Tag: choices

God’s Timing

Published on 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

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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

Still Loved

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The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21

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I am trying, Lord.

I am trying, yet I am failing.

It seems as if I am failing, yet I know I am not.

I am trying to be who You want me to be.

To everyone I love.

To everyone I meet.

To whomever You place in my path.

But I seem to fail more than I succeed.

My needs jump right in front as top priority more times than I would like to admit.

Why can I not keep You first in my life?

When I look at others, why do I let myself block the precious view of You?

You are in my husband.

You are in my children.

You are in my students.

You are in the lady at the corner market.

You have given me countless opportunities to serve You every day.

Yet, no matter how much I want to serve You in my actions, I fail.

Falling down to serve myself.

My needs first.

I will keep failing and be filled with disappointment when I do not keep asking You to fill me up with Your wisdom.

Your strength.

Your love for every person.

We only have one opportunity for each momentary interaction.

One chance to look at the other person and see You.

May You remind us to love others with Your love.

May You remind us to speak life into others with Your love.

May we bless others through Your love as You have blessed us.

May we see others as You see them.

Your precious child.

And may we see ourselves that way as well.

Loved by you, flaws and all.

 

Walking Towards Whom

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All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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Who are you walking towards for comfort?

Jesus?

Or Satan?

We are all walking towards one or the other.

Walking towards Jesus will give you life.

You may have momentary sorrow as you empty your selfish needs before His feet.

But that choice, choosing Jesus, will bring peace.

Life.

Walking towards Satan will bring death.

Maybe not immediate, and the feeling will be almost satisfactory.

But that choice will certainly bring death.

The absence of peace.

Regret in the morning.

Our choices in life bring us closer to one of them.

Our choices in life bring us closer to either Jesus or Satan.

Life or death.

Every time.

To whom do you walk towards….?

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Fresh Start

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

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Do you ever wake up and declare this is the day?

This is the day I will become saintly.

Who God made me to be.

I can remember declaring this as a young girl.

Several times.

It would be my new fresh start:

From this day on, I will cheerfully obey my parents.

I will dutifully keep my room clean and treat my brother as a human.

I will keep my mouth shut and opinions to myself!

But on our own power, they are doomed to failure.

Doomed, actually, from the start.

They last mere moments.

However, when covered by God and His strength through us, we are destined for glory.

His glory will shine through us, touching precious souls.

I love fresh starts.

Declare today a fresh start.

Purpose to live for Him.

Cast every thought to God, focusing your mind on Him.

Lay every desire at His feet and let Him guide your steps.

Invite Him to do a mighty work in you, so you can be all that you can be and more.

Amen!

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Change the Picture

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Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Sometimes I ask myself what is God doing?

Why this or that?

We picture life a certain way.

Then our picture changes.

Why?

I remember we’re not supposed to know why yet.

We’re not supposed to know all the answers.

Yet.

We don’t hold the future.

But God does.

His mercy and grace are all around us when we trust Him to lead us through the steps of life.

He knows what to do next.

What lays beyond us on the horizon.

He will always provide the strength we need.

To do what He asks of us.

And He knows why.

Trust Him to take your hand.

He holds the compass and map.

Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen.

It’s a beautiful day for a walk.

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Photos by Gantas Vaičiulėnas & Aaron Burden 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

Worry and Dread

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Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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Ever work yourself into a worried frenzy?

Consume your thoughts with worry and then your body simply shuts down?

Worst case scenarios play out in your brain and you are completely convinced all heck will break loose?

Think about the very worst case scenario.

Is it really that bad?

Probably not.

You might have a few days of angst, a few years maybe, but in the end, will it really matter?

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter if this worst case scenario happened?

How does one practically stop themselves from dwelling in the flesh?

How do you keep your brain from worrying?

Sometimes a worry keeps me frozen in fear.

Filled with dread.

Yep, I’m not perfect.

So how do you stop the train wreck?

Refuse to participate with worry and fear.

Wait a minute.

How do you do that?

When you play a thought over and over in your mind, it cements the thought as fact.

You literally trick your brain into thinking a false reality.

Whoah. Really?

Yep.

Reverse it.

Throw your worries back to God.

After all, He’s the one in control, not you.

If you make a mistake, own it, and move on.

Don’t dwell in worry or fear.

Won’t do a bit of good.

Won’t change a thing.

Except your peace.

That will be gone.

Worry and fear.

Not a way to live.

Daily submit yourself to God.

Pray for His guidance to walk you through life.

Then when life throws you a curve ball, you can put on your glove and throw it straight back to God.

He’ll catch it and you’ll be on His winning team.

Photos by Chang Duong & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Shalom

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The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

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Completeness.  Perfectly sound.  Intact.

God promises us His peace.

His perfect peace.

His shalom.

When the waters begin to sway your boat, He is there to speak peace over you.

In the stillness of the night, He’s there to cover you, keeping you safe.

How?

It’s a mystery to me, but it’s there.

If you ask for it.

Then after you ask, trust Him.

Trust that He’s got this.

He’s already put His plan into motion.

His perfect plan.

His plan might not look like your plan.

But as long as you seek His face and long to do His will, He’ll be faithful to show up.

To show up and lead the way.

In peace.

So, grab hold of God’s strong hand.

And seek His face.

Don’t ever let go.

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Layers of Trust

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

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Every time a new experience confirms a truth you already know, a layer of trust is laid.

Layer upon layer, trust is built over time and these layers cushion us from the blows of life.

New relationships create layers of trust every time you interact, confirming how they feel about you.

Picture a feather falling down, cradling upon a pile.

Or a thin page gently falling and resting on top of another, creating a gentle pile of layers.

The layers are built over time.

They are used as a cushion to defeat the whispers of doubt or lies that sometimes pop into your head.

Babies begin to place their layers of trust when they are born.

They cry, a need is met, and they feel safe and secure.

Or a child falls down and runs to mommy to kiss the tears away.

The child’s cushion of trust helps to soften the bumps of life.

As adults, we place our trust into the hands of Almighty God.

Layer upon layer, year by year, He fills our lives with details.

Blessings which are personal to our precious hearts.

Trust is built.

Then when the blows of life hit us, we fall back into the cushion of our faith.

Our layers of trust hold us and keep us in the tender arms of God.

Layers of trust.

Every relationship has them.

They grow with time and unfold into strong roots which anchor us in life.

Resist the urge to ignore them, listening to lies instead.

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Anticipation or Expectation

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

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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Part of His Plan

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For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16

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God uses us.

Little old us.

Almighty God wants to use us for His work of bringing everyone into abundant life.

To salvation through His Son.

Through us.

We are part of His plan for the salvation of the world.

The world He created.

We are witnesses of His goodness, mercy, and grace.

When people are hurting or confused, we are called to encourage them, offering hope.

God can show Himself however He sees fit.

But He is a personal God, touching people in the details of their lives.

We are those details.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Drip onto others the fragrance of God.

His living water will flow freely from you to them, forever transforming their lives.

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Our Focus

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Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25

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It’s not about me

or you.

Life.

Our lives are not to be lived for us.

Really?

Really.

Jesus is our focus.

Our lives should be lived for Him.

To realize His purpose.

To be used for His glory.

Sometimes life throws us a hard choice.

Our flesh screams no, but God’s spirit in us whispers yes.

We know.

Maybe if we remember why God put us here, we will listen to His voice first.

Because He is in every circumstance.

What does He want you to do?

And will you do it?

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Giving God Only Half

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He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

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Ok God.

You can have this area of my life and this one over here, but not that one.

My family needs You, but my job is fine.

I’m doing fabulous with my job – well, actually my 2 jobs, and I don’t want You to change absolutely anything about it.

So, I’ll keep a hold of my job because I want to stay in complete control.

You can choose the books I read, but I want to remain in charge of the tv shows I watch.

I know what I like and I don’t want to change any shows.

I deserve them, because I work hard!

I’ll let You alter my food and eating habits.

I really need You there.

I want to be healthy and in better shape, so I give You control of that area.

You want me to jog during my tv show?

Um, not going to happen.

I love that show.

Let’s see, You can direct my health, the dog, our home, my husband’s job, and our vacation plans.

I’m keeping my pride (really need that for work), selfishness (whose going to look out for me if I don’t), and distrust of everything I haven’t done myself.

Have You seen my dishwasher when I haven’t reloaded the thing?

So thank you for taking control of some things in my life.

I don’t have time to do it all myself, so thank you.

I’ll keep the other things for now as I am doing a pretty great job.

You sure knew what you were doing when you fashioned me!

So relieved we had this talk.

Pastor said we should surrender everything to you – said we’d be happier and more peaceful.

Don’t know how anyone could do that!

It’s too hard!

Not strong enough in my own strength, I suppose!

I love being in control.

Just using the gifts You gave me!

Looking forward to seeing You work things the way I want in the areas I gave You!

Slow Down, Sister

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You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Have you ever asked God to spend your time?

To fill it with His desires and needs for you?

God has fashioned our brains brilliantly.

Capable of so much.

Sometimes we have many voices, one louder than the next, all clamoring for our attention:

I must not forget my child’s vanilla ice cream for her school party.

Call the insurance adjustor about our hail claim.

Speak to your daughter from the heart, trying to grab what is really going on in her head.

Oh shoot, I’ve neglected the blog.

Why hasn’t someone started the laundry?

Attitudes of the children….what to do, and why did we even have children?

Christmas is only a few months away.

Our family vacation is coming up and with all the work involved, I just may stay home.

Are we on track for retirement?

Feel like I need to pour even more love and wisdom into the children.

My body will never be the same, but I can stop the slide…pencil in exercise and drinking more water!

Love my new dream job…need to build and learn my curriculum, organize the classroom, and read the novels ahead of time.

It’s been way too long since we’ve gone on a date…wait, let’s get away…how fun and necessary…but what to do about the kids…

Am I doing enough as a wife, mother, teacher, and Christian?

God says to ask Him.

Ask Him to guide you with every step you take.

He knows.

Everything.

He sees your darkest fear and hears your greatest joy.

Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46:10).

He tells the sun when to rise and when to fall.

He will silence the voices in your head.

He will remove the worry from your heart.

Simply abandon it all to God.

Give Him control and sit beside Him for the ride of your life.

He will be faithful to fill in every detail.

Take your peace from God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

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Call to prayer

Published on 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

Loving Your Enemies

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

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Jesus says to love your enemy.

Even people you don’t particularly like.

Jesus says to pray for those who persecute you.

People you don’t get along with very well.

Or who do you harm.

Oh, but I’m justified in my disgust.

You don’t know what they’ve done to me.

I could never pray for them.

Jesus is our example.

Jesus could have said many things while standing before Pilot.

He could have yelled at them while being whipped.

Or while the nails were thrust into His hands.

But instead, what did He say while hanging on the cross?

“Father, forgive them….for they know not what they do.”

Didn’t they know what they were doing?

They held the whip and knew it would shred His back.

They held the crown and knew it would pierce His head.

They held the hammer and knew they were going to nail Him to the cross.

However-

they didn’t know Jesus was the Son of God.

The eyes of His accusers could not see who He was.

Their eyes were closed because Jesus had to die for our sins.

They had no idea what they were doing.

 Everyone played their part in God´s plan for our salvation.

Yet instead of hurling insults at His persecutors, Jesus prayed for them.

He could have said many brilliant things to combat their assaults.

But He didn’t.

When you pray for someone you don’t like, pray that God will fill you with compassion for that person.

Notice Jesus didn’t condone His persecutors.

He didn’t welcome their pain.

But He prayed for them.

While hanging on the cross, in more agony then we will ever know, with the weight of the world’s sin on his back, Jesus chose to pray for His enemies.

He wanted God to keep pursuing them.

To bring His enemies into forgiveness.

Your enemies don’t really know what they are doing either.

Just like you don’t know what’s really going on inside of their heads.

People act to protect themselves.

And sometimes, they don’t care who they take down in the process.

We can only forgive our enemies with God’s help.

And with His love pouring through us, we can extend grace to others.

Even those who are mean.

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Faithful Companion

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

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

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 I lifted my tear stained eyes and looked upon my sweet Lord’s face.

Compassion dripped from His eyes as He scooped me into His arms.

My child, I love you.

I cover you this day with My peace.

May you lay every worry at My feet and allow Me to take it for you.

May you be filled with joy, knowing My sovereign power is flowing through your precious soul.

May you share this love with others, so all of My children can live with abundant life.  

I know the beginning from the end.

I will order your steps and you will not falter if you trust Me to lead you.

You may not always get your way, but your heart will remain in peace when you trust Me.

I have never failed you and I will not start now.

I long to be your constant companion.

There are so many amazing and profound things I want to share with you.

But you have to come to Me.

I am here, always ready and waiting for you.

I will never leave, because I love you with everything I have.

I created you.

And I never make mistakes.

Photos by Ave Calvar & Lina Trochez on Unsplash

 

Entertaining Doubt

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Why do you doubt me?

Why do you doubt my love?

Why do you doubt my goodness?

Why do you doubt my plan for you, 

my personal love story written just for you?

Are you scared?

Lonely?

Trust me.

Completely.

Perfectly.

Wholly.

You must use My strength to do just that.

But I’m here ready to help.

Do not doubt me.

I am faithful to you right up through the very end of your story.

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Why do we entertain thoughts of doubt?

Because we don’t really believe God holds our life in His hands.

That He has our back.

Little moments of life stir up whispers of fear.

We listen to the whisper.

We think about the whisper.

Doubt creeps back in through our open door.

When we listen to the whispers, we unknowingly fling the door wide open, inviting doubt and fear to join us.

Sigh.

Make a list of your fears.

Now answer each one with God’s matchless truth, breaking the power of each fear.

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The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.  Exodus 15:2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.                            Isaiah 41:10

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:28-31

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The next time doubt whispers in your ear, whip out the list and speak the written truth.

Immediately switch doubt into certainty.

Then go on your merry way thinking about something entirely different.

We mustn’t doubt God.

He’s been faithful to me in countless ways and He has been and will continue to be faithful to you.

No doubt in my mind.

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Up to Us

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

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God is here.

He is here in my room at this very moment.

He knows my heart.

He knows my deepest wishes.

He sees every corner – the love for my husband and children…the fragile yet strong self-esteem…the hurt He will wipe away…sin I refuse to give up.

God is ever present – waiting for us to surrender ourselves so He can fill us up.

On our own, our hearts are complicated – disjointed with hurt and love.

When we daily choose to surrender ourselves to God, He comes into our heart and begins to clear away the debris.

But He needs to be invited.

Everyday.

He must be invited to do His work.

He’s always willing and ready.

We simply need to ask.

I know.

It takes time.

Healing, that is.

Why can’t He just sweep us clean with a super vacuum?

Because our hearts have learned things and we must learn new ways of dealing with life.

But the cool thing is this.

God will be faithful to heal every crack and remove every bit of debris if we daily surrender and allow Him to do what He wants.

Trust.

Complete gut wrenching trust.

That’s where God can do His greatest work in us.

When you think about the alternative, it’s relatively easy.

Rely completely on the One who holds every answer to every question known to man.

The Author of our life.

The Creator of all things.

Or…

We could simply rely on worldly wisdom, some of it well meaning.

But then we’re using our own strength and wisdom.

And we’re human and mortal.

We don’t know the future.

We don’t have the stamina or mental capacity to think of all the details in our lives.

I know I cannot possibly orchestrate my life and have peace and happiness.

But if I give it all to God, who does know ALL THINGS, I can rest knowing He’s got this.

He’s got my back.

Not only that, but He’s studied me and fills the details of my life with blessings.

He plans my future for good and surprises me with many daily ‘wows’.

And He’s waiting to do just the same for you.

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Peace or angst.

Clean heart or one full of debris.

Resting in God’s future plans or anxiously worrying about it.

I choose God.

How about you?

Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash

Prickles

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Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

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How often do your prickles erupt?

Once in awhile?

When life really goes to pot?

When you’ve finally had enough?

Or too, too often….?

Prickles are easy to spot.

In fact, one can feel them rising to the surface.

They’re ugly.

Painful to others.

And frankly to yourself as well.

They put a barrier between you and the world.

It’s normal to get upset-

Just make sure it’s godly.

What?

Treat little annoyances like water off a duck’s back.

They simply don’t move you.

And when your children need your quick firm stand, be as a gentle bear they cannot move. 

If you react instead to life as someone who quickly sprays quills, you’ll be one of those people.

People who need lots of space for whatever mood they happen to jump into.

And you don’t want that.

To be so unpredictable.

People are scared of porcupines, because their prickles can erupt in an instant.

Don’t be prickly.

Be a quiet gentle giant, standing firm when you must, predictable to life.

You can’t often control your circumstances, but you can always control your reaction.

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Photo by matthew Feeney on Unsplash

Turn Yourself In

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

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God is looking for you.

You’re a wanted soul.

Wanted for redemption.

For a relationship with the One true God.

Funny, though, because God knows just where to find you.

But He has always given us a choice.

To surrender or not.

So let me ask you this:

What are you waiting for?

What’s the hold up?

Fear?

Not being in control?

Would you, with your limited knowledge, rather be in charge?

Or God, who knows the beginning from the end?

But I like living for myself.

Ok, but your days are numbered and then what.

What about all of eternity which stretches far beyond your vision?

Oh, I’ll go to heaven, because I’m a good person.

Sorry, but you’re still full of sin.

And the only way to wipe the sin away is to trust Jesus to take away all your sins for you.

He will, because He loves you.

And He wants to be your friend.

There’s no strings attached.

Just ask.

But God saved you from more than yourself.

He wants you to make a real difference with others.

He wants you to have the peace of God in your life.

Maybe you’re a Christian, but your heart is still yours, wrapped up in what you want.

God wants all of you.

Only when you surrender your heart will God be able to step in.

When you put your total trust in Him, He carefully guides you with every single step.

It’s not always a smooth path, but He’s your constant companion.

And when He’s with you, you’ll have His peace which passes all understanding.

It guides your heart and mind.

So turn yourself in.

Trust.

And let God take over.

Leave It

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Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

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How many burdens do you keep?

Or…

How many burdens do you take back after you give them away to God?

When you lay your burden down, giving it to God,

don’t pick it back up.

We are not made to carry them.

We are sheep.

But our Shepherd is made for the job.

He’s willing and happy to do it.

But we have to make a choice.

To lay the burden down.

And leave it at the foot of the cross.

Jesus might not carry it like you think He should.

Don’t ask for it back.

When your mind thinks of that burden, you begin to think of ways to fix it.

That, my friends, is scooping the burden back up.

Every time your thoughts return to that burden, give it back to God.

Thank Him for fixing it for you.

Tell Him you can’t wait to see How he solves it.

He will let you know.

Promise.

If you instead, keep musing over that issue,

the burden will climb back onto your shoulders.

Worry and fear will once again join you.

So stop.

Give them to God and stop those thoughts in their tracks.

Smile, knowing God’s in control.

And He has your best in mind.

Photos by Yan Berthemy & Catherine on Unsplash

Saved From More

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Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

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Saved, yes, for all of eternity.

From the punishment we richly deserve.

But I think there’s more.

The Hebrew word “saved” means to deliver.

To help.

To gain victory.

When we look unto God for our daily needs…

When we look to Him to free us from ourselves…

When we look to God to be our everything…

We are saved from fear.

We are saved from sin.

Every day.

Every time we look unto God.

We are saved moment by moment, each and every day.

Yes, thank you God, we are saved from an eternity separated from Our Creator.

But we are also saved from worry and fear, here and now.

But only if we look unto God.

Only if we clear away all else and place our trust in God.

For He is God and there is none else.

CHURCH ROOF AND CROSS

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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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Prayer

Published on 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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Temptations

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All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9

What are yours?

Your temptations?

Believing the worst about someone because of your own personal wounds?

Sneaking off early or wasting time at work because you feel you deserve it?

Not correcting the clerk who hands you extra change?

Embracing self-pity if you feel wronged, even if that was not the intention?

Succumbing to fear of the future when you are uncertain of life?

Satan tempts us according to our weaknesses and personality.

However,

When we belong to Jesus, His power in us keeps us from falling into temptation.

But ONLY when we decide.

That’s worth saying again:

God’s power in us keeps us from acting upon our temptation ONLY when we decide not to succumb.

 Satan’s goal is to remove our connection to God through temptation.

When we loose our connection to God, we are of no value to God.

God’s light in us becomes covered by sin.

And He cannot bring others to Himself through us.

Think back to a recent time when you were tempted to let your mood slide into the toilet.

When you succumbed, were you of value to God?

If you lashed out as a result, the opposite is true.

Ouch.

If Satan helps you to become of zero value to God, then what does it matter if you are God’s child?

Yes, your eventual heavenly reward, but I’m talking about our mission here and now.

Your every day life.

Your interactions with family, friends, and the great big world.

Recognize your weaknesses.

Look for Satan’s temptations to slam you to the ground.

And next time, instead of agreeing with the Tempter, declare “but NONE one of these things affect me”. (see post)

Stand instead with God, keeping His power simmering within you,

showing the world His great love.

Photos by Laura Baker & Ricardo Cruz 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

Witness God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe y ou would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

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When faced with complaining, you have an opportunity to witness God’s power.

We cannot behave properly without God, so we must allow Him to work through us.

Disgruntled situations provide freedom to let God move.

But only if we choose to respond with life.

Most of us choose darkness or crabbiness when life smacks us in the face.

When that response feeds our flesh, poison is spread and God’s peace slips away.

What if we responded with love,

with grace,

with the wisdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit within us?

What if every moment of disappointment was covered with desiring God’s purpose,

His love,

with His grace and mercy?

What if we looked at every distressing situation with the opportunity to experience God’s sovereign help?

To experience God’s power changing us from the inside out?

We have the option to let God work through us.

Each time He does, we are covered with a layer of His mercy and love.

When we choose to bend our ear to His wisdom, He responds with heaps of Himself.

I know it’s not fun to witness disappointment.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, choose life.

Think about how you now have yet another opportunity to trust God.

To trust your precious Savior who wants what is best for you.

And when you trust Him, He fills you again with His perfect peace.

So the next time disappointment stares you in the face, think instead, “Oh sweet relief!  Here comes more of God to blanket my soul.”

Then choose to depend on Him to keep your attitude holy.

Photos by Євгенія Височина & Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

 

Unbelievable Power

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The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.   And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.  Romans 8:11

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He will give life.

To you.

Right now.

So here’s a question:

Why is any Christian walking around defeated?

Full of self pity or poor me?

Why do we let anger drag us down to the pit?

Why do we allow worry to fill our brains with dread?

Why do we become overwhelmed with life?

Because we forget.

We forget whose we are.

Are you wandering aimlessly through life, cowering at every arrow thrown your way?

Or…

Are you walking with purpose in every step, deflecting arrows whenever they fly?

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

That’s unbelievable power.

And it lives in you.

Stand taller and be bold.

Don’t let annoyances steal your joy.

  Repeat to yourself: “None of these things move me……!” 

God’s power in you is to be used for His glory.

Pray for others.

Serve others.

Show God’s love to the world.

His power will shine through you if you just ask.

And there’s plenty to go around.

Photos by Jackson David, Guillaume de Germain , & David Banning on Unsplash

How Free Are You?

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.   1 John 4:15

If you confess with your lips…

If your soul longs for God…

If your heart knows it needs to be forgiven…

When you confess Jesus is Lord,

You are free.

God abides in you.

God is in you, through you, around you.

He is intertwined with you.

Your whole you.

Logically speaking, if God abides in you, why are you not free?

Why do you choose to stay in your old habits?

Your ugly selfish ways?

Why do you even listen to the lies Satan plants into your brain?

Because our free will allows us to choose.

It’s time to choose again.

Next time someone is hostile, abide in God.

Next time something doesn’t go your way, abide in God.

Next time you frown at your mirror’s reflection, abide in God.

The God who created all things sent His only Son to die so He could abide in you.

Unbelievable.

He came to set you free -to live abundantly.

Purpose your mind, heart, and soul to abide in God.

Because as a Christian, God is abiding in you.

 Photos by Joshua Earle & Ankush Minda on Unsplash

What Moves You?

Published on by amylinnea7 Comments

My dear mother shared this verse with me today:

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Paul goes on to explain his pristine focus on the mission God had entrusted to him.

Earthly things didn’t move him.

Including death.

How about you?

What moves you?

Or should I rephrase this:  what shouldn’t move you that does?

Moods

Disappointment

Unfairness

Jealousy?

I’m so guilty.

Situations can move us in an instant towards ugliness, selfishness, or (gasp) distrust in Almighty God’s plan for our lives.

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Plaster this verse somewhere to retrain your brain.

Try replacing the word “things” with a more personal noun:

None of the children’s moods move me.

None of the sales calls annoy me.

None of the traffic moves me.

(Literally, I’m not moving.)

None of my mindless chores move me to irritation.

None of my unanswered prayers will move me away from God.

Notice the key word repeated in each phrase?

None.

That means ZERO percent of it affects you.

NONE of it dares to move you from living in peace to living with fear or worry.

Wow.

Why is it even possible for none of these worldly things to move us?

Because we’ve already won.

Jesus is victorious.

The power that raised Him from the dead lives in me.

And you.

I’m going to wave my arm like a princess, declaring “But none of these things move me”.

Join me and keep your peace.

Photos by Church of the King, Ales Maze, Esther Ann, Ben White, & Alex Perez on Unsplash

Questioning God

Published on 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

 

Peace or Panic

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Choose you this day whom you will serve.  Joshua 24:15

Who is your master?

Who are you serving?

God?

The flesh?

Christians are quick to say God, of course.

We do lots of business in God’s name.

And most of it is good.

But – who runs your mind?

Are your thoughts more anxious than peaceful?

Are your actions more unpredictable than steady?

Are your moods all over the place or calm?

We are trained.

It’s how we think or respond to the moments of life.

Is peace our automatic reaction?

Or is it panic?

Choose to serve God.

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

Take every thought and cleanse it with God’s truth.

Every single one.

Retrain your brain.

Serve Him not only in your actions, but also with your thoughts.

Will you choose Him?

Photos by Priscilla Du Preez, Mark Olsen, & Thomas Dewey 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.

Barefoot on the Sand

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Your Speech

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Proverbs 15:2

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Our tongues produce life or death.

Mere words are capable of bringing joy or sorrow, pain or comfort.

Words are quick to come, hard to erase.

They are spoken on a careless whim or calculated with extreme precision.

They can be used to manipulate.

Lies are words.

So is truth.

Words have produced World Wars, convinced sin to enter the world, and elected world leaders.

Words have announced the birth of our Savior and condemned Him to death.

Legal documents are filled with words which determine the course of history.

Our Constitution’s words have formed the basis of our freedom.

Words

Are

Powerful.

Speak life.

Pour words of life into the lives of those you touch.

Photos by Matt Botsford, Jackson Schaal, & Tyler Callahan on Unsplash

Right Where You Are

Published on 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.

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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

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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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Personally Yours

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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