Tag Archives: Trust

Usually~Five Minute Friday

4 Replies

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Recently, I visited my mom in Michigan. One evening as I sat at the kitchen table looking out the window, I had to do a double take. And even after that second glance my mind tried to convince me I wasn’t seeing what I thought I was. Featherless, blueish head. Round body with skinny legs and a full tail with the ability to fan out. You don’t usually expect to see a wild turkey in the middle of town but the evidence was there. It took me a bit to grasp what was within sight, but sure enough, a turkey family was meandering through the neighborhood headed our way.

As I think back on this, it reminds me of the disciples traveling in a boat across a stormy lake. 

“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that the disciples get back into the boat
 and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, the were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’”
Matthew 14:22, 24-27 (NLT)

So, like me, the disciples could see something in the distance that caused them to do a double take and their minds tried to convince them they weren’t seeing what they thought they were. Because let’s face it, we don’t usually expect to see a Man walking on top of the water! And in a storm yet! The evidence was there, however they couldn’t wrap their minds around what was within their sight. Then Peter recognized Who was walking their way. Let’s hop back in the boat for a moment….

“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. Why did you doubt me?’ When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him.
‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.”
Matthew 14:28-32 (NLT)

Listen to how The Message described what happened to Peter:

“Immediately Jesus reached for Peter and caught him.
‘O you of little faith. Why did you doubt and dance back and forth
between following Me and heeding fear:’”
Matthew 14:31(The Message)

Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I’ve done that dance many times. I’m pretty much an expert at it….and that’s not a good thing. Jesus is with us in our storms too. The problem can be though, we’re just too busy trying to figure out what to do on our own that we usually don’t see Him standing right there waiting for us to look to Him. And sure enough, when we recognize that He is Who He is, the waters don’t seem as rough as they had been.

No, we don’t usually expect to see turkeys in the middle of a college town and it was obvious those turkeys didn’t expect someone to be watching them; because once they spotted me standing in my mom’s kitchen window they scurried off in every direction looking for escape. I’m afraid that I have some of that turkey behavior in me, too. AND, I can also relate to the disciples in the boat. Maybe you can too. What’s the common denominator? Fear. I want to be more like the Peter who was willing to step out of the boat with his eyes set on Jesus, but far too often I’m more like sinking Peter. Remember the question Jesus asked in the Message translation? Why doubt and dance back and forth between Me and fear? I don’t know about you, but I do get so tired of doing that “Turkey Trot.”

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather,
 we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18

There are many times when we just can’t wrap our minds around what we see in this world. But what I’m learning is that, as we “fix our gaze” on the unseen One who is with us through every stormy (and sunny) day and who will never leave us, our “little faith” begins to grow. The evidence will be there….love, grace, forgiveness, peace, strength, and so much more. Our fears will become dimmer as we put our trust in what we see with our hearts instead of our eyes, living lives with a future with Jesus, clearly in our sights.

Aspire ~ Five Minute Friday

5 Replies

“And think about grassy fields-the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have not trust:” Matthew 6:30 (The Voice)

Teetering on Trust

“It is life and death.” Words I never imagined I’d ever write in my journal and yet, two years ago today I found myself doing just that. Our youngest grandson had been life-flighted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and his future, our future, was teetering between those very things: life and death. You may know exactly how that feels, too.

At ten months old, that precious little boy of ours lost most of his intestines due to them traveling through a small, undetected hole in his diaphragm and the blood supply being cut off from them for too long. But, praise God he survived and despite his many challenges he thrives today as a true, living miracle!

As I reflect on that experience two years ago there are many emotions, thoughts, and memories churning around inside of me. I moved in and cared for my two older grandsons while their parents stayed at the hospital. For three months there were ups and downs, joys and pain, discouragement and hope, fear and oh, so much bravery. I leaned on God’s strength more than I ever have in my life and He got me through.

Those weeks of desperate prayer, worship through praise music, reading Scripture, and receiving unbelievable support from those around us brought me to a place I’d never been, an ah-ha moment when I finally was able to say to myself and to God, “I see now. Even in the worst times You are with me working things out for the best even when I don’t understand. I. Can. Trust. You.” Let me tell you, this was a place I’d wanted to be for a long time. Trust has never been easy for me and I was relieved that I’d finally made it.

Fast forward two years and here’s the rest of the story: I still have a long way to go. Even though I didn’t think it would, worry has crept back into my life. Fears overtake me in the night. Anxiety steals my breath. And trusting God with every part of my life? I think you can probably tell I’m struggling. Oh me of little faith. The good news is the fight isn’t quite as hard as before because I’ve seen God light the way through such a dark time and that helps me to remember He guides me now.

And so, I continue to aspire to be more faithful. To trust God with everything, everyone, and all of me no matter what comes. If I’m honest, it’s scary to type those words and to believe them because I’ve lived long enough to know that desiring more faith and trust often means walking through more of those “teetering” experiences for growth to happen. I’m guessing you also know that.

“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line-mature, complete, and wanting nothing.”
James 1:2-4 (The Voice)

I’m not wishing for hardships, quite the opposite really, but I am encouraged by these words and truly hope for a blossoming faith no matter what lies ahead. And when I need an extra reminder of finding joy in my troubles I just need to look at his smile! If this boy can smile with all he has gone and goes through, then I can embrace what comes and “ultimately find joy” in the journey, too. I pray you are encouraged to do the same and together we can say for certain, come what may, “I trust You.”

“The deepest pains may linger through the night,
but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.”
Psalm 30:5 (The Voice)

But God

6 Replies

 

But God

I shared with my church family on Sunday that as I’ve begun to look at verses of Scripture more closely (thank you Faithfully Following Ministries), I’ve come to love the ones that include the words, “but God.” Why? Because each time they’re present, they signal that God is going to…well, be God!

A year ago this past weekend, JD and I packed up the boys and a car load of stuff and we headed back to Point Pleasant. Sutton was fighting for his life in the hospital. Hannah and Jay were by his side. We had no idea how long I’d be gone, if we had all I’d need, or what to expect in the days to come. What we did know was, that we were very scared, full of grief, feeling totally helpless and all the while trying to hold it together for the little ones.

In an attempt to keep things “normal”, we joined the community to watch the Fourth of July Parade, lit sparklers in the driveway, and sat in lawn chairs to watch the neighborhood fire works. As you might guess though, it was about as far from normal as you can get. My mind whirled and twirled overtime. Quite honestly, I didn’t think I was brave enough, strong enough, wise enough, or anything enough to do what I was about to embark on. And guess what? I wasn’t.
But God……

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

When JD pulled out of the driveway to head home on the afternoon of July 5th leaving me on my own, I. Was. A. Mess! But God..is the Master of messes. I was weak, but He gave me strength. I was afraid, but God calmed my fears. I didn’t know what to say, but He gave me the words. The list could go on and on. Day by day, week by week, month by month, with lots of help, the boys and I we able to put one foot in front of the other, but God was holding our hands and directing our steps.

Fast forward a year. Sutton and family celebrated their 4th together yesterday! JD and I spent a quiet day at home. And while we still wish things were “normal,” we are beyond grateful and blessed that we’re now living a new normal. One where we understand how precious each day with those you love is. One where the memory of all the kindness and compassion shown to our family overwhelms us. One where though things are different, what’s truly important remains the same.

I still don’t know what to expect in the days to come. None of us do. However, I’m not as worried about it as I used to be because the truth is, “what’s to come” doesn’t have the final word for any of us,

But God…… does.

Trust ~ Day 17 ~ 31 Day Writing Challenge

1 Reply

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8

Trust

There are some things my grandsons will eat without question (usually with a high sugar content), but cooking for these, shall we say choosy eaters, on a regular basis was a challenge! Cooking is my love language. I like a variety of dishes and to be open to new things. These boys? Not so much. Actually, not at all.

Determined to expand their menu with things that are good and good for them, I chose recipes I was sure they’d enjoy. You’d have thought I tried to kill them! Until that is, I had success, well, sort of. My six year old spaghetti lover walked into the kitchen asking what was for supper. “Country Style BBQ Ribs,” I informed him. Oh, the look of horror on his face. “Poison,” he shouted. “You’re trying to poison us!” as he stomped out.

“What smells so good?” I heard a little later. “Those poison ribs,” I smiled and said. In awhile, same question. “Poison,” I replied. When suppertime came and the food was on the table I caught that selective six year old eyeing the ribs. To make a long story short, it took some work but he was convinced to try a bite and low and behold (he couldn’t believe it himself), he liked them! I’m still working on the formidable four year old.

Let’s face it, we can be persnickety people too, especially when God brings change into our lives. We don’t trust that what He’s offering will be good for us. I don’t know about you, but when I sense God pushing me toward new things I’ve been known to stomp my feet and yell, “You’re trying to do me in!”

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

What if, instead of making up our minds that we’re not going to like what’s being “put on our plate,” we ask, “What good thing are you cooking up?” It may take some time and we might be surprised (but shouldn’t be) to find it’s better than we’d ever imagined!

My grandsons need to eat the right things and receive the proper nutrition to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. Growing as Christians is no different. Love IS God’s language and the more we taste, see, and trust that He is good, the better equipped we are to accept what’s put in front of us. And, He won’t stop working until we get what we need to mature into the powerful witnesses He intends us to be.

“Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.’” John 4:34(NLT)

Before I Write

4 Replies

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Before I Write

My laptop sits on the table taunting me. “Just sit down”, it says. “You know you want to!” And I do. Words are bubbling up from my soul to my mind like one of those Science Fair volcanoes, but to let them gush out and share them is scary, so….

Before I write:

The dishwasher needs emptied. The laundry has to be put away. Every little job calls my name.

Before I write:

I’d better think more about it! Think, think, think. Yes, thinking is safe!

Before I write:

It’s imperative I have a great idea and then also feel confident that I can perfectly bring the beginning, middle, and end together in a meaningful way.

Before I write:

I must mute the accusing voice, conquer the fear of failure, and overcome, well, ME!

Here’s a news flash(NOT!)….the crazy process I go through just to write a few words is the same when I sense God’s prompting! That Still Small Voice whispers, “Just get up and go.” It says, “You know you want to!” And I do. Plans and projects to share the Word flow from my soul and flood my heart, but to let them overflow into action is scary, so….

Before I serve:

My expectations must be emptied, my priorities put away, and I search for confidence to be ready for every little job when God calls my name .

Before I serve:

I’m sure more thought is required. Think, think, think. Yes, thinking is safer than stepping out!

Before I serve:

It’s important I’m confident that the idea isn’t just mine and that I am the perfect one to see it through from beginning to end in a way that is meaningful to others.

Before I serve:

I must mute the accuser’s voice, trust in the One who conquers fear, and well, let the Overcomer use me!

As you can see, whether it’s writing, serving, or doing a whole list of other things really, I find a lot of excuses to put them off.  Maybe you’re like me and feel called to action yet hesitate, because also like me, you lack assurance in your abilities.

Here IS the Good News:  “We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NLT)

The lesson for me, and maybe you too, is that we don’t have to have it all together, be perfect, or see the end before we venture into something new, share our thoughts with others, or answer a Call. We do need to put our trust in the One who goes before us, assured He will equip us with what’s required for the job. Will it still be scary? I think so. But, should we let our fears and insecurities stop us? I’m pretty sure we know the answer to that one!

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

I’m writing today to join the other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where the prompt is “Before”. I encourage you to click over and read what the many talented writers there have come up with! Again, thank you for being here with me. I appreciate it more than you know!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Door ~ Day 11 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

1 Reply

 

This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
 P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Kicking the Door

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 / Pixabay

When my daughter was a toddler, she was “gifted” at making her needs, wants, and dislikes known!  Needless to say, she often found herself being reminded of more acceptable behavior.  It was in such a discussion that I had one of those eye-opening, a-ha parenting moments. As the potential punishment for her behavior was being described, she looked up at me with her big green eyes and with her hands on her hips and said, “Bring it on, mom!” It was then I realized the time for change had come. Continue reading →

Believe ~ Day 3 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

Leave a reply

 


This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
 P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Believe

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God” 1 John 5:4-5 (NLT) / Pixabay

My mouth watered as sugary sweetness mixed with greasy goodness wafted on the breeze.  Stepping in time with a symphony of calliope music, loud voices, and laughter we took our final walk down the Midway.  The weight of my last quarter felt heavy as I clenched it tightly in the sweaty palm of my small hand.  How would I ever decide what to spend it on as our day at the fair came to a close? Choices bounced around in my head just like the balls being hurled at bottles in the stands we were passing as we made our way to the exit.

My eyes darted this way and that searching for the perfect ending to a perfect day. And then I saw it!  The brightly lit sign promising a sight never seen before. A sight you surly didn’t want to miss. The Amazing! The Unusual! The One and Only…….Three Eyed Bull!  The adults tried to dissuade me. Not one other quarter carrying kid would go with me, but l could not be deterred. Loosening the grip on my last coin, I walked determinedly to the opening of the small barn. Having exchanged my money for a ticket, I stepped into the dark, cool room and there, right in front of me was……. Continue reading →

What If ~ Five Minute Friday

8 Replies

The prompt today is “If”.  My first thought was to just type: “What if……” and let you fill in your own thoughts to finish it, but alas, some rhymes started popping into this head of mine and this short poem was born.  If you’re intrigued to read what others wrote about “If”, click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT) / Pixabay

What If

What if that something we doubt we can do
Really could be done;
Because we stopped believing
We’re too old or we’re too young?

What if that great idea
We’re so afraid to start,
Could change lives forever
When from our fears we part?

What if instead of passing by
We reached out to someone new,
And through our actions they would learn
“Love thy neighbor’s” really true?

“What if, I can’t, Not me, I’m scared”
Convince us we’re alone.
It’s easier not to try at all
Than to step out on our own.

What if we stopped looking within
At all the ways we’re weak,
And remember Christ will strengthen us
If Him we’ll only seek.

So my friends, let’s make a trade
“What if’s” for His “I can’s”
There are no limits on what we can do
When we trust in our God’s plans.

 

Trust ~5/31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

4 Replies

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” Psalm 56:3 (NASB) / Pixabay

While traveling along this journey we call life, I often veer off in the wrong direction; especially during  times of trial! My initial reactions usually include hand wringing, imagining all sorts of horrible endings, whining….well you get the picture and it’s not pretty.  It’s certainly not a picture of trust.

Trust for me has always been a rocky road.  While I “know” that I can put my trust in God’s plan, I somehow bump right over the peace that trusting God brings and land directly into the pit of despair I bring on myself!  Fears: real and imagined, stall me right in my tracks.

I wish I could say that I have my path all mapped out toward a life where I’m no longer afraid and that trusting God is how I now navigate each situation that arises, unfortunately I can’t.  What I can say however, is how grateful I am that I’m headed in the right direction following the only One who can get me to where I’m truly meant to be!

SaveSave

Ezekiel’s Journey

4 Replies

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT) Pixabay

Miracles of Living Hope

Marilyn Uhl will be the first to tell you that establishing and running Living Hope High School in Bungoma, Kenya couldn’t happen without God.  She will also tell you that the longer she’s in Africa, the stronger her faith grows.  Marilyn has seen God work things out in strange and powerful ways when even she didn’t believe He would.  “I don’t know why we don’t have total faith because He never lets us down.” she reminds us.  “He might not answer us the way we want or when we want, but He always has our good in mind.”  The Living Hope journey continues with true stories of the miraculous ways God is working in the lives of Marilyn and her students.

Eziekiel’s Journey

Most of us cannot imagine living in the world that Ezekiel was living in during the post-election violence of 2007.  His whole country had erupted into tribal warfare, corruption was rampant, and no one could be trusted. At the time, Ezekiel’s parents were teaching their children the family business of preparing alcohol to sell to customers. It was a dangerous business, not one suited for children; but was the means of survival for them all.  Thankfully, Ezekiel’s parents also believed in the importance of school, so he had attended elementary classes and was excited to enter 7th grade with his friends, but… a brutal attack changed everything.

Ezekiel’s family lived in a mud and grass hut on land bordering another tribe.  It would be that tribe who would take everything from Ezekiel.  The tribal leaders decided they wanted the land the family owned and so in the dark of night, they surrounded the small home and set the roof on fire.  Ezekiel’s father was the first to confront the trespassers.  He was killed immediately.  His mother then ran from the home and Ezekiel watched in horror as she was dragged, screaming into the bush never to be seen again.  As the roof of the hut began to collapse, the children had no choice but to leave the “safety” of the hut, too.  Miraculously, the attacking tribesmen weren’t interested in the kids. With fear propelling them, they scattered into the pitch-black night.

Separated from what was left of his family and with no way to communicate with his brothers and sisters, Ezekiel decided to try and make it to his Uncle who lived on the family home place. It would be a long, hard journey.  Ezekiel was thirteen and his life had been violently ripped from him.  Getting to his Uncle was the only way he could see to start a new life and so he began to walk. He walked all day and hid himself along the road to sleep at night.  He walked and walked and walked some more all the while trying not to think about how hungry he was. Terrorized by the memories of what had happened to his family, exhausted, with no food, no money, he continued to put one foot in front of the other.  Ezekiel will tell you that he didn’t know Jesus at this time so he wasn’t praying, but hope still arrived in the form of a rumbling sound behind him.  He knew the approaching truck would take him into town.  In a split second, just as the truck passed by, Ezekiel leapt onto the back of the semi and held on for his very life!  Once on, he knew he couldn’t safely get off until the truck came to a stop; so there he was, a young boy, weak from hunger, clinging with all his might as the truck made its way over bumps and around curves in the small hope that he was on the final leg of his journey to a new life.When the truck finally arrived at its destination, Ezekiel literally fell off the back. He’d held on to the truck for so long he could hardly stand.  It had taken him two weeks to get to this point and he was exhausted, but from deep within, Ezekiel found his strength and finally made it to his Uncle’s home.

Ezekiel settled in and returned to school.  He was informed that he would have to repeat Grade 6 but he never gave up because he knew that education was important. Ezekiel moved on to High School.  He hadn’t been able to pay the fees but the teachers let him attend until he could get the money.  At the end of the second term Ezekiel still was unable to pay and so the school sent him home.

In the time Ezekiel had spent with his Uncle, he’d come to know and accept Jesus as his Savior.  As time passed and it looked like school wouldn’t be possible, Ezekiel’s Uncle reminded him not to worry, but rather to pray. And pray he did.  One evening Ezekiel’s Uncle went with friends to a wedding.  While traveling back and forth his Uncle learned of Living Hope High School and the help they provide for students who can’t afford an education.  Hearing this, Ezekiel’s prayers increased.  Waiting was hard but he knew his journey wasn’t over.  January turned into April and finally Ezekiel was asked to go to Living Hope for an interview. He soon received his admission letter and found himself a student at Living Hope High School. Ezekiel was dedicated to learning as much as he could both in his subjects and about the Bible, all the while thanking God for the miracle of continuing his education.

Ezekiel’s journey was difficult.  It was long.  It wasn’t the one he’d ever planned to take, and yet, he is right where he’s meant to be! He graduated from Living Hope High School and now is studying Dentistry at the University.  Ezekiel says he was lost, but God found him and step by step led him to his future. He now plans to use his skills as a dentist to give back to his community. More than that though, it is Ezekiel’s greatest hope to tell everyone he meets his story about God and all that He has done; inviting them (and now you) to join him on the miraculous journey that leads to everlasting life!

“So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do?  Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.  When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’” Luke 15:3-6 (NLT)

copyright Living Hope High School, Bungoma, Kenya

For more information on Living Hope High School, go to www.livinghopehighschool.org