dependence – Page 5

Ready and Waiting

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

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

God is telling us, commanding us to quiet ourselves.

Be perfectly still.

Unmoving.

Motionless.

Silent.

Stationary.

Ready.

Waiting.

Confident.

And know that I am God.

Realize God is God.

Recognize God’s ultimate power.

Fix your eyes on things above.

Resolve your confidence in Him.

Quiet your anxious heart and place your total trust in Him.

Receive His perfect peace.

Every time.

With God in control, there is nothing to fear.

Photos by Krzysztof Niewolny & Carolyn V on Unsplash

Clothed in His Love

Published on August 4, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9

Abide in God’s perfect love for you.

Reside.

Stay for a long, long time.

Rest.

When you are abiding in God and His love, there is no room for fear.

When you focus on His love, anxiety walks away and worry leaves.

Why?

Because you feel secure.

Loved.

Complete.

1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

God’s perfect love casts out all fear.

When you abide in God’s love, there is no fear.

How do you abide?

Replace ungodly thoughts with God’s truth.

Use Scripture or words which have spoken to your heart.

Rest in God’s love.

Breathe.

And always abide.

Purpose your mind on it.

Focus your heart on it.

And stay.

Stay for a long, long time.

Abide.

Clinging to God

Published on July 21, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

Life is mostly wonderful, isn’t it?

Filled with so many good things.

But there are many moments when your mind can slip into despair.

Or grief.

Or just plain irritation.

Each of those moments can be opportunities to cling to God.

To let Him change you.

To let Him cover you yet again with His goodness.

When you are facing those moments of ugliness, embrace them with the knowledge that He is enough.

God will fill you up with His power.

His ability to overcome.

It’s easier to face life when we know we are not alone.

We can see God work when we are dependent on Him.

And more importantly,

We allow God to work when we are dependent on Him.

May we continue to depend completely on God for every breath we breathe.

Photos by Arleen wiese ,Johnny McClung , & Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash

Today’s Choice

Published on July 14, 2018July 13, 2018 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Oh Jesus,

I’m so sorry.

But I’m super mad.

Really mad.

Is that alright to be mad at you?

You are like my Father, and I’ve been known to get mad at him (sorry, dad!), so I suppose, yes, I can be mad at You, too.

I feel strange writing that.

Like I’ll upset You if I’m mad at You.

I mean, who am I compared to You?

But I know You want us to be real.

To be honest.

And right now, my super honest attitude is angry.

Why, You ask politely, even though You know every reason why?

Well, because I want my way.

I want a life of firsts, not to be part of a solution to healing.

I want our children to all be one big happy family, an original family.

I want my life to be normal.

Not a solution.

I see friends whose kids are theirs and their husbands only.

Both my husband’s and my parents have been married over 50 years.

To the same person.

I want that.

Now we need to both live into our 90’s for our 50th.

Please?!!!

I want at least 1 of the babies taken from us.

Miscarriage is just plain stupid.

Why allow pregnancy only to take it away?

I know it would be work, yes, I’m fully aware of that.

But I like to look at the bright side.

Except when I’m mad.

Like now.

And another thing.

I don’t want healing, because that means something is not normal.

I just want normal.

A normal family, with normal kid issues, and lots of memories built together under our roof.

So, that’s why I’m mad.

I’m mad because my husband and I don’t have the same children and haven’t been married already 25 years.

I wish that was the case.

I almost feel stupid admitting I’m mad at You.

Who am I anyway?

Of the hundreds of billions You have created, I am merely one.

And how dare I become mad at You, merely because I don’t have what I think is the way my life should go?

You know best.

You allowed sin and people to have choices.

Your grace completely covers our entire family.

I know we live in a broken world, and my precious family is a light to that world.

A promise of God’s help.

An example of His goodness when all looks bleak.

A role model of Your healing balm.

Thank you so very much for all You have done for me and my dear husband.

Little ‘ole us.

The children all famously get along.

Our relationships between parents and kiddos really couldn’t be better.

You have been simply amazing to both my husband and myself.

We are thankful every day for the other.

And I love You for that.

Nothing surprises You.

You hold our lives in Your capable hands.

Can I just get a little explanation sometime?

Words of wisdom to my heart?

Wait.

Hold on.

Oh, I see.

I was complaining about being a solution to healing instead of an original family.

But…

YOU were a solution to healing.

You were THE solution to healing for our broken world.

So I suppose it’s alright to be a solution to healing in my family.

After all, that’s what You were.

And are.

You’re asking me to identify with who You are.

I love that.

Well, in that case, alright.

I can identify with You as a solution to healing.

Putting everything in that light helps my perspective.

Makes me almost grateful.

Thank you for that.

Thank you for listening.

I trust You.

Love, Amy

Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger 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

Relax

Published on June 16, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

Uncertainty filling you up?

Brain overwhelmed with what ifs?

Good.

What?

Yes. It’s good.

Why is it good that I am filled with angst?

Because you are human.

Not capable of knowing the future.

It’s good to be reminded of our human frailty.

Sometimes our heads get so big, because we think we’re so great.

We are, but only nestled in God’s power.

Secure in His love and saving grace.

When your mind turns to worry about really anything, smile because you’re human.

Know who’s not?

God.

God is infinite in time and space.

He’s the beginning and the end.

Creator of all things.

Including you.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows it all, so you don’t have to.

He carries the future, so you can stay in the now.

When you walk with God, He guides your footsteps down the path of life.

He knows what is at every corner, twist, and turn.

Since He knows, why should you?

Why should you worry?

Smile because you’re human.

Then keep smiling because you’re His.

He’s got this.

And all the rest besides.

Photos by Ben White & chuttersnap on Unsplash

Abide With Me

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

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.

~~~~~~~~~~
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.

~~~~~~~~~~
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.

~~~~~~~~~~
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.

~~~~~~~~~~
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.

Hymn by Henry F. Lyte, 1847

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

Survival

Published on January 27, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Psalm 91:14-15

How does one survive without God?

Literally, how does one survive this life?

I have no idea how.

Life can be pretty awful sometimes.

Downright nasty.

And when life is just that, how can one survive without the knowledge that God is still in control?

I’m guessing not very well.

Surviving this life without God, that is.

When life punches you to the ground,

When you can hardly gather your strength to pull yourself back up,

All you have to do is reach out your hand.

Reach out your trembling hand to God.

He is always there to pull you up, gathering you into a big bear hug.

He lifts the burden from your shoulders,

Shakes the dust off your back,

Wipes the tears from your eyes,

And holds your hand as you begin your walk again.

He never lets go.

So, the next time life reduces you into a heap on the floor,

Remember who stands with you.

You might not know where He is taking you,

You might not know His reasons,

You might not even know why He allows certain things.

But you can be certain of One thing: You and your little life matter to our big God.

And that, my friend, is how we survive this life.

And prosper.

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

What a Friend

Published on January 20, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.” James 2:23

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.
And what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

Friends bear each other’s griefs.

Yes, we excitedly share our joys, too; however, when life smacks us in the face, we run to our friends for comfort.

Jesus is our ultimate friend.

He not only bears our griefs, but also all of our sins.

When we carry everything to God in prayer, our soul remains at peace.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

And when we don’t?

When we decide to carry our own burdens, neglecting to share them with God?

The pain stays.

It intensifies.

It becomes all consuming.

And all of this is completely unnecessary if we only remember to give everything to Him.

Not only remember, but actually do it.

Give everything to Him.

Trust it all to His capable hands.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Life is not perfect.

Certainly far from it, actually.

Why are we ever discouraged?

God holds everything in His precious hands.

His hands, which created everything, are waiting to take our burdens.

Trials, temptations, or trouble should all go straight to Him.

Wait and see how He will solve it.

Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Jesus knows our every thought.

He hears your whispers.

He dries your tears.

He holds you in the dark of night.

He loves to share your joy.

Because He knows you better than any friend on this earth, take everything to God in prayer.

Photos by Ben White 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

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.

Master of My Heart

Published on September 30, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

Is He?

Master of your heart?

Fully in control?

None of us are perfect in this area.

But if you constantly ask Him to guide your thoughts, words, and actions, then He has the job.

Master of your heart, that is.

When trials or mere irritations arrive at your doorstop, if you go to Him for direction, then He is in control.

Right where He should be.

Irritations can disappear when you return your thoughts to His plan for you.

Your reactions to life are filtered through the lens of God.

His peace and love will permeate all you are AND do.

Oops. I don’t think that’s me.

My reactions aren’t exactly stellar when life smacks me in the face.

Well, something else must be the master of your heart.

When it’s not God, it’s something else.

Most likely- it’s you.

We love to put ourselves number one.

Uno.

First.

When we are masters of our own heart, our desires are first.

What we want goes.

Disappointment regularly follows us around.

Irritation, too.

Nuts.

Enough of that!

Fix it.

Submit yourself to God.

He is the author of all things and will gently guide you into the fullness of life.

Place God as the master of your heart.

Go to Him with all things.

Contentment and peace will follow behind your every step.

Ups and Downs

Published on September 2, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

Life is full of seasons.

Well, yes, seasons, but those are akin to the phases of life.

I’m speaking of ups and downs.

Highs and lows.

The rain and the desert.

Hills and valleys.

There are times in our life when we know what we are doing and times when we don’t.

Times when it’s easy to trust God and times when it takes everything we have.

And sometimes we fail.

The 23rd Psalm speaks to these phases beautifully.

Up on the mountain God leads us to rest, fills our souls and guides us down His godly path.

When life takes us into a valley, He never leaves our side.

In fact, there is nothing to fear.

The absence of fear.

So much so that He leads us out of the valley back up the mountain to safely dine in the presence of our enemies.

And Goodness and mercy follow.

In the highs of life, God walks with us, guiding us to Himself.

In the lows of life, He never leaves our side, leading us to redemption.

The Lord is My Shepherd.

Is He yours?

Give Me Jesus

Published on May 20, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

When everything else is stripped away…

Give me Jesus.

When life doesn’t go according to plan…

Give me Jesus.

When you stand aghast at life swirling seemingly out of control around you…

Give me Jesus.

When you simply cannot comprehend what God is doing…

When you want what He has taken from you…

When your heart is bleeding from the pain of life…

Give me Jesus.

His peace and love will bring you comfort as you remind yourself Who is still on the throne…

Who knows the beginning from the end…

Who holds your heart in His hands…

Who died to save you.

Jesus.

Just give me Jesus.

Clothed With Him

Published on April 1, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

We are nothing without Him.

Mere shells devoid of purpose or real change.

With Him, everything changes.

When we are clothed with His mercy, we give others compassion.

When we are clothed with His love, we give others significance.

When we are clothed with His forgiveness, we give others freedom.

When we are clothed with His peace, we give others rest.

He continually pours out His blessings to us, so we can spread His character to the ends of the earth, blessing others with Himself.

His mercies are new every morning.

His precious ways are counted among the saints.

Taste and see how God is good.

So very good.

Allow Him to fill you up with His goodness.

Every morning.

Watch His good news spread to the thirsty souls near you.

Photos by OC Gonzalez & Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

God’s Timing

Published on February 18, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea3 Comments

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and hour justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:4-7

Keep going.

Pressing forward.

There is a plan – God’s plan.

He will reveal it in His perfect timing.

His timing, not mine.

Not yours.

In the mean time – trust.

Look back at all the details He has put together for you.

Shown you.

Proved to you He notices and is fully present with you.

Grab hold of God’s tender hand.

He will never ever let go.

Photos by Cadabullos Diseño Web & Kosma Kurłowicz on Unsplash

Call to prayer

Published on June 12, 2016November 3, 2024 by amylinnea2 Comments

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

It’s time.

I’m done.

Not reaching out for prayer, that is.

We must pray for each other.

Because prayer makes all the difference in the world.

So why are we NOT utilizing this gift God has left for us?

This lifeline to His mercy and grace for our precious children?

We’re absolutely lazy.

Or possibly embarrassed.

Not sure why, but it stops now.

I pray daily for my family.

But when 2 or 3 are gathered, there God is in the midst.

Does God hear my lonely prayer?

Absolutely.

Completely.

Fully.

But when we rally together, praying for each other’s children, it’s better.

More effective.

Picture yourself on a hill, quietly praying on your knees.

You look up and see your friends walking towards you, lifting your children up in prayer, uttering the very same prayer you are.

Suddenly, your heart is lightened and you smile in the midst of it all.

Why?

Because there’s power in numbers.

When many moms and dads pray, the deafening sounds hurt the ears of the enemy and foils evil plans.

Mountains are moved.

As burdens are shared, our loads become lighter and we have a tangible piece of God.

Evidence He cares.

Rally your friends.

Share your prayer requests.

And your “Praise the Lords”.

Cover each other’s children in prayer within the quiet of your home, or together with friends.

Warriors are rising up and we mean business.

Enough is enough.

Join me.

Visit my new Prayer Drops page on my blog (click on the link).

Download the forms or make your own.

Gather your friend’s prayer requests for their children and give them yours.

Fill multiple sheets.

Spread the word.

I’d love to exchange prayer requests with you – just let me know.

I can feel the rumbles already. 🙂

Photos by Ben White & David Beale on Unsplash

Prayer

Published on December 18, 2015December 2, 2017 by amylinnea2 Comments

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kneeling prayer of kid

May we press into Jesus

so that others see only Him

through our hands, our words, and our self.

May we focus so intently on Him

that we forget our selfish troubles

and our attitudes become pure.

May we remember why we are here on earth,

so friends can rest in their assurance of Him.

May we demonstrate His love and grace to others,

even when they don’t deserve it.

May we draw others to God through our very selves,

because our transformation has no explanation

other then God’s power giving us pure hearts.

And when we fail over and over,

may we press again into Jesus,

accepting His grace and forgiveness,

as we once again determine to be like Him.

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Questioning God

Published on September 15, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Who am I to question Almighty God?

What gives me that right?

His ways are above mine.

He holds our future in His capable strong hands.

Our job is to trust Him with faith like a child.

Oh we can have conversations.

We must.

We beg Him to explain His purpose.

To explain why.

It will probably turn into a little whining and fussing, and that’s ok.

But we stop at the threshold of why, turning back instead to trust.

You’ll feel better when you share your heart with the One who created it.

Picture God as your big strong daddy.

Tug on His arm and climb up onto His lap.

Let Him hold you in His gentle arms as you tell Him your troubles, your concerns.

All of them.

Let Him dry your tears, reassuring you He’s got it all under control.

He’ll lead you all the way home.

Just walk with Him and trust.

And when He turns a way you wouldn’t, keep your hand in His, never letting go.

He will never lead you wrong. Ever.

Photos by Guilherme Stecanella, Aaron Burden, & Jessica Delp on Unsplash

Focusing on Jesus

Published on September 3, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. Matthew 14:29

When life is swirling around you, fix your eyes on Jesus.

Completely.

Step out of the boat and go.

When your focus is Jesus, He will provide all of your strength.

But the moment doubt pores in, you’ll sink.

Your focus will shift to you and your circumstances without God’s help.

Fear and panic will be your guide.

However,

The moment you turn back to Jesus and ask Him to step in, He will.

He will reach out His hand, continuing to guide you to safety.

Rescuing your heart and mind from death.

When Peter stepped out onto the water, his focus was not on the waves, the water, or his inability to walk on water.

His focus was on Jesus.

Only when the Peter began to rationally think about his circumstances instead of trusting Jesus, did he begin to sink.

But when Peter focused back on Jesus to save him, Jesus immediately stepped in.

And He will always do the same for you over and over again.

Every. Single. Time.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Right Where You Are

Published on August 19, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. Psalm 95:4

He has you where He wants you.

Jesus.

He places us in spots where He can use us.

Do you ever wonder why He chose this spot?

I do.

Sometimes things don’t make sense.

Logically.

But that’s not our job.

To make sense of it all.

That responsibility rests on God’s shoulders.

Our job is to trust Him.

Trust that He knows what He’s doing and will cover us with His feathers (Ps 91).

His protection. His grace.

I’ve had quite the journey lately.

My favorite teaching place never materialized.

My first teaching job nicely pushed me out the door.

My “dream” teaching job evaporated.

My first long-term sub job was a mistake.

My next job offer I refused as I knew it wasn’t God’s plan.

But the very next day, God flung wide the door.

It is so right.

My job doesn’t make any logical sense.

Why?

Because I jumped multiple grade levels.

I’m implementing a new program with a new subject.

And was hired less then a week before school starts.

But I know God’s here.

I’m right where He wants me.

And I know I’ll do an amazing job – ONLY because He will guide me every step of the way.

I don’t have my teacher safety net filling me with lessons from years past.

Everything about this job is foreign.

(might launch into a kindergarten calendar poem with 13 year olds)

The absolutely only thing I can do is rely on Him.

It’s comforting.

Peaceful.

Step out of your comfort zone.

See where God takes you.

And yes, my first day was fabulous. 🙂

Photos by Nadine Shaabana, Priscilla Du Preez, & Anton Sukhinov on Unsplash

Need New Glasses?

Published on May 21, 2015June 5, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:5

How do you choose to view things in your life?

Ugly things

Beautiful things

Uncomfortable situations

If you look at a challenge through worldly eyes, fear will be in control.

You’ll worry

Fret

Obsess

However, if you look at that same challenge through godly eyes, you’ll see an opportunity for God to use you.

For God’s hand to remain in control.

The challenge will become a blessing.

Blessing?

Choosing to let go of a child is a blessing?

Searching through piles of help wanted ads?

Choosing to love the unloving?

Yes. Because you know God is here.

Present.

God loves that child more than you and your part is to seek God’s will and obey.

He’ll find that job, give you HIs love for that unloving person, and anything else you ever need.

Blessing or curse?

Fear or faith?

Which eyes will you filter your life through?

Photos by Luca Bravo, JOHN TOWNER, & Bud Helisson on Unsplash

Don’t You Dare Stumble!

Published on July 24, 2014April 30, 2023 by amylinnea5 Comments

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. Psalm 54:4

Ever feel like you are trying too hard?

Like you are holding everyone and everything up by yourself?

It’s precarious.

One small bump and everything can come crashing down.

Falling into pieces.

One word.

Don’t.

Let God carry everything.

He holds the entire world in His hands.

He can hold your world too.

You can’t control circumstances.

Reactions are others to give.

Yes, you can do your best.

And you should.

But leave the results up to God.

Stand in His peace, knowing He has your back.

He’s got it.

He’s in your hands as you care for your children.

He’s in your words.

Actions.

And prayers.

I know, I’ve said this before.

Many times.

But we all need reminders, don’t we?

And here it is:

God’s got this.

He’s in charge, you are not.

So let Him carry whatever it is that is bothering your precious mind.

And just simply be.

Photos by Don Starkey, benjamin hershey, & Jose Francisco Morales on Unsplash

Grace

Published on April 2, 2014April 9, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

By definition, it’s unearned.

Undeserved.

But it’s what we all need.

Desperately.

It’s a blanket of peace that touches our soul.

Where would we be without it? We’d be shells of bitterness.

Worthless, if you want to know what I really think.

But if you expect grace for yourself – if you crave it because you constantly fall down – you must extend grace personally to others.

Not just once.

But all the time.

Constantly.

Because it’s not about you.

It’s not about what you do and don’t deserve.

People will fail you.

Guaranteed.

And don’t forget yourself.

You need to extend grace to yourself as well.

Here’s a news flash. Are you ready?

No one is perfect.

Not one.

Jesus was the only perfect man and He’s in heaven.

You aren’t perfect, your spouse isn’t perfect, and the lady at the grocery store isn’t either.

Expect disappointment.

Expect people to fail you.

Assuming we aren’t referring to abuse (which in that case is another matter entirely), grace must be given regularly to others.

Liberally.

How much grace does God give you?

As much as you need.

So how many times should you give grace to others and yourself?

As much as necessary.

That means a lot.

Probably more than you are dishing out now.

Gulp.

But I don’t want to.

It’s more fun to hold grudges and make people pay for hurting me.

Yes I know.

I’ve been to that party.

Ever look around when you’re there?

Look at their faces.

Anger. Brokenness. Sadness. Void of emotion. Revenge.

Not the party which I want to stay.

Here’s a thought.

Next time you’re invited to hold a grudge or react in anger, try grace.

Stop your brain dead in it’s tracks and invite Jesus to take control of your thoughts, your reactions.

Grace.

Just speak the word and your brain will begin focusing on it.

Change the thought, extend grace, and you’ll be simply amazed at your peaceful heart.

Let’s stop living in Grudgeville and Poor Me Place.

Move to Graceville.

There’s plenty of room to move right in.

And I hear the weather is simply lovely today.

Photos by niko photos, Silvestri Matteo, Aaron Burden, Harshil Gudka, Flash Dantz, & sutirta budiman on Unsplash

Constant Conversation

Published on March 10, 2014April 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long. Psalm 71:24

God wants all of you.

He wants desperately to be your all in all.

How do you begin to know His heart? Or know what He wants from you?

Constant conversation. A never ending conversation with God.

You’re kidding, right?

God wants to know about the missing socks, the broken garage door, or the mouse trap?

Yep.

He knows you inside and out and wants you to know Him the same way.

We have the most incredible opportunity in the world to seek God’s face.

We can become His companion.

His actual companion!

My conversations with God are never ending.

Inside my heart, I chat with Him about everything.

In the mornings, I thank Him for hot showers and delicious coffee (priorities!).

I thank Him for blessing me: all the people I love, job, church, and the plethora of material possessions just to scratch the surface.

I thank Him for looking out for me and giving me my heart’s desire.

I ask Him to plan my day and be with me each moment.

I ask Him to intervene in different situations, to lead me down the path He has for me, and give me an abundance of love to share with others.

During the day, I pop in with different things: a thank you for that unexpected surprise on my desk or help when I begin waving that white flag yet again.

Sometimes it’s just a plea for wisdom when those mini moments erupt with 4 children!

The only way I can explain it is constant conversation. A never ending chat with my best friend.

He knows my every thought. He is as close as the wind on my face.

His hugs and tender peace wrap me up every day.

Try it.

Constant conversation with God.

Photos by Bundo Kim, 杨宏博, Flavio Amiel, & Matt Hoffman on Unsplash

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