Erik Odiin , & Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

In the Light

Published on May 5, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. Psalm 77:11-12

Live in light of the best moments.

Live with the memory of God’s provision fresh in your mind.

Live as the daughter of the King of Kings.

A valuable favored princess.

His princess.

Live as the son of the Lord of Lords.

A honored warrior prince.

His prince.

Live each moment as if you were high on the mountain of life.

As if all is well.

Because it is.

Even if you cannot see, God is at work.

He is shedding light on the dark spots, guiding your every step.

In the grey days of life, live like it’s a bright sunny day.

Because it is.

God is still on the throne.

He loves you and has your best interests in mind.

Remember Whose power remains in you.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

You!

So when you’re on a mountain top, thank Him for the view.

And when you’re down in the valley of life, remember.

And live like you’re still mountain high.

Because you are.

Why?

Because of Whose you are.

Photos by Alexandru Tudorache ,Danka & Peter , & Joshua Sharf on Unsplash

Willing

Published on April 28, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grand me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Miracles regularly plop into my lap.

Small ones or big ones.

It’s true.

Am I looking for them?

Yes.

Am I praying for God’s hand in my every day life?

Yes.

Am I listening for His voice so I can spread heaven’s love?

Yes.

God can do anything.

Anything.

He doesn’t need us, because He is God.

But He likes to use us.

He wants to show Himself through our willing hearts.

Is God working through your lips?

Is He using your hands?

Is your heart filled with His love so you can reach beyond yourself to speak into the heart of others?

If so, you’ll witness miracles too.

Life is a miracle.

I admit, I fail regularly.

But I’m learning.

Learning to listen to God.

His wisdom will help you in good times and bad- and every moment in between.

Tune your ears to listen.

And then do what our Savior requires of you.

Become His witness.

Let Him use your hands and feet to bless others.

And you’ll witness countless miracles, too.

Photos by frank mckenna , Jill Heyer & Lukas Budimaier on Unsplash

Abide With Me

Published on April 14, 2018April 14, 2018 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Lord, the evening is here.

Literally and figuratively.

I am surrounded by dark thoughts.

Lies are sweeping into my head.

No one knows, but You, Lord.

You know my anxious thoughts.

Stay with me.

Right here.

Endure with me without yielding.

Because I can’t without You.

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Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Lord, You never change.

You are always the same.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Forever.

I can count on You every moment of every day.

There is nothing in this world that compares to You.

While I am surrounded by the cares of this world, I am reminded You are here.

Your patient care fills my every need.

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I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I need you every moment.

You made me strong, but Your strength is stronger.

Only You can foil the enemy’s plans for me.

I can stand only with Your strength pulsing through my veins.

Your constant guidance carries me throughout each day.

In days of happiness and sadness, You never change.

You are always here.

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I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Who should I fear with You at my side?

You, who died for me and raised to life again?

What can man possibly do to me?

The cares of this world are nothing compared to You.

They might weigh me down, but when I give my burdens back to You, I triumph still.

I win only with You by my side.

Thank you for patiently bearing my burdens, walking with me every day.

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Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Remind me of what is really important.

You died for me.

You care deeply for me.

Your ways are higher than mine.

You have my best interest first and foremost.

I am in Your thoughts.

Your presence lifts the pressing darkness away.

You scatter it into a million pieces.

Your light and presence fill the room with peace.

And my heart rests, because You have and will always abide forever with me.

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Hymn by Henry F. Lyte, 1847

Photos by Dapo Oni , Jake Gard , Aleksandr Eremin , John Mark Arnold , Tyler Lastovich & Ben White on Unsplash

In a Moment

Published on March 24, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1

Your time can arrive.

God can scoop you up into His arms in a moment.

At any moment.

Are you ready?

Ready to meet your Maker?

Sometimes we have the luxury of knowing our impending death.

We might be diagnosed with an incurable disease and can take our time making our life right with God.

But what if you don’t?

What if God takes you during the sweet sleep of life?

What then?

There will be no one talking to you as you go, making sure your trust is completely in the One true Almighty God.

No one securing your spot in heaven is ready just for you.

The examples of instant death are numerous.

Comas or surgeries people never wake from,

Car accidents,

Terror attacks,

School shootings.

Those are void of moments for a witness assuring you of your salvation.

Are you ready?

God can call you home at any moment.

At any point in time, you could cease to exist on this earth, relying on your earthly profession or defiance of God to determine your forever future.

The time is now.

Confess that God is God.

Proclaim your faith in Him.

Declare that Jesus died for your sins.

That’s what matters.

Absolutely nothing else does.

Photos by Ales Krivec, Tristan Gassert, Uroš Jovičić & Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

God’s Light

Published on March 17, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

No darkness in Him, period.

No worry.

No fear.

No ugly attitudes.

No selfish me monsters.

No self-hatred.

No pain.

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

In God, there is only light.

Goodness.

Mercy.

Love.

Security.

When we place our trust in God, He resides in us.

Because He resides in us and He is light,

His light shines through us, snatching away the darkness like fear, worry, and our incredibly selfish ways,

1 John 1:6 continues, “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

When profess our devotion to God, yet listen to the lies of Satan, choosing words or actions opposite of God, we are liars.

“You are nothing.”

“You are not worth it.”

“Might as well stop praying as it will never make a difference.”

Listening to those places our actions in opposition to God.

God’s ways are light.

When you walk in God’s light, it looks like peace.

Even if you heaps of trash are forced upon your path, you are still in peace.

The absence of fear and worry.

When you walk in God’s light, it looks like security.

He is always by your side, guiding your every step if you’ll let Him.

God’s light is real.

God’s power is real.

His light can shine through you every moment of every day.

But you have to choose.

Will you fall into fear, worry, and selfish motives, thus stepping into darkness?

Or will you practice the truth, God’s truth, and remain with Him in the light?

I for one don’t want to be a liar.

I want to choose God each and every day.

May He help us do just that, covering us with grace when we stumble along the way.

And may we remember to get back up, choosing to walk again with God in His light.

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Photos by Mike Labrum, Gabriele Ribeiro, & Adrien Tutin on Unsplash

Be the Light

Published on March 10, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Be the Light.

How?

How are we to be the Light of the world?

By reflecting Jesus.

By reflecting His love, His goodness, His mercy, and grace.

By telling people the good news.

When we reflect Jesus, we become lights in our world.

For Him.

When we enter a room filled with His peace,

That room is never the same.

Not because of us,

But because of Him.

Jesus.

When we soak a thirsty soul with truth, His truth,

That soul is never the same.

When we provide a hungry soul, desperate for solid food, absolute truth from God,

The meat from God fills that soul’s deepest aching need.

When we are God’s light to others,

The world is not the same.

Every interaction, becomes Jesus to them.

Every thought becomes a prayer immediately shared before the Lord.

Every time.

Try.

And when you do, you will be a vessel through which God’s light will shine upon every deepest darkest corner of this great big world.

Try to never leave a room as it was when you entered.

With God’s help, leave it even better.

Unsplash photos by Kari Shea & Matheus Kohler

Posters

Published on March 3, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Satan loves to tell us lies.

The lies are not only whispered into our heads, but held up as posters.

The posters are so large, we cannot help but see the words that pull us into believing.

You are so ridiculous.

You are not loved.

Nobody cares.

You are such a disappointment.

Why does Satan love to feed us lies?

So we feel defeated.

Walking around ineffective.

Useless to the cause of Christ.

The posters he shows us are lies.

Why does he keep going, trying to change our course?

Because he’s scared.

He knows WHOSE we are.

He knows we KNOW the truth.

But will we act on it?

Will we act on the truth deep down we know is right?

Or will we succumb to his lies?

Will we succumb to the lies from the pit that were made to render us lifeless?

The ultimate choice is yours.

Are you going to make the evil one win with you today?

Or will you rise up and tear the posters in half, declaring, “Not today, Satan!”

Declaring to all instead, “It is well!”

Photos by Victoria Palacios, Mitchel Lensink, & Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

Rejecting Ourselves

Published on February 17, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

Satan wants us to reject ourselves.

He will desperately try to confirm the lies he places in our head.

Allow me to say that again: Satan will desperately try to confirm the lies he places in our heads.

He won’t usually tempt us by announcing himself amid large startling bangs.

The temptation to sin will sneak upon us until we do not even notice it’s existence.

There are many ways to tempt us, robbing us of our peace.

More than one way to skin a cat, my father always says.

Gross, I know, but the metaphor excellently describes life’s choices.

There are many ways to study for a test.

Many paths to success in your job.

Multiple menus to cook for dinner.

Way too many delicious coffee concoctions at Starbucks, but that is another blog entirely.

However, let’s be clear: there is only one path to God.

Through Jesus.

Satan tempted Jesus, wanting Him to sin, not perfectly dying for our sins.

And like Jesus, Satan wants us for himself.

If we can be tempted one way, but suddenly wisen up, Satan can entice us another way with the same exact carrot.

And when that temptation dries up because we mature, there will be a hundred and one new and different ways Satan will continue persuading us.

And be assured, he will.

So be on your guard.

Every single day.

Be full of God’s power, rejecting the lies of the enemy, listening instead to the truth of God.

We are almost predictable in our human responses, so getting us to reject ourselves is actually easy.

But with God’s power in you, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, you can resist ANYTHING.

Rise up, and claim your victory in Him.

Stand firm, resting in the truth of God, rejecting the lies from the pit.

Photos by Giulio Magnifico & wu yi on Unsplash

It’s OK to be Sad

Published on February 10, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13

Really?

Yep, it’s ok.

Sadness is an emotion.

Just like happiness or anger or irritation.

Jesus was sad.

He was grieved for his people.

Do you think He was filled with joy in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was betrayed?

Not at all.

His spirit was greatly troubled (Matthew 26:37).

Sadness, deep sorrow is a real emotion.

God made us and created all of our emotions.

They are for a purpose.

A reason.

When your life crumbles, you need to grieve.

Your heart needs to heal, and that takes time.

How much time depends upon you and your needs.

Major life upheavals require a season of grief.

A winter of sorts where you rest.

If you choose to rest in the arms of Jesus, your recovery may be shorter.

A person can also become a bit sad for little reasons.

You might have an expected bill.

Your child doesn’t give you a hug before bed.

Gasp, your children ate the last of your favorite ice cream.

These are moments.

They pass almost as quickly as they come.

Dwelling on these little moments of sadness never really enters your mind.

The bigger moments, however, dig into your core and sadness can easily overtake you.

It can become your focus when a loved one dies, during a divorce, a job that evaporates, or an intense godly desire that never seems to materialize.

It’s in those moments that you have a choice to make…

Dwell on sorrow or experience the real emotion for a time, and purpose to move on.

You must grieve.

It’s an honest emotion.

It’s healthy.

But only for a season.

Don’t allow your mind to become stuck.

Resist the temptation to keep hitting the replay button for months and years.

You will take away years and the grief will become an idol.

Your identity will be wrapped up in grief.

Allow yourself a season of rest.

Of sadness.

Grieve.

Please.

But during that time, place your burdens and sorrow into the arms of Jesus.

He will fill your void, dry your tears, and give you little bursts of hope.

And when your season is over, a new day will dawn and your joy will return.

Just ask Him to help.

And I promise He will.

Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

Beautiful Life

Published on February 3, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

God is waiting to walk you into your beautiful life.

Already there?

That’s awesome.

Truly a gift.

Some of us aren’t.

We want to, but we can’t.

Why?

Because we are holding onto remnants of the past.

Ashes.

Broken pieces we cannot seem to drop.

These burdens from the past beg us to cling to our old ways of thinking, of acting.

We cling because they are familiar.

Painful, but familiar.

Why is that comforting?

Because it’s the known vs the unknown.

Do you trust me?

God is asking that of us this day.

Do you really trust me?

Because if you do, you’ll give Him those ashes.

The deepest darkest places in your heart.

You’ll grab every last drop of darkness and pour it out into God’s open hands.

He wants your sadness.

He wants your burdens.

He wants your cares.

But do you trust Him?

Does He really have your back?

Has He planned the best for your future?

Yes.

Don’t believe me?

That’s ok.

Look to your details- your blessings in your life.

God is there, was there, and is here yet today.

Oh, and He’s in your future.

Whether it’s job loss, broken relationships, yearnings of your heart, recovery from surgery or anything else, God is waiting to take the worry from you.

He can see far beyond your vision.

Place it all into His hands.

Lean back, and trust Him.

And allow your precious smile to brighten your stunning face.

Welcome to your beautiful life.

Photos by Victoriano Izquierdo & Peter Hershey on Unsplash

Belief in the Garden

Published on January 6, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

I have a question.

Why would Eve believe Satan over God?

Back in the garden.

At the very beginning of life.

Satan asked Eve if God had really said they could eat from every tree in the garden, except one.

He questioned Eve.

And Eve properly responded.

She relayed God’s message which included the warning not to eat from that special tree – or they would die.

You know the tree.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

She told Satan God had said not to touch only that one tree.

But all the other trees were just fine!

Satan responded by merely stating the opposite of what God had said.

Satan declared Eve and Adam would not die.

In fact, he then proceeded to say they would become wise like God AND not die.

He played to her ego.

Who doesn’t want to be wise like God and know all things?

I know sometimes we act like we are that wise, but truth is, we are so not compared to Him!

Anyway, Satan asked Eve a question.

Eve answered with God’s truth.

Satan responded with a lie, which contradicted everything God had spoken over them.

God himself had spoken to Eve and Adam.

Literally spoken to them.

God regularly and literally spoke to them every day.

Seriously, wow!

Yet, somehow, Eve immediately believed Satan when he questioned God.

When Satan turned the words of God around, upside down, and inside out, Eve’s flesh demanded to be fed.

She instantly turned her back on her Creator and believed instead the pitiful snake.

I just wonder why.

We probably would have done the same thing.

But why?

Is it because she had wanted to eat from that tree and merely needed an excuse to do so?

Permission perhaps?

Had she thought about it before and was looking for her opportunity?

Why would she question God?

What had He done to betray her trust?

God had provided Eve everything she could possibly need.

And Adam, too.

But that was not enough.

When you are certain of the path God wants you to travel, keep walking.

Don’t stop and listen to the one who wishes death on everything you have and are.

Don’t let him whisper lies into your head, turning you from God’s truth you know is correct.

Trust instead in the Lord to keep His promises.

It’s all up to you.

What will you decide?

Photos by Studio Dekorasyon, Johann Siemens, Marius Masalar, & Yavor Punchev on Unsplash

Solved

Published on December 30, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

I see you.

I saw you yesterday.

When a situation arose, I got your attention.

I was hoping you would react how we’ve practiced.

When the moment came, you did well.

You were momentarily upset, but quickly changed to anticipation.

Anticipation for how I would arrive, dotting every i, crossing every t.

I saw you relax into My capable arms.

Surrendering everything back to me.

I was so proud of you.

But then the doubts and lies crept back.

They snuck around, whispering into your ear.

And before long, you had taken the burden back from Me.

Frankly, you didn’t hesitate.

You chose to trust the lies instead of Me.

Robbing you of your peace.

The peace I had given to you.

My peace.

After your pity party ended, how did you feel?

I wish I could take any shred of pain or sorrow you carry.

Remember, I can.

But you must not only give Me your burdens, but leave them.

Completely leave them.

You must trust Me.

Then you’ll keep your peace.

I’m here.

Here to stay.

But it’s your choice.

I’m proud of you.

Just because you’re My child.

I solved your situation.

Even with you holding the burden.

I solved it and I always will.

Your journey will be peaceful if you let Me carry you.

Next time a situation arises, anticipate My intervention.

Watch and wait to see what I will do.

And steady your heart.

But when you place your hand in Mine, don’t let go.

Because I never will.

Photos by Saksham Gangwar & Bryan Minear on Unsplash

Choose Life

Published on November 18, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Live like you mean it.

Like it matters.

Every task God asks us to do is ordained by Him.

Is washing the dishes holy?

Yes, if you wash them for Him.

How bout taking your daughter to volleyball practice or fixing the hole in your son’s school pants?

Yes.

What about driving a truck or teaching children?

When God gives you responsibilities, you can either do them half-heartedly because you have to…

Or you can joyfully tackle them, knowing they are a precious offering to God.

Make those mundane tasks a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.

Change your attitude to joy.

Purpose to choose life.

You’ll be surprised how fun these tasks suddenly become.

Not all the time, of course, because we’re human.

We forget.

Daily tasks overwhelm us and we are suddenly annoyed our children are involved in any extracurricular activities whatsoever.

Pause and ask God to order your day.

Ask Him to involve your family in what He wants you to be involved in.

Once you have peace in your heart with the duties on your plate, offer that service as an offering to God.

Holiness.

Surrender.

Your heart will be peaceful and your soul will be at rest.

God will work through you and bless your family.

If you choose irritation instead, your spirit will be troubled and that will spill into the other people in your life.

Choose life.

Not only will God will be pleased, but your spirit will be at rest, and your home will be full of peace and joy.

A beacon to the weary, even if that weary soul is you.

Arrogance

Published on November 11, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For by grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

How arrogant are we?

Shaking our fist at God when things don’t go our way?

Pointing out declared errors to the Creator of all things?

We do make a fuss, don’t we?

How arrogant are we?

If He gives us something, then almost immediately takes it away, we whine.

If He shuts a door we wish would open, we beg.

If He changes our circumstances away from what we believe our heart desires, we stomp our feet.

How arrogant are we?

Sometimes we act like the children we parent, with no shining examples or mature reactions.

When God seemingly takes something away, we have 2 choices: allow death and despair to flood our every thought, or focus on how good God is.

When we allow sadness to become our god, we render ourselves useless and selfish, full of self pity.

Frozen with fear, probably fear of loosing control.

But when we choose to focus on God, we allow His peace and healing power to fill us with every good thing.

We remain filled with faith, steadfast in our walk with God.

Firmly planted with confidence and joy.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter if God takes something away?

If He changes your job, you’ll look back and see His hand.

If He changes your location, you’ll look back and see His purpose.

If He changes your family, you’ll look back and see His shepherding.

The Lord is My Shepherd.

He takes things away, yet replaces them with His goodness.

What if that is His purpose?

What?

What if His purpose in taking things away is to remind you of your focus?

I might tell Him I don’t need that reminder, thank you very much.

Can He just tell me in other ways?

But that would be arrogant.

I cannot tell my Lord what He should do.

He knows the complete best for me.

He knows exactly what I need even better then I do.

That, my friend, is the reward.

God, who knows all things from the beginning to the end, is in control, not me.

God, who sent His son to die for ME, loves me and has my back.

Rest in that peace.

Choose to remember, focusing on Him.

And your arrogance will disappear.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Earpiece

Published on November 4, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God. John 8:47

My husband and I recently watched a show in which a friend at headquarters whispered encouraging words to a friend’s earpiece, who was fighting on the field.

Those whispered words brought courage and strength to the friend on the field, who was in major trouble.

And those words made all the difference.

Discouragement left.

Hope returned.

The mission was accomplished.

My husband and I discussed how amazing it would be to speak life into an earpiece, delivering it to the other spouse when needed.

Feeling overwhelmed at work, he or I could “ring for help” and the other would whisper encouraging words.

Wouldn’t that be neat?

But then I realized something.

We already have access to something even greater.

When we need strength, all we need to do is utter that prayer to God and He will whisper into our earpiece everything we need.

But only if we listen.

While feeling overwhelmed, we can ask God for perspective, strength, and joy, and He will deliver.

Only if we ask.

But here’s the thing-

Sometimes, when we utter our prayer, we listen to the wrong earpiece.

We listen instead to the whispers that declare us “no good, unable, or less than”.

Those whispers are also available to us.

So which earpiece will you listen to?

God’s, who speaks truth, yet will also bring you into a place of complete submission?

That earpiece is full of life, truth, and peace.

Or will you believe instead Satan’s, who speaks evil lies, fostering your ego and making you feel lonely?

Yes, it would be wonderful to key into your spouse’s encouragement whenever the whim demanded.

But God’s earpiece is ready to go.

Now and each and every day.

Whenever the need arises, ask Him for strength.

Ask Him for His peace to pass all of your understanding.

Then, as God, who is THE Creator of all things, whispers the truth in your ear, listen.

Believe.

His voice is the best earpiece of all.

Asleep

Published on October 15, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. Proverbs 15:19

We are asleep.

Unaware.

Or maybe our heads are in the sand by choice.

We are consumed by things that simply do not matter.

Things that do not matter from the balcony of heaven.

Facebook.

Email.

Notifications.

Photos.

Image.

Control.

Consuming more and more.

Building ourselves up to be all that and more.

Some of our busyness is godly.

Some is not.

Do we really need to work these many hours?

Aren’t we living in plenty, most of us void of true need?

Why do we place our phones before relationship?

Our television before communication?

When did we move from caring more about our image than praying for our children’s future?

Our children need us to be present.

Your spouse needs you to be mindful.

Why? Because the noise around us is deafening.

It clamors for our attention, little as we now have.

Yes, we need to relax.

Yes, we need time to unwind.

But we must not forget the real reason God has put us here at this time.

To speak life into others around us.

To be on our knees before Him, placing others into His arms.

To continually lay our burdens at His feet.

Our children need us to be in prayer for them.

Their precarious future depends upon it.

We can teach them God’s ways from the crib to graduation, but they must make faith their own.

They must choose God for themselves.

We must place our children before Almighty God each and every day.

God calls us to have fun.

Shopping is, I’m convinced, God-ordained (wink, wink!)

But when we loose focus of our top priority, we are of no use to God.

Our top priority is sharing His love with others.

We can do that through praying with others, giving to others, and having real, purposeful relationships with others.

Be mindful of why you are here.

Shake your fist in Satan’s face and declare that he WILL NOT distract you any more.

Purpose your heart to pray for your children.

Purpose your heart to give of yourself to others.

In doing so, your focus will shift from yourself to kingdom work.

DING, DING, DING….

The alarm has sounded.

It’s time to wake up, people!

Freedom

Published on October 7, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Dear Lord,

Thank you for setting me free-

Free from guilt and shame.

Free from want and greed.

Free from sin and death.

You have set me free from the evils of this world.

Completely.

Fully.

And totally.

Whenever I walk backwards-

Whenever I choose to participate with my flesh-

I willingly walk back into sin.

By my choice.

When I choose my own way over Yours,

I walk back into captivity.

The captivity of sin and all that entails.

But when I choose again to ask Your forgiveness,

Freedom is mine once again.

Freedom from sin through Your perfect and sovereign grace.

Freely free.

Your gift to me.

May I choose it each moment of every day.

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