focus – Page 3 – Amy Linnea

Doubt

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

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

Where is my next victim?

I’ll pick him.

Over there.

The one looking at his phone.

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

The kid wearing a striped shirt.

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

Great- he looks concerned.

What do you know….looks like I succeeded.

It’s tomorrow and I’m at it again.

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

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

He just threw his things down in disgust at himself.

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

Wait, he’s a Christian?

Not sure if that matters.

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

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

What is my name?

Fear.

I tend to rule.

No, I do rule.

I have absolute power when folks give it to me.

How do they give it to me?

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

I’m only silenced with the power of God.

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

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

I’m serious.

My job is so easy.

Oh no.

That kid I taunted is in Bible class.

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

Let me quickly plant a doubt.

Shoot, he declared the truth in immediate response.

Now they are praying and he is agreeing.

Guess I have to leave him for now.

Time to find another victim.

Let’s try her…..

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

Letter from God

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

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. you lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. Psalm 31:19

A few days ago, God impressed upon me to encourage my friends at school. I believe God wants to remind all of us who we are when placing our lives into His hands…when we become a child of the King as we place our trust in Him and Him alone.

I see you.

I see you when nobody else does.

I see your many joys and also your tears shed in secret.

I see the many long hours you continue to work.

I see your heart.

I know you want to do your very best for Me.

That brings joy to My heart.

Know that I see all that you do.

I need to remind you of something: you are enough.

What you are is enough.

You are my precious son, my precious daughter.

You have nothing to prove to me.

I love you for who you are.

What do I want from you?

All I need from you is your heart.

Give me your heart and release everything else into My hands.

My capable hands.

Give me your lesson plans.

Give me your seating chart.

Give me your curriculum you struggle to plan.

Give me that one child.

You know who I’m talking about.

Give me office toner issues.

Give me all of your security concerns.

Give me your teeny tiny breaks.

Give me all of it.

Everything.

Surrender it and do not ask for any of it back.

I will faithfully help you every step of the way.

All the way to May and beyond.

You are enough.

Take a step back and survey your life.

I have been with you, I am with you and I always will be with you.

Always.

Know that I love you and am immensely proud of who you are.

Love, God ❤

Fill in the concerns with your personal struggles. Write them all down. Everyone. Then pray and give them all to Him. Every single one. Tear up the list and refuse to worry anymore. Pray that He replace your worries with peace. Remind yourself that “God’s got this” every time that worry begins to creep back, threatening to steal your peace. Then keep your faith close, looking forward to God’s perfect solutions.

Photos by Jeff Kepler & Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Ready and Waiting

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

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

God is telling us, commanding us to quiet ourselves.

Be perfectly still.

Unmoving.

Motionless.

Silent.

Stationary.

Ready.

Waiting.

Confident.

And know that I am God.

Realize God is God.

Recognize God’s ultimate power.

Fix your eyes on things above.

Resolve your confidence in Him.

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

Receive His perfect peace.

Every time.

With God in control, there is nothing to fear.

Photos by Krzysztof Niewolny & Carolyn V on Unsplash

Toxic poison

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

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

Are you affected by poison?

I know we never knowingly ingest the stuff.

I’m talking about subtle poison.

Toxic people.

Toxic situations.

Lies from the pit.

Poison like that is all around us.

It infects us frankly easier than literally ingesting liquid.

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

Suddenly surrounded by the bad stuff?

Refuse to participate.

Isn’t that what they teach kids about drugs?

You bet.

It’s good advice.

Refuse.

Don’t let your heart become drawn.

Set your mind against participation with fear or disappointment.

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

Poison is meant to infect.

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

So don’t let it.

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

Our nature tends to succumb to temptation.

In this case, succumbing to the temptation of pain.

Pain is familiar.

Anger is familiar.

Disappointment is familiar.

These toxic reactions are poison.

I have an example.

Recently, someone produced gifts for everyone except for me.

It was a pointed attack, meant for harm.

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

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

I did not let the toxic power take hold.

If I had, the poison would have won.

Just what the person wanted.

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

God is on your side.

He is present and fights for you.

He wants every good thing for you.

He is on your side.

Don’t you want to be on His?

You can be when you resist toxic people and situations.

Try it.

I have complete confidence in you.

With God.

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

Literally

Published on September 1, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Psalm 21:4

I ask again.

Why are any Christians down?

Why do any of us ever loose hope?

Because we’re human.

Because we are forgetful.

I could say dumb, but I won’t.

Whose are we?

I’ll tell you Whose.

God’s.

Literally, we are God’s children.

His beloved.

God, who created ALL things, including us, loves us.

He watches over us.

He goes before, behind, and beside us.

He knows our every thought before we utter a word.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows our deepest desires.

AND, He’s given us all authority on earth.

Authority over the earth, including the devil.

When Jesus died for our sins, He restored the order of heaven.

For all who believe, He cancelled death and the grave.

He cancelled death while we live, too.

What?

Stop walking around like you’re dead.

You have God’s power in you.

Use it.

You have God by your side.

Act like it.

You are in the company of the Most High who wants to be your closest friend.

Act like it.

Ask Him for His peace which passes all earthly understanding.

Ask Him for His love to flow through you to everyone you meet.

Ask Him for His wisdom to guide your moment by moment decisions.

Ask Him for faith beyond what you can see.

Ask Him to fill you up with His very self.

His faithfulness will astound you.

Utterly leave you speechless.

But only if you stop and really think about Whose you are.

You matter to God.

Completely.

Photos by Erica, Fadi , David ,Blake, & Liv on Unsplash

Wait for the Lord

Published on August 25, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinnea3 Comments

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

David wrote the phrase “wait for the Lord” twice.

Think it was because he was having trouble himself?

It’s easy to view Bible characters as unusually godly.

After all, their words are quoted in the Bible we still read today.

But they were human.

Flawed, just like you and me.

And apparently David needed to really remind himself to wait for the Lord.

Do you?

Do you need to be reminded to wait for God’s timing?

Wait for the Lord means just that.

To wait.

And wait.

Waiting for His timing.

And in the mean time, David encourages us to be strong and take heart.

Why?

Because he knew that it takes strength to wait for the Lord.

God’s strength.

It also takes heart, meaning your will and determination, yielding your love to God.

Yielding your trust in Him.

In His perfect way and timing, however slow you may think that is.

When God is working, which rest assured, He always is, it’s the waiting that is hard.

Hard for Bible characters then, and hard for us today.

So take comfort.

You’re in good company.

While waiting on the Lord, be strong and take heart.

He is working and will always finish what He has begun.

Photos by KaLisa , Usukhbayar , Darya , Daiga , Lauren , & Nick on Unsplash

Stop

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

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

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

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

Stop believing the future is hopeless.

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

Stop settling for less when God wants more for you.

Stop sitting around, waiting for life to find you.

Stop thinking things will never get better.

Stop acting like a useless Christian.

Start acting like God’s child.

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

Start listening to the truth that you are completely loved.

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

And Jesus would have died only for you.

Start believing the future is bright, full of possibilities.

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

Start fulfilling the destiny God has for you.

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

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

Horribly Disappointed

Published on August 11, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. Zechariah 9:12

When you are horribly disappointed at something in life…

When there is not a thing you can do about it…

What then?

What is your response?

Wallow in self pity, relishing the mood of despair hanging over your head?

While that might be fun for a moment, it will send your mood straight into the toilet.

There is a better way.

I like to make a list.

A list of my blessings.

I try to keep it updated, but I admit, I do a horrid job at best.

Alternatively, you can also compare your bleak disappointment to something even worse.

That definitely puts things into perspective.

The point is this: switch your focus to the precious things God has given you.

Like that list of blessings we all should have somewhere.

Or encouragement whispered to you from your dear friend or spouse.

Because, when you focus on the blessings instead of the disappointment, you will pass God’s test with flying colors.

And your mood will stay out of the toilet.

In fact, you’ll be quite pleasant.

Respond to life with grace.

Your example will be a stepping stone to God Himself.

A stepping stone to God instead of a stumbling block to Satan.

So, what will your next disappointment turn into…?

Life, or death?

Photos by Casey Fyfe & Matthew Smith on Unsplash

Clothed in His Love

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

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

Abide in God’s perfect love for you.

Reside.

Stay for a long, long time.

Rest.

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

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

Why?

Because you feel secure.

Loved.

Complete.

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

God’s perfect love casts out all fear.

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

How do you abide?

Replace ungodly thoughts with God’s truth.

Use Scripture or words which have spoken to your heart.

Rest in God’s love.

Breathe.

And always abide.

Purpose your mind on it.

Focus your heart on it.

And stay.

Stay for a long, long time.

Abide.

Today’s Choice

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

Oh Jesus,

I’m so sorry.

But I’m super mad.

Really mad.

Is that alright to be mad at you?

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

I feel strange writing that.

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

I mean, who am I compared to You?

But I know You want us to be real.

To be honest.

And right now, my super honest attitude is angry.

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

Well, because I want my way.

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

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

I want my life to be normal.

Not a solution.

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

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

To the same person.

I want that.

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

Please?!!!

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

Miscarriage is just plain stupid.

Why allow pregnancy only to take it away?

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

But I like to look at the bright side.

Except when I’m mad.

Like now.

And another thing.

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

I just want normal.

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

So, that’s why I’m mad.

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

I wish that was the case.

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

Who am I anyway?

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

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

You know best.

You allowed sin and people to have choices.

Your grace completely covers our entire family.

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

A promise of God’s help.

An example of His goodness when all looks bleak.

A role model of Your healing balm.

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

Little ‘ole us.

The children all famously get along.

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

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

We are thankful every day for the other.

And I love You for that.

Nothing surprises You.

You hold our lives in Your capable hands.

Can I just get a little explanation sometime?

Words of wisdom to my heart?

Wait.

Hold on.

Oh, I see.

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

But…

YOU were a solution to healing.

You were THE solution to healing for our broken world.

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

After all, that’s what You were.

And are.

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

I love that.

Well, in that case, alright.

I can identify with You as a solution to healing.

Putting everything in that light helps my perspective.

Makes me almost grateful.

Thank you for that.

Thank you for listening.

I trust You.

Love, Amy

Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash

Voice of God

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

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

How do you listen to God?

Are your hands open, always ready to receive?

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

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

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

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

Are you listening?

He can whisper words of life through your spouse.

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

He can direct your path through confirmation of circumstances.

He can convict you through any means necessary.

God wants to share His thoughts and plans with you.

He wants to be your Shepherd.

But you must seek Him.

Seek Him through devotions and prayer.

Declare yourself His.

And then listen.

Listen for His voice.

Feel His peace through your obedience to Him.

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

I’ve never heard God’s audible voice.

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

And yesterday was one.

Listen always for the voice of God.

He will not disappoint.

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

Relax

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

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

Uncertainty filling you up?

Brain overwhelmed with what ifs?

Good.

What?

Yes. It’s good.

Why is it good that I am filled with angst?

Because you are human.

Not capable of knowing the future.

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

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

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

Secure in His love and saving grace.

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

Know who’s not?

God.

God is infinite in time and space.

He’s the beginning and the end.

Creator of all things.

Including you.

He knows the beginning from the end.

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

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

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

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

Since He knows, why should you?

Why should you worry?

Smile because you’re human.

Then keep smiling because you’re His.

He’s got this.

And all the rest besides.

Photos by Ben White & chuttersnap on Unsplash

Never Ever Leaves

Published on June 9, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God has promised to never leave us.

Never.

Flip that.

God has promised to always stay right by our side.

With us.

Right there.

Literally.

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to be strong and of good courage…to fear not, nor be afraid.

Why?

Because the LORD goes with us…never failing us, never leaving us alone.

So why on earth do we ever allow fear to follow us?

Seriously, why?

We must stop this habit of turning to fear.

Since God is always with us, we have nothing to fear.

Nothing.

Not war.

Not screaming children.

Not sticky family situations.

Not even changing jobs.

We can jump into what God has for us, because He is with us.

Nervous to make a change?

Wondering if you can handle today?

Well you can do it.

Certainly not on your own.

But with every little thing, remember that God is with you.

He’s with you doing the dishes.

He’s with you driving your child to work, during awkward conversations, and while you mow the lawn.

He’s with you at the doctors and He’s with you at the drive-thru.

He’s with you as you wake in the night and He’s with you on the porch when you sip your morning coffee.

What difference would it make in your life if you began to remember He is always at your side?

Present in every moment?

Be strong and courageous.

God, who created ALL things, is with you every moment of every day.

And He will never leave you alone.

Ever.

How sweet it is to trust in Him.

Will you trust Him afresh today?

Photos by Kyle Cottrell , Callie Morgan , & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Exhaustion

Published on May 26, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. Jeremiah 31:25

Wrote this post a few years back, but never posted it. As an exhausted teacher, beginning her summer break, it fits perfectly once again 🙂

Today I’m so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Nothing special, just lots going on.

Driving a child to basketball camp 45 minutes away.

Both ways.

Helping the seven year old get ready for the day.

Dropping off paperwork at the school, purchasing donuts for older daughter’s volleyball game since today is her birthday.

Picking up daughter from summer pe class and taking the entire tribe out to lunch.

Quickly changing clothes to jump into the pool.

Running back home to pick everyone up for daughter’s volleyball game.

Actually 2 games.

Back home, throwing pizza into the oven since the kids declare they must eat dinner, while making boiled frosting for the giant rainbow cake you made and did not have enough frosting for.

Then frosting the extra chocolate cake since that is the flavor your daughter actually requested.

Hosting a birthday party.

Entertaining the seven year old and her cousin for the night.

Oh – and they are sleeping in my room.

So, we need to make a pile of comfort on the floor.

Just need a good night’s sleep.

Or a vacation.

Smile.

Life is busy – but full of life.

When people need you, yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s rewarding.

Making memories.

That’s what this day was all about.

Each day is full of possibilities.

Laughter.

Love.

Don’t create so much busyness that you forget to see the life you’ve created.

You’re tired because you are pouring your life into someone else’s.

You’re tired because your focus is on someone else’s needs.

That is awesome.

Someday it will all be a precious memory.

But for now, go sneak some rest, because the circus will begin again tomorrow.

And you’ll get to do it all over again.

Photos by Chris Lawton , rawpixel , Annie Spratt , Lauren Kay , Jonathan Fink , & Joe Pizzio on Unsplash

Fly Away

Published on May 19, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20

Children leave the nest.

At least they’re supposed to.

When?

Around the start of college.

Doesn’t matter if they’re ready.

Because ready or not, there they go.

They crave independence.

You crave silence.

But that doesn’t make it any easier to let them go.

I always knew they’d grow up and find their own way.

But I guess I thought I’d be ready.

Happy.

Joyful to release them.

News flash.

I’m not.

I want to protect them.

I want to make sure their heart is God’s alone.

Make sure they eat their fruit and veggies, consuming adequate vitamins.

Make sure they don’t step into evil, no matter the pleasure.

I want them to watch only the nice movies, pick only the godliest friends, and fall in love with only the one You have for them.

Sigh.

Makes me think of God.

He is our Father, yet we, as His children, leave Him, too.

Like we release our kids when they’re grown, He, too releases us, giving us full control.

He choose to give us life, which is full of choices we can make.

He watches us and lets us go.

His heart hurts when we, His children, make poor choices.

He would rather decide everything for us, too.

Just like me for the children.

But He doesn’t.

He allows us to fly and fail.

But He’s always waiting to take us back.

While the children keep leaving, not fully ready according to my book, all I can do is follow my example.

Follow God’s example to us.

He created us, yet He lets us live our own lives, make our own choices, lie in our own beds we create.

Is He sometimes happy with us?

Yes.

Does He also want us to make the right choice every time?

Of course.

But we don’t always.

We mess up.

Standing in the gap, His love is always constant.

Unconditional.

We don’t need to prove ourselves for Him to love us.

He’s always ready with open arms when we decide to return.

As we sit back and watch our children make choice after choice, just remember to keep loving them.

Love them and take them back when they return for a visit.

Your love will be a safety net in this world.

Your love will be an example of God Himself to them.

And that, folks, is where it’s at.

Photos by juan pablo rodriguez ,Vladimir Tsokalo ,Jeremy Bishop & Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash

In the Light

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

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

Live in light of the best moments.

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

Live as the daughter of the King of Kings.

A valuable favored princess.

His princess.

Live as the son of the Lord of Lords.

A honored warrior prince.

His prince.

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

As if all is well.

Because it is.

Even if you cannot see, God is at work.

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

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

Because it is.

God is still on the throne.

He loves you and has your best interests in mind.

Remember Whose power remains in you.

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

You!

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

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

And live like you’re still mountain high.

Because you are.

Why?

Because of Whose you are.

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

Willing

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

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

Miracles regularly plop into my lap.

Small ones or big ones.

It’s true.

Am I looking for them?

Yes.

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

Yes.

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

Yes.

God can do anything.

Anything.

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

But He likes to use us.

He wants to show Himself through our willing hearts.

Is God working through your lips?

Is He using your hands?

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

If so, you’ll witness miracles too.

Life is a miracle.

I admit, I fail regularly.

But I’m learning.

Learning to listen to God.

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

Tune your ears to listen.

And then do what our Savior requires of you.

Become His witness.

Let Him use your hands and feet to bless others.

And you’ll witness countless miracles, too.

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

Obedience

Published on April 21, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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. Deuteronomy 5:33

What happens when God closes a door or when He allows it to close?

When it’s slammed in front of you?

He opens a window.

But where’s the window?

Which one do we look through?

Which window will give us the breath of fresh air we so desperately need?

Which window shows us the way God wants us to go?

When we are faithful to trust that God will lead the way, He will open the right window at just the right time.

At just the right time.

However,

Only He knows when.

He made every window.

He even made every door.

Doors are slammed because of our free will.

Or the free will of others.

But He still made them.

Every door.

He is present in every situation.

Ready to guide you to safety.

Holding you in His tender mercy.

His tender love.

When we trust Him from the depths of our toes all the way up to our head,

And when we ask Him to use us for His glory and purpose,

And when we stand in obedience to our God knowing He WILL open a window,

He will generously bestow blessings more abundantly then you could possibly imagine.

And at just the right time, your window will easily open.

Effortlessly.

All because of Him.

Trust His plan.

Because He loves you.

Photos by Annie Spratt , Eduard Militaru , Kiwihug & Weronika Marcińczyk on Unsplash

Abide With Me

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

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

Lord, the evening is here.

Literally and figuratively.

I am surrounded by dark thoughts.

Lies are sweeping into my head.

No one knows, but You, Lord.

You know my anxious thoughts.

Stay with me.

Right here.

Endure with me without yielding.

Because I can’t without You.

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

Lord, You never change.

You are always the same.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Forever.

I can count on You every moment of every day.

There is nothing in this world that compares to You.

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

Your patient care fills my every need.

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

I need you every moment.

You made me strong, but Your strength is stronger.

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

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

Your constant guidance carries me throughout each day.

In days of happiness and sadness, You never change.

You are always here.

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

Who should I fear with You at my side?

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

What can man possibly do to me?

The cares of this world are nothing compared to You.

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

I win only with You by my side.

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

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

Remind me of what is really important.

You died for me.

You care deeply for me.

Your ways are higher than mine.

You have my best interest first and foremost.

I am in Your thoughts.

Your presence lifts the pressing darkness away.

You scatter it into a million pieces.

Your light and presence fill the room with peace.

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

Hymn by Henry F. Lyte, 1847

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

Be the Light

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

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

Be the Light.

How?

How are we to be the Light of the world?

By reflecting Jesus.

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

By telling people the good news.

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

For Him.

When we enter a room filled with His peace,

That room is never the same.

Not because of us,

But because of Him.

Jesus.

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

That soul is never the same.

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

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

When we are God’s light to others,

The world is not the same.

Every interaction, becomes Jesus to them.

Every thought becomes a prayer immediately shared before the Lord.

Every time.

Try.

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

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

With God’s help, leave it even better.

Unsplash photos by Kari Shea & Matheus Kohler

Posters

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

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

Satan loves to tell us lies.

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

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

You are so ridiculous.

You are not loved.

Nobody cares.

You are such a disappointment.

Why does Satan love to feed us lies?

So we feel defeated.

Walking around ineffective.

Useless to the cause of Christ.

The posters he shows us are lies.

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

Because he’s scared.

He knows WHOSE we are.

He knows we KNOW the truth.

But will we act on it?

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

Or will we succumb to his lies?

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

The ultimate choice is yours.

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

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

Declaring to all instead, “It is well!”

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

Belonging

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

But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Do you know your value?

Do you know Whose you are?

First of all, you were made in the image of God.

The image of God.

God’s image is stamped all over who you are.

What you are minus sin.

God designed you.

And He doesn’t make mistakes.

Wait, there’s more.

When you become a child of God,

When you put your trust in Him,

You become His.

You become His once again.

You are now a daughter or son of the Most High.

A child of God.

Royalty.

Know how moms and dads care deeply for their children?

That’s how God cares for you.

God, who knows all things, thinks of you often.

The One who created ALL things thinks of you, because He wants to.

Because you are His.

Hang on, it gets even better.

Not only are you royalty, but God’s power lives in you.

When you are His child, because you trust in Him,

You are not only a son or daughter of the King,

But you have His strength and power pulsing through your veins.

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

You were made in the image of God.

You are royalty.

You have God’s strength and power covering you from head to toe.

You are valuable.

So much so, that Jesus gave up his earthly life for you.

So, remember Whose you are.

God’s.

Photos by Kawin Harasai, Elena Ferrer, Ashton Mullins, & Enis Yavuz on Unsplash

It’s OK to be Sad

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

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

Really?

Yep, it’s ok.

Sadness is an emotion.

Just like happiness or anger or irritation.

Jesus was sad.

He was grieved for his people.

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

Not at all.

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

Sadness, deep sorrow is a real emotion.

God made us and created all of our emotions.

They are for a purpose.

A reason.

When your life crumbles, you need to grieve.

Your heart needs to heal, and that takes time.

How much time depends upon you and your needs.

Major life upheavals require a season of grief.

A winter of sorts where you rest.

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

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

You might have an expected bill.

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

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

These are moments.

They pass almost as quickly as they come.

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

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

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

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

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

You must grieve.

It’s an honest emotion.

It’s healthy.

But only for a season.

Don’t allow your mind to become stuck.

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

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

Your identity will be wrapped up in grief.

Allow yourself a season of rest.

Of sadness.

Grieve.

Please.

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

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

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

Just ask Him to help.

And I promise He will.

Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

Survival

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

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

How does one survive without God?

Literally, how does one survive this life?

I have no idea how.

Life can be pretty awful sometimes.

Downright nasty.

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

I’m guessing not very well.

Surviving this life without God, that is.

When life punches you to the ground,

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

All you have to do is reach out your hand.

Reach out your trembling hand to God.

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

He lifts the burden from your shoulders,

Shakes the dust off your back,

Wipes the tears from your eyes,

And holds your hand as you begin your walk again.

He never lets go.

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

Remember who stands with you.

You might not know where He is taking you,

You might not know His reasons,

You might not even know why He allows certain things.

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

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

And prosper.

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

Who God Is

Published on January 13, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I have.

I am.

And I always will.

~~~~~~

I have loved you.

I am loving you.

And I always will love you.

~~~~~~

I have provided for you.

I am providing for you.

And I always will provide for you.

~~~~~~

I have had your best in mind.

I am keeping your best in mind.

I always will have your best in mind.

~~~~~~

I have been faithful to you.

I am faithful to you.

I always will be faithful to you.

~~~~~~

Whatever assurances you are seeking, place it in the end of the phrase.

Do as I did.

Look at how God has, is, and always will be completely FOR you.

Remind yourself.

How very much God is yours and you are His.

Photos by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

Belief in the Garden

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

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

I have a question.

Why would Eve believe Satan over God?

Back in the garden.

At the very beginning of life.

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

He questioned Eve.

And Eve properly responded.

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

You know the tree.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

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

But all the other trees were just fine!

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

Satan declared Eve and Adam would not die.

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

He played to her ego.

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

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

Anyway, Satan asked Eve a question.

Eve answered with God’s truth.

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

God himself had spoken to Eve and Adam.

Literally spoken to them.

God regularly and literally spoke to them every day.

Seriously, wow!

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

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

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

I just wonder why.

We probably would have done the same thing.

But why?

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

Permission perhaps?

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

Why would she question God?

What had He done to betray her trust?

God had provided Eve everything she could possibly need.

And Adam, too.

But that was not enough.

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

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

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

Trust instead in the Lord to keep His promises.

It’s all up to you.

What will you decide?

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

Solved

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

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

I see you.

I saw you yesterday.

When a situation arose, I got your attention.

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

When the moment came, you did well.

You were momentarily upset, but quickly changed to anticipation.

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

I saw you relax into My capable arms.

Surrendering everything back to me.

I was so proud of you.

But then the doubts and lies crept back.

They snuck around, whispering into your ear.

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

Frankly, you didn’t hesitate.

You chose to trust the lies instead of Me.

Robbing you of your peace.

The peace I had given to you.

My peace.

After your pity party ended, how did you feel?

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

Remember, I can.

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

Completely leave them.

You must trust Me.

Then you’ll keep your peace.

I’m here.

Here to stay.

But it’s your choice.

I’m proud of you.

Just because you’re My child.

I solved your situation.

Even with you holding the burden.

I solved it and I always will.

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

Next time a situation arises, anticipate My intervention.

Watch and wait to see what I will do.

And steady your heart.

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

Because I never will.

Photos by Saksham Gangwar & Bryan Minear on Unsplash

Mary

Published on December 23, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

God asked Mary to do something for Him.

When God asked her, she responded with grace.

When God asked Mary to completely change her life and give up everything she knew, she said not my will but Your will be done.

Your will be done.

She accepted the responsibility.

She didn’t question His ways.

She declared herself the servant of the Lord.

What would you have done?

I probably would’ve grumbled.

Or questioned.

Or declared myself unworthy.

When God asks you to do things in your life, how do you respond?

Do you respond like Mary?

Do you declare His will to be your will?

Do you believe He has the best plans for you?

Are you His servant?

Or do you declare your way is better than His.

May we respond like Mary.

May we respond certain of God’s faithfulness.

Certain God’s ways are higher than our own.

And may we place our full trust in Him.

And only Him.

Photos by Josh Boot, Alex Gindin , Milada Vigerova,& Gabriel Jimenez on Unsplash

Wise Men

Published on December 16, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:9-10

Has God ever asked something of you?

And He’s been a little vague, but you know He is leading you in a certain direction?

So you decide to follow the direction He has for you, but it is certainly not fast.

In fact, it’s been a few months or a couple of years and you seem to be going nowhere new.

Are you still trusting Him?

Still believing what He has in store for you?

When God leads you to walk down a certain path, it’s sure easy at the beginning, isn’t it?

You are fresh, full of ideas, and hope spills over in your heart.

Flash forward a couple of years.

You are a bit weary, irritated, and more times then you care to admit, you listen to lies telling you how foolish you are to keep trusting God.

Sound familiar?

Look at the wise men who came from afar, bringing gifts to Jesus.

History shows these important men traveled a very long time to their destination.

Months or years, historians differ in their interpretation of the time.

But here is the point.

They kept going until their journey was complete.

They were faithful.

Are you?

When God leads you down a path, are you faithful to Him?

God’s timetable is not ours.

His plan includes your salvation.

And the salvation of others.

Even when progress seems to be at a standstill, keep walking.

Keep trusting God in the process.

God’s answers for you are waiting.

But only if you keep following Him.

Photos by Inbal Malca, Mariam Soliman & Jamie Templeton on Unsplash

Shepherds

Published on December 9, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Ever wonder why all of heaven decided to announce the greatly anticipated Savior’s birth to lowly shepherds?

Shepherds were simple.

Lower than low.

They brought the lamb to the high priest for the sacrifice.

Shepherds served others.

They were usually uneducated, considered almost nothing.

Almost worthless.

Unclean.

So why did all of heaven revel this glorious announcement to shepherds?

Why not instead, go straight to the top?

Can’t you imagine the high priests wanting to know, too?

To witness the wonder?

After all, they were looking.

Weren’t they?

Maybe they would have missed it.

The birth of the Savior.

Maybe their noses were so bent in one direction, they would have missed it had they been on that hill with the shepherds,

Or reclining at their table with themselves,

Or conducting their nightly old testament reading,

Or wherever they were when the angels appeared to the shepherds.

Maybe they would have missed it no matter what they were finding themselves doing at that very moment.

Maybe that’s one reason God decided to reveal Himself to the shepherds first.

Humble shepherds, who were ready to receive what God had planned.

I’m guessing the high priests knew what God was planning.

They knew what to look for, because they were full of knowledge.

And themselves.

But since they knew what God was planning, they missed it.

They are still waiting.

Are you?

Are you still waiting for God to move in your life?

Maybe He already has and is.

And if you blink, you might miss it.

Don’t be like the high priests who placed God into a box and refused to embrace His son.

Imitate the shepherds instead, who simply waited, trusted, and believed.

God wants all of you.

Give yourself to Him and watch Him move in ways you have only dreamed.

Are you ready to receive what God has for you?

Just like the shepherds?

Photos by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Lies

Published on December 2, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

How dare we believe the lies of who we are instead of the truth declared from God’s lips.

How dare we.

Yet we do.

We listen to the lies in our head deeming us inferior, sub par, and unlovable.

Rejected.

How is it we allow these lies to not only live in our heads, but listen and then also believe them?

And when we believe them, we act on them.

We walk around defeated.

We become the lies.

We become unlovable and reject-able because of our walls.

Why do we stoop to these lows?

Because at our core, we do not believe God.

We do not believe God’s truth about us.

We do not believe He really loves us with His whole heart.

We do not believe we were worth dying for.

Ouch.

If we do not immediately reject and bury the lie whispered in our head, it becomes cemented into our brain.

We begin to treat the lie as fact.

Listen instead to the truth.

God created you for love.

His love.

Relationship with the One True God.

He gave you life.

He chose you.

Live like that matters.

Live like He died only for you.

Live like the Creator of the universe longs to hang out with you.

When you place your trust in God, His heartbeat pulses in you.

And His heartbeat is full of truth.

Lies are dispersed.

Walls are broken.

Choose to believe.

Believe the heartbeat of God.

And dare those lies to leave.

Photos by Ben White on Unsplash

Arrogance

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

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

How arrogant are we?

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

Pointing out declared errors to the Creator of all things?

We do make a fuss, don’t we?

How arrogant are we?

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

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

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

How arrogant are we?

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

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

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

Frozen with fear, probably fear of loosing control.

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

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

Firmly planted with confidence and joy.

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

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

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

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

The Lord is My Shepherd.

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

What if that is His purpose?

What?

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

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

Can He just tell me in other ways?

But that would be arrogant.

I cannot tell my Lord what He should do.

He knows the complete best for me.

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

That, my friend, is the reward.

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

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

Rest in that peace.

Choose to remember, focusing on Him.

And your arrogance will disappear.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Earpiece

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

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

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

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

And those words made all the difference.

Discouragement left.

Hope returned.

The mission was accomplished.

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

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

Wouldn’t that be neat?

But then I realized something.

We already have access to something even greater.

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

But only if we listen.

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

Only if we ask.

But here’s the thing-

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

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

Those whispers are also available to us.

So which earpiece will you listen to?

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

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

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

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

But God’s earpiece is ready to go.

Now and each and every day.

Whenever the need arises, ask Him for strength.

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

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

Believe.

His voice is the best earpiece of all.

Fairytales

Published on October 28, 2017January 5, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Once upon a time, there lived a little girl who had a big heart and lots of love to give.

She lived with her sweet parents, younger brother, and 2 kitties.

Her world was her room, which was filled with toys, dolls, and books.

She wanted for nothing.

She had everything.

As she played with her dolls, she dreamed about her future.

Her playmate and her married multiple times in the backyard among stuffed animals as witnesses.

She prayed and asked Jesus into her heart, sang songs at church, and twinkled her toes during dance.

Her fingers began to fly over the keys as music became her companion.

She wanted to be a concert pianist, gymnast, or a fashion designer. As unsure as she was about her job, she knew she wanted to live in a high rise condo in the heart of NYC. Wearing heels to work of course.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

Life was simple. Beautifully simple.

Junior year of high school, she was swept off her feet by a shoemaker who lived in her village.

After years of dating and engagement, she was married during a huge church ceremony with all the trimmings.

She had four beautiful smart children. Life settled down into the mothering role she had always deep down wanted.

She nestled her babies in her lap.

She sang them songs, laughed at their antics, and went on lots of walks.

They collected leaves to press, carved pumpkins, made cookies, and read thousands of stories.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

A few years later, the shoemaker departed, seeking a life elsewhere.

The little girl, now a grown woman, was reduced to tears as she picked up the pieces left.

She was strong for her children and they all worked together to make their home as safe and peaceful as possible.

She knew God was still on the throne and would see them through safely to the end.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was still amazing.

After awhile, she began to feel lonely. Like part of her soul was missing.

God was there and told her not to worry, that He would take care of it.

And when she least expected it, her Prince Charming rode into town and stopped at her house.

He picked her up for dinner and they were together forevermore.

They became the best of friends and loved the other with all of their heart.

She stood amazed at God’s provision.

God knew exactly what was missing for both her and her Prince Charming.

And He amazed them both.

Looking back at her life, she recounted all of the details God had provided for her.

And as she began to think back over her life, her smile spread over her face.

Even in the darkest of times, God had been there.

He was in the tender care of her parents.

He was in the protection of her shoemaker while he was there.

He was in the sounds of her children as they played and grew into the miracles they were.

He was in the tender love of her Prince Charming.

He was there in the dark of night and light of day.

Every moment of every day.

And life was amazing.

Completely.

And they lived happily ever after.

Asleep

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

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

We are asleep.

Unaware.

Or maybe our heads are in the sand by choice.

We are consumed by things that simply do not matter.

Things that do not matter from the balcony of heaven.

Facebook.

Email.

Notifications.

Photos.

Image.

Control.

Consuming more and more.

Building ourselves up to be all that and more.

Some of our busyness is godly.

Some is not.

Do we really need to work these many hours?

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

Why do we place our phones before relationship?

Our television before communication?

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

Our children need us to be present.

Your spouse needs you to be mindful.

Why? Because the noise around us is deafening.

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

Yes, we need to relax.

Yes, we need time to unwind.

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

To speak life into others around us.

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

To continually lay our burdens at His feet.

Our children need us to be in prayer for them.

Their precarious future depends upon it.

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

They must choose God for themselves.

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

God calls us to have fun.

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

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

Our top priority is sharing His love with others.

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

Be mindful of why you are here.

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

Purpose your heart to pray for your children.

Purpose your heart to give of yourself to others.

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

DING, DING, DING….

The alarm has sounded.

It’s time to wake up, people!

Freedom

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

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

Dear Lord,

Thank you for setting me free-

Free from guilt and shame.

Free from want and greed.

Free from sin and death.

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

Completely.

Fully.

And totally.

Whenever I walk backwards-

Whenever I choose to participate with my flesh-

I willingly walk back into sin.

By my choice.

When I choose my own way over Yours,

I walk back into captivity.

The captivity of sin and all that entails.

But when I choose again to ask Your forgiveness,

Freedom is mine once again.

Freedom from sin through Your perfect and sovereign grace.

Freely free.

Your gift to me.

May I choose it each moment of every day.

Repeat Surrender

Published on September 23, 2017December 2, 2017 by amylinneaLeave a comment

We must continue to surrender.

Surrender to God afresh moment by moment if that’s what it takes.

And trust that He will, in His time, defend you, righting the wrong.

Or, in the mean time, provide you armfuls of grace.

Overflowing and abundant grace to walk the road stretched out before you.

With God at your side.

When your hands are tied,

When there is nothing you can do,

God will step in.

It’s times like those that God is able to prove Himself to be enough.

That, my friend, is all that you need and more.

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Blessed By Trusting God

Published on September 16, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

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

Not My Monkey

Published on September 9, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Not my monkey,

Not my circus.

Love that.

Means- it’s not my problem, said in an extremely funny way.

Whatever it is that threatens to pull me down….

Whatever it is that seeks to destroy my peace…

Whatever it is that begs to steal my joy…

It’s not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s not my issue, so I will not care.

I will choose to focus on God while I throw yet another issue at His feet.

The problems I think exist are not mine.

They are God’s.

My irritations I think plague me are not mine.

They are God’s.

They are God’s when I choose to fling them back to Him.

When I decide they are not my monkey, not my circus.

When I first discovered this phrase (thanks, mom!), I applied it only to things beyond my control.

Things that literally should not involve me, but genuinely bothered me.

After awhile, I began to realize this phrase covers really everything.

Everything that takes my peace.

Why?

Because God is in control.

I am not.

When we choose to rely on God and submit daily to Him, we rest in the knowledge that He alone holds our future in His hands.

And when He holds us and our future, we can stay in peace.

And peace evaporates when either a monkey or a circus intrude, wrecking havoc.

So, I began to repeat that phrase whenever I became irritated.

Irritated at whatever life threw me.

Because I trust God fully, He is in control.

And when He is in control, I am in peace.

This life is not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s God’s.

My Shepherd

Published on July 22, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd.

My leader.

My protector.

My defender.

My guide.

The Lord, who created me and all living things, helps me along life’s path.

I can rest, knowing He is guiding me if I put my trust into His capable hands.

I shall not want.

When I trust my Shepherd, all of my needs are provided.

All physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are kept within His strength.

I lack nothing. Absolutely nothing.

It’s when I begin to focus on myself or the world that I suddenly become unhappy.

Thoughts pop into my head that breed discontent.

But when I focus on my Savior, I shall not want.

The perfect Provider has anticipated my every need.

And it’s set before me, sooner then my very need arises.

It’s hard to shove the thoughts from your head which bring mistrust.

Lay everything at His feet.

And trust He’ll help you with anything and everything.

Victory is His and He will not fail you.

Because our Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want for anything.

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