Tag: God is in control

Only Human

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite.

Fraud.

Someone who writes well and doesn’t listen to what she writes.

Well, I’m only human.

Not perfect.  Not even close.

Life is real.

Emotions are real.

Expectations are real.

We are forced every moment to make a decision.

Are we going to choose life or choose death?

Are we going to worry and obsess or are we going to throw things back to God.

I sometimes choose to worry and obsess.

I know, time to get real.

It’s so natural though, isn’t it?

When I find myself falling back into worry, when my mind walks down that path, my head hurts and my emotions are in the toilet.

I am convinced life is over – not really, but you get the idea.

Then my mind returns to the things I have written.

God’s plan for my life.

Does He have my back or doesn’t He?

Do I truly believe He has my best interest at heart, or do I not?

It matters.

A whole lot, it does.

It’s the difference between light and darkness.

Life and death.

When you choose to truly believe God has it under control, your body chooses life.

Peace enters your precious mind and your body is at rest.

 When you decide to obsess and keep control, your body chooses death.

Your body tenses, hopelessness takes over, and you are full of angst.

We’re only human.

I’m only human, and while my mind knows the truth, I sometimes walk down the path of death.

I pay for it with my lack of peace.

But here’s the good news:  once I purpose to throw things back to God and let Him take care of it, His peace always returns.

Every time.

It’s ok to make mistakes.

Yep, it is.

Just own them and turn back.

Completely.

Run back into the arms of God.

Because He’s smiling at you, waiting to keep you safe and sound under His feathers.

Photos by Artem Kovalev, boram Kim, Jorge Franco, & S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Seeing God

Published on by amylinnea11 Comments

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me cup again. Psalm 71:20

Ever see God work?

Witness His marvelous plan unfold?

Take a breath and look around.

He’s working in your children’s hearts.

He’s organizing your thoughts.

He’s ordering your steps.

He’s revealing nuggets of wisdom just when you need them.

He’s providing a way through life.

He’s solving your mini issues which can overwhelm any person.

Your precious life is in His hands and He’s actively showing you the way.

You knew He would.

Come through.

Deep down, you knew.

Yet you still allow stress to step into your mind, completely distracting you.

Did you catch that?

We allow stress to literally step inside our mind and take over.

Completely distracting.

Hmmmmm…….

Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite authors.

Been reading his devotional for years.

His words are steeped with truth:

Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything.  Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret. and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.

I want my family to be stamped with the presence of God.

Imagine if we all submitted to God and asked Him to work through us each and every day.

How blessed we and our families would be.

Not to mention everyone else God places in your path.

I’m in.

Are you?

Photos by Johannes Plenio, Ameen Fahmy, Riccardo Annandale, & Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

It Starts With You

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Everything.

How will you respond to what life throws at you?

When stress stares you in the face, how will you behave?

Panicky?

Unable to breathe?

Grumpy pants?

If that’s your response, your body will respond in fear.

You will lash out in anger.

At the very least, your mood will be in the toilet.

You will think everything is impossible.

Peace.

Calm within the storm.

You can choose to dwell on the promises of God or not.

If you do, God will be with you in the midst of the smallest infraction.

Or the giant storms, too.

And when He’s with you, He gives you unbelievable peace.

Life might be in a whirlwind, but you can stand without falling in the center, because God is there with you.

At the end of this week, my beloved and I are marrying.

So incredible.

God has blessed us with each other.

Along with these amazing weeks comes work.

Lots of work.

Packing and moving.

Combining and organizing our new home.

Wedding details.

Children and their sweet needs.

Start of school.

Putting together my classroom.

Normal family stuff like meals.

(how bout cereal for dinner?)

Brain space becomes extremely limited with the to do list.

Small tasks look enormous.

But God is in control.

He is fully able to cross every t and dot every i for me.

For us.

I just have to ask.

So do you.

Let Him take your worries, big or small.

He’ll take care of them as He walks beside you.

And focus on your blessings.

The incredible moments God brings to you as He fills your heart’s desire.

And joy will be your companion as you walk down the path of life God has for you.

Photos by Jakob Owens, Katie Moum, DESIGNECOLOGIST, & Greg Shield on Unsplash

Contentment

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Waiting on God.

Trusting the process.

Surrendering – and finding peace along the way.

That’s contentment.

Are you content?

Peaceful?

Or are you filled with anxious thoughts?

What if nothing ever changed in your life ever again.

What then.

Would you be miserable all the rest of your born days?

Maybe.  Some people are like that.

They hate their life and refuse to do anything about it.

Or they hate their lot in life and unless they wake up in a new body and lifestyle with everything going their way, they will never be content.

So what if God told you this was as good as it was going to get?

Would you be utterly disappointed?

I have to admit I would be.

I have things I’d really love to do.

Living on the beach is at the top of my list!

Don’t laugh, it is, but that in itself would not cause me my greatest disappointment.

But that will be solved in a matter of days when I marry my beloved. !

Psalm 37 reminds us if we trust in God, He will give us the desires of our heart.

When you align yourself with God’s heart, the desires He places in you are His.

But it doesn’t say He gives us the desires of our hearts whenever we demand them.

God will deem the perfect time to reveal His plan for you.

In the mean time, are you content in waiting?

Happy to let God be God?

Or are you griping at every passing unfulfilled moment.

Maybe, just maybe, God is refining you in the process.

Maybe He is teaching you to trust.

Maybe He is testing you.

Pass the test with flying colors.

Then, when you least expect it, God will be there in the midst of your contentment, handing you His plan on a silver platter.

And the timing will be perfect.

Photos by Mark König, José Pinto, & Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

Don’t You Dare Stumble!

Published on by amylinnea5 Comments

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

Ever feel like you are trying too hard?

Like you are holding everyone and everything up by yourself?

It’s precarious.

One small bump and everything can come crashing down.

Falling into pieces.

One word.

Don’t.

Let God carry everything.

He holds the entire world in His hands.

He can hold your world too.

You can’t control circumstances.

Reactions are others to give.

Yes, you can do your best.

And you should.

But leave the results up to God.

Stand in His peace, knowing He has your back.

He’s got it.

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

He’s in your words.

Actions.

And prayers.

I know, I’ve said this before.

Many times.

But we all need reminders, don’t we?

And here it is:

God’s got this.

He’s in charge, you are not.

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

And just simply be.

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

Redemption

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. Psalm 62:6

Always knew God would redeem us.

He promised He would.

And He always keeps His word.

But standing back and watching His plan unfold is different.

It’s breathtaking.

Leaves me speechless.

And I am part of His plan.

So is my beloved.

How incredible it is to know God is using us for His plan.

Literally the hands and feet of Jesus.

I’m struck with just how much God cares about us.

How can we know we are in His thoughts?

Details. Notice them. Pay attention.

The people He brings into your life.  Even the ones with you for a moment.

The EMS man, who rushes into your house, actually knows your family well.

Precious friends who pray for you and can’t wait to see your new diamond.

Circumstances He redeems or turns around and uses for good.

The job that was taken from you because God had a far superior plan in mind.

The cozy life that was stripped away causing you to depend only on God.

Does He lead you down wild paths that lead to nothing?

Nope.  There’s a reason behind His plan.

And awful circumstances?  He turns the ashes into new life.

Sitting here on the other side, I can simply attest to God’s goodness.

He turns sadness into joy.

How?  You must turn everything over to Him.

Trust that He will redeem you in His perfect timing.

I know He will.

It’s not easy, but there’s just nothing else you can do.

No possible way you can shoulder things on your own.

Let God take over and show you His redemption.

Then sit back and become part of the story.

Part of His plan.

Your ashes will turn into a beautiful story.

Like mine.

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Photos by Skull Kat, Nagesh Badu, & Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

Unseen Footprints

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Your way way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters; Yet your footprints were unseen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Psalm 77:19-20

God guides us by His hand using His plan.

His plan isn’t always what we think He should do, yet He is with us every step of the way.

He guides us and is not seen – but His miracles are.

He works through us to redeem ugly situations.

He guides us through the most unlikely places and leads us safely to the other side.

Imagine the Red Sea and the Israelites standing there, trapped.

Impossible situation in the world’s eyes.

But God is all about doing the impossible.

Step into their shoes and imagine the panic – the fear that would have gripped them,

doubting that God really knew what He was doing when He brought them out of Egypt.

Then, at the last minute, God delivered a miracle we still talk about today.

Life is like that.

Our situation may seem completely impossible – no options, doors all tightly closed.

But God comes through in a mighty way.

We simply must trust He is here with us, going before us.

That’s what trust is – believing in the unseen.  The unknown.

God’s fingerprints are on your life.  His footprints are next to you.

And He has your back as you trust in His unfailing love for you.

Look for Him today.  He’s here.

Photos by Michelle Francisca Lee, Bruno Nascimento, & Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash

Waiting

Published on by amylinnea6 Comments

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, ensures forever. Psalm 138:8

Ugh. I really don’t like even the word.

Who does?

Wait.

Our children detest the word.

When they ask us something and we say ‘wait’, their faces usually fall, because they just know.

Society buys cars with loans, we buy things on credit, and we don’t bat an eyelash.

Why?  Because we want things now.

We simply cannot wait to save up the money.

Really?

 It’s similar when we need to wait for life.

Pregnancy comes to mind – 9 LONG months of waiting.

Anticipation.

Or when you’re waiting for a planned vacation.

Or, sigh, your wedding day.

 It’s one thing to wait when you have an end in sight – a date in the future when things will change.

Your baby’s due date.

Your vacation date.

Your wedding date.

It’s an entirely different matter when waiting involves the unknown.

You want a baby, but you’re still waiting on God.

You want to marry, but God has not brought the right person, or He has and you’re waiting for God’s perfect timing.

You want a new job, but it hasn’t found you yet.

You want life to change…you want to accomplish His will for your life, but you are still waiting.

The wait can seem simply unbearable.

You are waiting….for what?  When?

Life can almost come to a standstill.

 Don’t let it.

Go back to trust.

Rest in the truth of His Word.

Keep surrendering your dreams to Him and allow Him to reveal them in His timing.

His perfect timing.

Force yourself to remember God has a plan.

Not just any plan,but one just perfect for you and you alone.

 Meanwhile, we must wait.

Ugh, I know, still not crazy about that word at all.

But think about this: God loves you and you are on His mind.

Wait with a smile on your face knowing He has great things planned for you.

Lean back into His arms and smile.

Before long, the wait will be a distant memory.

My family recently waited hours (yes, I did say hours) for my Mother’s Day lunch.

Won’t pick that restaurant again.  But you know what?

We now all laugh and roll our eyeballs at the ridiculous situation!

It’s funny NOW – because we’re no longer waiting.

It’s over.

That’s how it will be with what you’re waiting for.

Soon, your wait will be a distant memory.

And all of the worry in the world won’t have made a bit of difference.

Take your peace and wait.

And remember – each day you wait, you are one day closer to your precious answer.

Photos by Zwaddi, Stefano Intintoli, Todd Quackenbush, Liane Metzler, Derek Thomson, & Unsplash Photo by Kristaps Ungurs on Unsplash

Mothering

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

In the quiet of my heart, God gently reminds me of how His fingerprints are all over my life.

I look around and see Him.

From when I was a little girl dreaming of my future, I wanted the life I have now.

I wanted to have a pile of kids, a home….create a haven for my family in this crazy world.

Show them how God’s love covers them from head to toe.

Guide them down the path of life and kiss them with grace when they fall.

Read stories snuggled on the couch and bake loads of yummy cookies.

I wanted to make them cozy quilts, dance with them to loud music, and laugh till we cry.

I am so thankful God has given me the very desires of my heart as a mother.

Is life easy? No way.

Has God always been there?

Every step of the way.

Every single step.

I know I’m far from perfect.

We moms are the first to admit we don’t have it all figured out.

But our hearts are here.  We wear them on our sleeve.

We love, we nurture, we try our best to make our homes the safest place in the world.

And when we look back at being a mother, we don’t remember how we failed to wash every dish or wipe every tear.

We grin instead at all the memories.

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Instead of measuring your mom success against the impossible worldly standards…instead of looking at others and comparing your faults to their successes, sit down in the quiet of your soul.

Know your very best is enough.

God chose you to mother your children. You.

And He doesn’t make mistakes, remember?

God’s precious details.

Your children.

Your home.

Your beloved.

When you choose to find them, when you open your eyes and really look around, you will see God’s blessings shouting forth.

Notice them.

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God notices you.

He sees your struggles, your tears in the corner of your eye, your uncertainty as a mom.

That’s right where He wants you.

Depending on Him.

Just as your children depend upon you for their very existence, depend on God for wisdom and strength.

His supply is never ending and He is here to take care of you.

He holds mothers up with His strong hands.

Let Him help you.

Give Him the million rocks you carry and rest knowing He’s got you.

And don’t forget to smile.

Because you are beautiful.  Absolutely stunning.

Photos by Ryan ‘O’ Niel, Hush Naidoo Jade Photography, Annie Spratt on Unsplash, and me.

Yes, God, I’m Listening

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalm 107:9

You’re still holding the reins.  Your life. You still want control.

I do?

Yes.

How do you know?  

Easy.  Every time you don’t see your life headed in the direction you want, you worry.  

When an issue pops up on the horizon, you turn to worry instead of trust.

No – what… I do?  

Yes.

Your car needs new tires and new brakes.  Instead of calmly carving out a bit of time to buy some, you let that issue build into a problem larger than it ever needed to be.  

And I solved your problem, didn’t I?  

I sent you help.  

I worked out the details.  

Your job.  I’m moving you to exactly where I want you.  

Flinging wide the doors and slamming the other one shut.  

Your life is changing into the life I have in mind for you.  

Relax.  I know the beginning from the end.  

And I am with you every step of the way.

Your kids, your future…everything.  I’ve got it all covered.

When your mind begins to focus on the unknown, stop.  

Look back.  

Haven’t I solved things for you so far?  

I haven’t brought you this far to leave you high and dry on the side of the lonely road.  

You are loved and taken care of.  

I created you for My glory and to be a blessing to others.  

You can’t possibly reflect My love to others if you are dressed in fear.  

Fling off that ugly wardrobe and walk with Me.  

Trust Me.  

I will light your steps and help your face shine with wonder.  

Many good things are in store.  

So, you didn’t need to worry your little head at all.  

Drop the reins.  Let me pick them up for you.  

We’re in this together.

Photos by Robert Zunikoff, Taylor Schwartz-Olson, & Piotr Musioł on Unsplash

Already On Its Way

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. Psalm 103:17-18

Since God has our back and He knows our every thought…

our every need…

our every heart’s desire…

Did you ever think about the fact that His help is already on its way?

Before we even think of our need.

Before we bow our knees in prayer.

His answer is on its way.

Coming at His perfect timing.

Not our timing.

But His.

Unexpectedly wonderful things.

Redeeming us.

Bringing us blessings in all the right places.

He sets things in motion before our first prayer is uttered.

He knows the beginning from the end.

If your heart truly rests with the heart of God, you can be assured help is on the way.

It’s been coming ever since God thought of it.

Which was a long time ago.

He knows all things.

He knows what is best.

And He loves you like crazy.

As you pray and trust God’s provision, be looking for that help to come.

And smile.

Because its already on the way.

Photos by Ümit Bulut, Jonathan Borba, & 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Security

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Don’t you just love snuggling up with a cozy soft blanket?

Especially when you are feeling ill or a bit glum, wrapping up in a blanket seems so comforting.

It’s almost like we are wrapped up in safety and peace.

An escape.

God wants to wrap you in His arms of love.

Secure under His wings.

Psalm 91:4 also declares He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.

Isn’t that comforting?

You are free to snuggle in under God’s protection.

Cozy and safe.

He wants you there, safe and sound.

You might be surrounded by disaster and drama, but when you abide in Him, your heart will stay at peace.

Why?

Because He has your back.

Your soul finds refuge in Him.

Your focus on the drama is clouded by His presence.

Look to God for your security.

Talk about feeling safe.

He holds you in the palm of His hand.

There’s no place I’d rather be.

Smile. He’s got you.

Photos by Ray Hennessy & Chris Linnett on Unsplash

Whispers of Doubt

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He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:19

You’re so not worth it.  You’ll never get it right.  

Life will always be one chaotic mess, so why try?  

He doesn’t really love you.  

You’re ugly.  

You’re boss is simply waiting for a chance to fire you.  

You’re parents don’t care.  

In fact, no one cares.  You’re nothing.

Pure lies.

Lies from the pit of hell.

Whispers in your ear.  We’ve all heard them.

Lies whispered into our very heart and soul.

Yet we believe them.

Looking at them in print, they are rather shocking, aren’t they?

Are they more believable as thoughts?

Maybe.

They shouldn’t be.

Lies are lies in whatever form they take.

You shouldn’t believe every thought that marches into your head.

Match up the whispers with the truth.

Are you worth it?

God says you are.

You are so worth it, He died just for you.

Will your life eventually calm down?

Not until your kids grow up and move away.  (Smile)

Is God faithful?  Does He promise to carry you through life, giving you the desires of your heart?

Absolutely! – if you trust Him.  And He is so very good to us.

When you start believing the whispers of doubt, your trust waivers.

Stop.

Whispers of doubt are common.

Too common and before you know it, you are doubting the very path God has placed you.

Before you let the whispers carry you into the pit of despair, marry them with the truth.

Find your list of blessings God has faithfully provided.

Choose to focus on those.

Purpose your mind to acknowledge God and refuse those whispers of lies.

Set your mind to remember God’s truth that you know deep in your heart and those whispers of doubt will dance away as quickly as they came.

Poof.

 Photos by Bruno Kelzer, Paola Chaaya, Nadine Shaabana, Christopher Beloch, & Sagar Patil on Unsplash

Front Row

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6

Let God do what He is going to do.

Simply be. Relax.

You don’t need to plan how.

Leave that all up to Him.

Allow God to use you as He sees fit.

Feeling anxious?  Ask God to work through you.

Become a vessel through which He can accomplish His great purpose through you.

How?

By giving Him your heart.

And the rest of you as well.

Ask Him to use your hands and feet for His purposes.

You just have to be willing.

Put yourself out there and see what He will do.

How will He use your words of blessings to a friend’s heart?

How will He use your hands to scoop up a frightened child?

How will He lift your child’s pain through your hugs?

Can He use you?

You bet.  You’re important.

A valuable piece of the puzzle.

Can He accomplish His ways without you?

Sure, because He can do anything.

But why would you want to miss out on His blessings?

Why not have a front row seat to His miracles?

Doubt, that’s why.

How can God possibly use me?

I have nothing to give. I’m just a mom.

I’m just an ordinary person. Nothing special.

Stop entertaining lies of your worth.

God created you and He never makes mistakes.

He created you with unique gifts that will bless others, touching their hearts.

When we surrender ourselves to God and allow Him to use us, His blessing flows out into the hearts and souls who desperately need a touch from God.

You can be that touch.

You can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Why not pull up a chair right to the front row.

It will literally be the best show ever.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Bonnie Kittle, & Aleksandr Eremin on Unsplash

Disappointment

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. Psalm 62:5

Why is it that little things can send us crashing to the floor in utter despair?

If we are so dependent on God, little issues shouldn’t even phase us.

Frankly, we shouldn’t notice them.

But we do.

Life is absolutely full of disappointments and we must take each one with a grain of salt.

 Expectations are a double edged sword.

On the one hand, we are full of happy anticipation.  Yet at the same time, we can crumble in an absolute instant when what we thought would happen never even materializes.

How can we be happy one minute and sad the next?

How is it that our emotions are that ridiculously unstable?

Relying on human strength.  Forgetting that God is in control and the author of all things.

How can we possibly forget that?

It’s unfortunately too easy.

Following Jesus, surrendering to His perfect will is a constant process.

Dying to ourselves is constant.  Never ending.

Here’s the good news: if we remember God is in control and He has our back, then we can take disappointments in stride.

What does it matter if things don’t go our way?

What is our way? Is it God’s way?

God is not at all surprised by life. He’s seen it all and knows the beginning from the end.

Relax and take each disappointment in stride.  Recognize life will be full of times that don’t go our way.

Pray about your day before your feet hit the floor.

Remember how much God loves you and wants to help your every move.

Next time you begin to swallow disappointment….the next time your eyes are tempted to well up with tears, beg God to intervene and replace your fear with hope.

That’s what disappointment really is at the core – fear.  We fear (fill in the blank) will never improve or will always rear it’s ugly head.

Notice the words never and always.  Kinda inflammatory, isn’t it?

But that’s how we think.

Look at things from the prism of everlasting life.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter?

No, it won’t.

All disappointment is significant to us.

But truly, in the grander scheme of life, does it matter?

The next time you are faced with a moment of disappointment, turn it into a smile of expectation.

God is saying no to something so He can say yes later.

And if He has our back, if He wants the very best for us, and if He has a plan, then why not dare to smile.

Later is ok.  Later is best.

According to God, it is.

Photos by Trym Nilsen, Kelly-Ann Tan, Anastasiya Romanova, & Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash