Tag: Blessed

Smiles of God

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But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11

Ever think of how God smiles down at you?

How He looks down at you, his beautiful creation, breaking out in a huge grin?

I did today.

I thought about how God had recently blessed me and I felt His smile.

Like He was saying, “This is all for you, because I’m so proud of you.”

We don’t obey God to get things.

We obey God out of our deep love for Him. Our allegiance. Our choice to surrender our will to His.

But God does choose to bless His children.

The Old Testament has many verses like Deuteronomy 5:33: Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

While I’m fully aware God is pleased when we are obedient and we can rest in His peace when we daily focus on Him, there are times when I think about God smiling down on us.

Maybe something big finally came together.

Maybe a bonus check arrived you weren’t expecting.

Maybe a long-lost friend reached out and made your day.

Maybe you were suddenly filled with a deep gratitude for all God has given you.

Or maybe you were surprised with something and you know God sees your faithfulness, recognizing it for more to witness.

I frankly think God smiles down on us more than we realize.

He loves you and longs for a deep relationship with you.

He’s not one to grab your time, exposing your flaws when you chat.

He wants to free you for you. For your freedom walking this earth.

God’s already free. He’s God.

But He longs for you to be free to see His smiles.

Surrender afresh today. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior over everything.

Then pay attention. God’s smile will warm your heart when you finally take notice.

Photos by Aaron Burden & Sanjoy Sadhukhan on Unsplash

Psalm 1

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Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, (vs 1)

I am blessed by God when I choose to listen to Him, ignoring the evil ways of my natural self, shutting out the noise that clutters my mind.

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but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. (vs 2)

I am filled with joy when my sole focus is God; when I focus on His promises remembering His truth.

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That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. (vs 3)

When I purpose my mind and thoughts on Him, I am a strong tree with roots firmly planted in the ground – never faltering, never swaying – immovable in Him.

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Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.  

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (vs 4,5)

I will not be like or resemble the ungodly, who are without the peace of God.  Their actions on earth will pass away like the wind.  They will forever be separate from God, my God.

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For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. (vs 6)

My God will continually watch over my every step all the days of my life.  His goodness and mercy will follow me and my head will be covered by His tender love and protection always.

 

Photos by Alexandru Tudorache, Rodion Kutsaev, chau kamto, Daria Nepriakhina, & Matt Hoffman on Unsplash

Beautiful Life

Published on 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

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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.

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Photos by Victoriano Izquierdo & Peter Hershey on Unsplash

 

Blessed By Trusting God

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But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Barefoot on the Sand

Do you see God walking on the sea with you..

Through all the waves and rolling thunder..

And splashes of rain..

Unconcerned and certain all is well?

Even if you cannot see the seashore, nor know which way is north, God does.

His ways are higher than yours.

He longs for you to trust Him through the process.

Through the waves and calmness of the sea.

Don’t live day after day, wishing all of life’s issues were solved.

If you do, you’ll miss out on the blessing of trusting God with all of yourself.

You’ll miss the peace which passes all understanding, guarding your heart and mind.

God longs to have you now, so He can use you mightily through the process.

It’s easy to trust God when you can see the shore.

Even easier when the sun is shining, birds are singing, you’re looking great and your family is all singing the same tune.

It’s easy then to trust.

But it’s also easy to trust the wrong thing- yourself.

Watch out, because you might think you had something to do with the blue sky and harmonious waters.

The beauty in a storm is the child-like faith we cling to.

Necessary because there’s nothing else to do.

Peace is the reward.

Peace that comes knowing we can do nothing, that God can and will do everything.

He is in control, we are not.

Cling to Him in the storm and quiet.

Purpose your will and thoughts to trust Him completely.

Even if you cannot see the shore.

Photos by Ben White & Samuel Rios on Unsplash

My Shepherd Celebrates Me

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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5

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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

What?

I am safe with my enemies?

Not only that, but I am feasting in front of them?

You defend me and have the final say.

You right every wrong.

Enemies cannot stand in the way of Your goodness and mercy.

Satan cannot foil Your plans.

Lord, let my enemies see Your goodness before it is too late.

Before they are only allowed to watch us feast, not entering in.

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You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

You cover me with every good thing.

Nothing is too precious to spare.

Even Your Son’s life for my salvation.

My cup runs over with Your blessings.

The abundance is almost more than I can take.

To think I am in Your thoughts.

You lead me to sweet spots of safety, down the path of righteousness.

You restore my soul and keep me safe in the valley.

There is no fear as my soul rests in You.

Your plans for me far outweigh my human thoughts.

I am humbly blessed.

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God’s Timing

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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

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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

Rewards of Faithfulness 

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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

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Obedience.

Completely obeying what you know in your heart should be done.

Even if it sounds nuts.

If it goes against human logic.

Ever pray about something?

Yes, I know you have.

Your answer comes and shockingly, you don’t like it…

So you pray again, thinking you heard God’s answer incorrectly?

And He answers the same as before?

When this happens, listen to Him.

God really wants to share His plan for you if you’ll choose to listen.

We cannot possibly fathom all that He has for us.

If we choose to listen.

If we choose to obey.

Rewarding faithfulness.

That’s the outcome of our humble submission.

His ways are higher than ours.

Learned that again myself just last week.

Confirmation of His love.

That’s what obeying comes down to.

I pray this for many children everyday:

“May they hear Your voice, listen, & obey so they will know the TRUTH that will set them free.”

May this blessing fall upon you as well as you are faithful to God.

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Photo by Karen Ciocca on Unsplash

His Perfect Ways

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Lord, You are my God; I will exhale You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

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God is a good, good Father.

Love that song.

Except something in the song has always bothered me.

Is He really perfect in all of His ways?

Because when life goes down the toilet, it doesn’t seem so.

I become confused about His perfect ways when I think about what all me and my dear husband have gone through.

How is His way perfect when it involves your spouse leaving after 20 years, because someone must be their true self?

How is His way perfect when your spouse dies?

How is His way perfect when you miscarry?

Like I said, it’s bothered me every time I’ve sang this wonderful song.

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But then it came to me.

God is perfect.

His ways are perfect.

When sin entered the world, death followed.

We daily choose between life and death.

Why does He allow brokenness?

Or suffering?

Not for me to say.

It’s on my list when I get to heaven.

But when we trust Him to get us through our broken times, His way is perfect.

He is perfectly able and willing to carry us every day through every little thing.

If we’ll let Him.

His answer of peace amidst the storm is perfect.

And His ever present help in trouble.

Call to Me and I will answer.

So yes, His ways are perfect.

And we are thankful.

Photos by Yoonbae Cho & Judith Prins on Unsplash

Anticipation or Expectation

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The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28

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Life is full of promise.

Possibilities are brimming at every turn.

Are you cheerfully anticipating God to work in your life, delivering His plan for your days?

Or are you planning things yourself and expecting God to work your plan?

One surrenders, the other demands.

Works in other relationships too, not just under God.

How bout your spouse?

Are you cheerfully anticipating love or blessings whenever they happily fall into your lap, or do you have impossibly high expectations your spouse will continually fail to reach?

Do you expect your spouse to celebrate you in a certain way, or do you allow them the freedom to bless you from their heart in their own way?

How much do you expect your girlfriends to do for you?

Or do you have the attitude of cheerful anticipation void of your measure?

As parents, we must have certain behavior expectations of our children.

That’s our called and sacred duty.

But speaking of giving love, children are notoriously low on the giving scale as they creep up in years.

Are you cheerfully anticipating their love in their time, or do you hold them to high expectations certain to fail your standards of showing love?

There’s a big difference.

It’s grace vs legalism.

Unselfish vs selfish.

Peace vs strife.

When we hold God, our loved ones, our friends, or anything in our life to our own expectation, we will be disappointed.

Guaranteed.

100%

But if we allow God to bless us when we least expect it, our hearts will brim over with joy.

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I remember praying about my birthday a few years back.

It was the first one as a “divorced” woman.

I prayed to have zero expectations, to be pleasantly surprised with each little detail God provided.

The first child to greet me at school loudly proclaimed, “Happy Birthday!”

Then she ran over for a hug.

I walked into my classroom and the sweetest boy began serenading me, personally singing the entire Happy Birthday song in his precious soft voice.

Be cheerfully expectant.

Anticipatorious as my father would say.

Your days will be peaceful, your heart will be filled with love, and your mind will stay at rest.

And your relationships will thrive.

Ahhh, now that’s the life.

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Redeemer

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The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

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To regain.

Recover.

Exchange.

God is our Redeemer.

He exchanges our sinful selves for a pure soul worthy of heaven.

Nothing we can do on our own merit.

It’s through trusting in His saving grace.

He redeems our souls, but what about life here?

Does He redeem our situations?

Can He?

Is He able to pick up our mess and exchange it?

Does He make all things new in His timing?

Absolutely.

God is not only the Redeemer of our souls, but He is also the Redeemer of our lives here on earth.

He recovers lost years.

He helps us regain our strength.

Our trust.

He exchanges our brokenness for new life.

When tragedy strikes, He is more than willing to redeem our situation.

How?

By trusting Him.

By placing everything back into His precious lap.

By remembering His goodness and believing He has the very best for us.

Redeem.

To me, it means new life.

New breath.

New opportunities.

He has exchanged my sadness for joy.

Ask Him to do the same for you.

Photos by Maria Oswalt & Олександр К on Unsplash

Jesus Loves Me

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No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak, but He is strong.

Do you know Jesus loves you?

Do you really know?

He does.

With everything He has, He loves you.

How can we be certain?

The Bible tells us so.

We are His children and we belong to Him.

Connected.  Joined with Him.

Yes, we are so utterly weak in our own strength, but He is so very strong.

Jesus carries us through life, filling us up with His strength.

Why?

Because we belong to Him.

And because He loves us so.

What a stunning reminder of His faithfulness.

He knows it all.

He’s seen it all.

And He’s not going anywhere.

Because we belong to Him.

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Photos by Jamez Picard & Dim Hou on Unsplash

Humble Yourself

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Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

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Are you humbled that God whispers your name?

That the Creator of ALL things even notices you?

He does more than notice you.

He crafted your very existence.

He ordains your days.

He allows you to experience life as He orchestrates the seasons and shows the wonder of His creation.

He opens your heart and fills it with love and companionship through your family and friends.

He fashions you with a great capacity for learning every little thing.

Yet He gave up all His glory for a relationship with you.

You.

That’s how much you matter to God.

I end my middle school classes with a signal for dismissal.

“Don’t ever forget,” I begin.

“We matter to God,” replies the class.

God humbled himself to you in order to reside in your heart.

Humble yourself and let Him.

Photos by Mayur Gala & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Focusing on Jesus

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

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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.

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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Right Where You Are

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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.

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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

Your Precious Little Heart

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Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

I find this funny.

Funny like haha, yea, right.

Oh wait – is God serious?

How can I possibly ignore life’s troubles?

Well, God didn’t say ignore life’s troubles…

Just don’t let my heart become overwhelmed with them.

Oh.

How in the world can I do this?

I’m still searching for a job.

My child’s faith is lost.

Sometimes my heart still mourns the child in heaven.

My……… (insert anything you could possibly worry and fret over).

Now take a breath and listen.

~~~~~

God knows.

He really does.

He knows and He is above all of it.

He will lead you down the right path.

He will pour wisdom over your brain and quiet your soul.

He will fill every corner of your body with peace.

But you have to decide something.

To let not your heart be troubled.

Trust God will take care of it and you.

Trust, and God will be faithful to fill your mind with His perfect peace.

Ready?

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Photos by freestocks & Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Personally Yours

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And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Make a list of your blessings.

I know you can, even if you are in the deep dark pit.

Physically write them down.

You’ll need to refer to the list often until you can remember them on your own.

If you honestly believe you have zero blessings in your life, if you can’t see the beauty past your own nose, just look harder.

You can start small:  sunshine, flowers in the spring, hot coffee, the beach, newspaper on my doorstep, my grandmother’s quilt, pearl earrings, the color pink.

See, it’s not so hard.

Write down things that make you smile.

That’s how you know.

When you are down in the dumps, look at your list.

Jog your memory of how God has blessed you.

His faithfulness to you is written all over your blessings.

And remember all those details too?

Of How He’s been there for you in daily life?

Have you written them down as well?

 These two lists will help you when you are pulled down into the pit of worry or despair.

In those moments, pull out your blessings or details list.

The process of worry will begin to reverse in your mind.

Little smiles will erupt on your face as you choose to remember God’s faithfulness.

That in turn will provide peace for your future.

God’s faithfulness to you needs to be continually on your mind.

And then, worries which creep into your brain, will become less and less.

The effects of worry will slowly die away.

Purpose your mind and surrender daily to God, choosing to remember His faithfulness.

It’s there for you to take.

To notice.

But you have to reach for it.

And when you do, He will be faithful always.

To the very end.

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Photos by Glenn Carstens-Peters & Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

Sprinkles on Ice-cream

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We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Psalm 126:2

Why not?

Have sprinkles on your ice cream?

It’s way funner.

Ok, more fun.

Or how about using your grandmother’s dishes every day instead of only on special occasions?

These are mine.

Life is meant to be lived.

Not watched from the sidelines.

Put on that cute dress as you waltz through Target.

Dance to car tunes as you wait in the carpool lane.

Serve fresh chocolate chip pancakes to your sweet daughters on their last day of school.

Buy some amazing flowered to adorn your table.

For your regular everyday dinner.

And for heavens sake put sprinkles on your ice cream.

Full disclosure: we eat our sprinkles outside

as I abhor finding sprinkles on my floor

as you all know most of them never land inside the bowl

or find their way into the mouth of the child

who wants those sprinkles.

I call it sprinkle sanity.

Perfect balance.

Photos by Alexander Grey, Glen Carrie, & Karolina Bobek on Unsplash

Audience of One

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“You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13

Pulled the chicken out of the oven and assembled the many dinner plates.

Peas, macaroni & cheese, and chicken on my blue dishes looked appetizing.

As I said out loud to thin air, “Good job, Amy”, I knew at that moment God had heard me.

I felt His smile.

Then it hit me.

I work for God.

Who do you work for?

Ok yes, your boss who signs your paycheck.

Your sweet spouse as you help each other tackle life.

Can’t forget the little people who depend on you for continuing their very existence.

We could add friends, church, volunteering, and society.

Let’s face it – we work for many.

Lots of people depend on us.

Too bad the amount of work we do doesn’t equal the thanks flowing to our ears.

What?

Most of what we do is unnoticed.

Unsung.

No thank you’s.

And that’s ok.

Why?

Because God sees it.

He notices.

And He’s the One we work for.

Every time you pull dinner from the oven

Fold sweet smelling laundry

Wipe up spills you never created

Greet a lonely neighbor

Go the extra mile at work

Cut out box tops for your child’s school

Soothe a crying baby

You are noticed.

Next time you do something for someone, remember God is well pleased.

Very pleased.

You helped God smile.

And that, in the end, is all that matters.

Because we work for an audience of One.

“….but as we go on in grace, we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute.  If we have God’s say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways….”  Oswald Chambers

Photos by Ogulcan Ercal, Andrés Gómez, & Daniil Silantev on Unsplash

Rising From the Dead

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I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Not literally rising from the dead.

I’m talking about spirit crushed, gut wrenching grief.

When you are overcome with grief from the very depths of your soul and you cry until you cannot cry anymore.

That kind of dead.

Times like those are when you feel like dying yourself.

Life really doesn’t matter anymore.

What’s the point of living when life is so gut wrenchingly painful?

Or maybe you’re dead in other ways: spiritually, emotionally, selfishly, or you’ve become callous towards life.

What’s a person to do to gain freedom from these prisons?

Turn to Jesus for healing.

Restoration.

Sounds simple enough.

But here’s the catch: you must reach out to Him.

He gives us free choice.

We can choose Him or not.

God wants to free us from a life or season of pain, but we have to reach out our hand to His forgiveness and love.

His healing touch.

Remember the man in the Bible with the withered up hand?

Jesus healed him.

But first the man had to stretch out his hand.

The man had to take the initiative.

He had to choose to obey.

Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand”.

As soon as the man did that, Jesus healed him.

Set him free.

So we have a choice.

Do we want to rise from the dead things in our life or not?

Do you want Jesus to fling wide the doors of your prison walls?

Just ask.

Be willing to do the work of whatever He asks of you.

And He will be faithful to heal all of your wounds.

How fast?

Not sure.

But I can promise you God will be faithful to you.

He’s done that with me over and over.

Sometimes I walk right back into those prisons.

Willingly.

Stupidly.

But every time I ask, every time…God shows up and frees me.

Every time.

Photos by Eric Ward, James Cousins, & Floreser on Unsplash

Sovereign

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

God is sovereign.

Over all things.

The definition of sovereign includes these words: supreme permanent authority.

Well, that about covers it, doesn’t it?

God has supreme (total) authority (power) and it’s never going away (permanent, here forever).

He holds the world in His hands.

Now you can breathe.

Deeply.

Focus on this: God is never leaving.

He’s constant.

He holds the universe.

Yet He longs to help you.

Everyday.

With everything.

He wants you to give Him all of your burdens, big and small.

Examples?

Well, my large burdens include the children and where I should teach.

Too much to carry on my own.

Small burdens include transportation for kids going everywhere, holiday planning, and the sudden intense need for milk (who forgot to tell me we were low?).

Small burdens can easily morph into boulders if you’re not careful to give them immediately to God.

You’ll simply crumble under the weight!

So if God is sovereign, He’ll fix our burdens, right?

Well, yes and no.

When you give those troubles to God, He’ll take over and increase your dependence on Him.

He will give you just the right amount of strength, wisdom and peace, because you know He is sovereign and taking care of business.

Will He immediately solve your problems?

Probably not.

He might because He can, but He also might use this time in your life to refine your heart.

To make you holy.

Because God is sovereign, He knows best what do with your burdens.

That knowledge should give you peace beyond measure.

God has your back.

He knows the beginning from the end.

Trust Him to finish what He has started.

And enjoy the journey as best as you can, resting in the knowledge of God’s love and concern for you.

Because He is sovereign over YOU.

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Photos by Nighthawk Shoots, Ben White, & CJ Dayrit on Unsplash

Stuck at the Cross

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

(This guest post is my sweet daughter Linnea’s senior legacy paper)

When thinking about how to sum up what I’ve learned in high school, I struggle to find the words.  There’s so much I’ve learned.  Really, there are like ten different things I could talk about. But when thinking about what to say, it kind of hit me. My experiences – everything I’ve gone through in high school – it doesn’t really matter.  It’s not the point.

Everyone has their stories.  I have mine. I could go on and on about how my depression, self-harm, and parent’s divorce affected me and what God has taught me through all of it; but honestly – that’s not the point. God has brought me through so much.  He’s slowly shaping me to be the person He created me to be.  He’s preparing me for the next life.  In the end, everything that we’ve done on earth isn’t going to matter.  There will be a day where the only thing that matters is whether or not you know and accept Jesus Christ.  High school drama will be completely forgotten.

High school is a very instrumental time in a person’s life because it is then people start discovering themselves.  It’s the perfect opportunity for God to wreck your life for Him – and that’s what He did to me.  I went from being terrified of anything remotely spiritual, to constantly having my heart broken for those who don’t know Christ.  God put this burning desire in my heart to know Him more and share His love with others.  It was almost as if I had been blind and now I could see.

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But it’s not always that easy. Truly trying to follow God is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.  But it’s so worth it.  Satan will do everything he can to distract you.  He’ll try to re-open wounds and taunt you with temptations.  But don’t be discouraged!  John 16:33 says, “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.” 

One thing I’ve learned is that so many people get stuck at the cross. I know that sounds funny, but let me explain. God wants us to lay ourselves and our burdens down at the cross and receive His grace.  But we aren’t supposed to stay there.  We are supposed to go forth and spread His news once we’ve been forgiven.  Sometimes you’ll have to go back to the cross and lay more burdens down, but you aren’t supposed to live there. Sadly, it seems as if that’s where most Christians are today.  They are all about giving their problems to God and being forgiven, but they don’t actually do anything with it.

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I believe God has so much more in store for us than just wiping away our sin. He wants us to experience the fullness of His love and be rooted richly in His spiritual blessings. He wants us to go out and share His love with urgency. Going into high school, I had the Great Commission on my mind because I had just gone through confirmation and that’s what I had picked for my verse. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  I wasn’t really sure why I picked that verse, but I knew it felt right.  Now I can see that God has been changing my heart and how it is a perfect verse for my life – because it describes the desire He has put inside my being.

If I had to leave one piece of advice, I’d say that no matter what, trust in God with all of your heart.  He created you and knows you better than you know yourself.  Life is full of unexpected things and you will never be able to go through it all and come out stronger without leaning on God.  There’s no time to put God on hold.  If you were to die tomorrow, would you be ready?

God Is Bigger

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Way bigger.

Than everything, big or small.

Life changing things.

Little annoyances.

He’s bigger than the problems of today.

What do I mean?

God can do anything.

And He will.

He’s promised to protect you.

To carry your burdens.

To guide and direct your very steps when you love Him.

When a mountain seems too impossible to climb, remember God is bigger than any mountain.

He created them.

He can handle it without a second thought.

He has ways around that mountain you cannot even imagine on your own.

And if you must climb it, He’s gonna carry your backpack.

And bring the water for the journey.

What if you’re watching someone you love climb their mountain?

And you can see easier paths but they refuse to listen?

That’s tough.

Hard to see loved ones suffer unnecessarily.

But they must turn to God.

Ask Him personally for help.

Sure we can intercede for others.

We must.

But in the end, we all have a decision to follow God or not.

God loves our loved ones even more than we do.

Hard to believe, but it’s true.

Since God is bigger,

And He loves His children more than we do,

Take your peace and rest knowing God’s got this.

Be faithful in your actions and words and wait.

It’ll happen.

Photos by Dave Hoefler, Joe Dudeck, & Michael Bryant on Unsplash

 

Need New Glasses?

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

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

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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

Remind me, God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

 I love The Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

God hears our voice. Our cries for mercy when things become difficult.

He wants to hear you. He wants to help.

Because He is always ready to listen, we should call on Him as long as we have breath.

God has and always will be present for you, walking with you each and every moment.

Stop and remember. Remind yourself of His goodness to you. Here are His words from Him to you:

Look at all I have done for you.

Look back at where you have been.

Compare that to now.

How faithful have I been?

Completely.

Down to the tiniest detail.

Remember.

Simply remember and be reminded.

I am still here.

And I always will be.

Photos by Vitolda Klein & Artur Aldyrkhanov on Unsplash

Blessings and Details

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. Jeremiah 17:7-8

Smiling eyes

A helping hand

An opened door from a stranger

A handsome lunch date

Money for groceries

A giant beautiful Christmas tree

My warm cozy house

Baking cookies from my grandmother’s handwritten recipes

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Music that fills the air

The sights and sounds of Christmas

A job I adore

Love from my precious family

Anticipation of a beautiful future

Forgiveness from my God

Blessings from a tiny slice of my life

What are yours? Written them down yet?

God is generously blessing our socks off.

Feast your eyes.

Drink in His goodness.

Make your list of blessings and details.

You’ll be astounded at all God has done for you.

Photos by Rodion Kutsaiev, Osman Rana, & Roman Trofimiuk on Unsplash

 

Thankfulness

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12

It’s easy to thank God when times are good.

When life is smooth, it’s easy to raise our hands to heaven, thanking the One who created all things.

How ’bout when life turns ugly?

When your life hits a speed bump and you are thrown to the ground, what then?

Are we still required to give thanks during those winter months?

Yep.

Seriously?

Uh-huh.

When God places a boulder in your path, thank Him for giving you directions around it.

When God moves you firmly out of one job into another, thank Him for rescuing you.

When God lifts you up and places you down in an entirely different life, thank Him for His protection.

You have no idea what God is protecting you from when He changes your course….your direction.

Thank Him.

He knows all things and is more aware than you realize.

Change your perspective. Begin thanking Him for the storms in your life.

Storms are when God shows up in powerful ways.

Sure, He’s there in times of sunshine as well, it’s just harder to see Him work.

When life is smooth sailing, you don’t need God as much.

When life is hunky dory, dependence on yourself increases.  You become less thankful of the good things, because they surround you.

During storms, little pops of glory are obvious, filling our thankful hearts with hope.

Cultivate a heart of thankfulness.  Regularly communicate your gratitude during your constant conversation with the One who created all things.  The One who orchestrates the music of the universe.

I guarantee your attitude will shift and peace will return to your soul.

God has a plan.  And He will reveal it to you in due time.

In the meantime, thank Him.  Because we owe Him everything.

Everything.

Photos by Ben White, Vladimir Fedotov, & Zwaddi on Unsplash

Details of Life

Published on by amylinnea12 Comments

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

God has blessed me in so many ways.

Every time I turn around, He shows up.

 How?

Where?

Details.

He’s in the details of my life.

He’s in the sweet face of the kindergartner who announces to the class, “My teacher has such a pretty face”.

He’s in the email from a new friend encouraging me to seek God’s face for my life.

He’s in the flowers sent from dear high school friends I just ‘happened’ to recently see after way too many years.

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He’s in the job I now have, because He prompted me to get more education and a teaching license knowing I would soon need it.

He’s in my grandfather’s voice on the phone asking how I am and if I’ve been on a hot date lately.

He’s in my son’s voice when he asks me how my day was.

He’s in the math student who declares that I am his favorite part of math class.

God is here.

And He is there with you, too.

He’s here in the small things and big.

When He’s in the smaller details of life, you have to notice them.

Pay attention.

Notice how He has everything all laid out for you.

Everything.

He has a plan and all you have to do is trust Him.

Trust.

Is that hard?  Boy, is it – but it’s all we can do.

Besides, what other option is there if we decide not to trust him?

Worry.

Obsessive detail planning.

Create massive burdens to plan and execute our future.

No thanks.

I’d rather have the God of the universe, the Creator of ALL things plan my future.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows all of my options and fits my future together like a fine puzzle.

 I can only imagine the stress of trying to fit my puzzle pieces together on my own.

Besides, I don’t have the finished picture.

And heck, I’d probably lose a piece or two.

Blame it on my sweet dog.

Anyhow, know who has the picture of our puzzle?

God.

Because He designed our puzzle.

And it’s not a puzzle to Him.

Sigh.

Talk about details.

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Photos by Aziz Acharki and Aaron Burden on Unsplash and myself 🙂