Today Is the Day
Today was the day.
The day that my son was supposed to finally take his SATS.
But they were cancelled for the third time.
Today was the day.
The day that we were to continue with our yearly family tradition.
Going to Beck’s Tree Farm to cut down our Christmas tree together and then to Hot Dog Johnny’s to grab lunch is something we look forward to every year.
But instead we are waiting for test results to see if my husband is positive for Covid.
As I write this, I am watching him sleep on the couch (socially distanced of course).
If I am being honest, it is hard not to feel discouraged.
And not because we can’t go for our tree or my son cannot take his exam.
It’s because there is just so much brokenness everywhere.
My heart is heavy for my brothers and sisters who are suffering.
For those who are separated from or have lost loved ones.
For those who are struggling with finances.
For those who are not certain if their business will survive or if their jobs will still be there in the new year.
For those who are battling the dark days that accompany mental health and addiction.
For those who feel isolated and alone.
For those who have lost hope.
So I go to the place where hope lives.
In His Word.
A place where I find encouragement and comfort as I wait.
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
Romans 15:4 NLT
A place where I am reminded of His promises.
“And in another place Isaiah said,
“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.” Romans 15: 12 NLT
I remind myself that today is the day that we have hope.
Hope that came in the form of an infant who would become the Savior of all.
The day that despite the struggles belongs to Him.
Friends, it is hard even in this season to not feel discouraged.
Take heart.
The source of our hope is always available to His children.
Today and every day.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15: 13 NLT
Today is the day to embrace that hope.
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Our Anchor
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Have You Ever Seen Anything Like That?
In your life, have you ever seen anything like that?!
An awestruck sports commentator posed this question after witnessing Tiger Woods win his fourth green jacket in a playoff against Chris DiMarco during the 2005 Masters.
He had witnessed greatness.
Cheers could be heard by spectators as this famous golfer made his final shot.
A touchdown in the final seconds of the game, sinking the last putt, a buzzer beater during a playoff game.
Moments that leave crowds filled with awe.
During this pandemic, it feels like these moments are far and few between.
Many sports seasons have been delayed, shortened, or cancelled altogether.
There is a limit to how many, if any, spectators are permitted at events.
It is a discouraging and sad time for so many.
We are limited in so many ways.
But there is one thing to remember, especially now.
There is greatness all around us.
And not one of us is restricted from viewing the wonders of His creation.
“The whole world is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy.” Psalms 65:8 NIV
If we allow ourselves to pause and look, there are moments of awe that He can fill us with every day.
A sunrise or sunset.
The sounds of the birds chirping outside your window.
Watching a child smile.
Even during this challenging time, there are still moments that can fill us with awe and wonder.
Moments that if we shift our focus to Him, we can still ask with awe:
In your life, have you ever seen anything like that?!
My prayer for you my friend is that you are left awestruck by the greatness of our Creator.
Amen.
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Always the Same
2020 has been the year of changes.
That is putting it mildly, some of you are probably thinking.
The ways that we work, shop and go to school have been altered.
Curve balls are thrown at us on a daily basis.
Yesterday was no exception.
An eerie feeling came over me as I entered the building for my yearly appointment with my oncologist.
The center that was once bustling with activity now felt like a ghost town.
No walks where breast cancer survivors and supporters could gather this year.
In person activities and gatherings have shifted to virtual.
It has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis.
Connections with others were the very things that helped me through my own journey.
And as I made my way back the empty hallway after getting my temperature taken at the door,
I ran into a staff member who had helped me through my treatment years ago.
We sat and chatted about the change in the atmosphere.
Limitations in how the staff interacts with patients and how the patients interact with each other left a heaviness on my heart.
Everything just feels different.
And when everything feels different, this is the verse that I hold onto:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT
He never put limitations on how He interacted with His people.
Not if they were considered unclean.
“Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8: 1-3 NLT
Not if they were considered unworthy.
“Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4: 7-10 NLT
Jesus knew that they craved connection.
Connection with the One who brought hope into their brokenness.
The same hope that is available to us today.
The only limitations that are placed on how I interact with our Savior are the ones I put there myself.
He is always available, ready to listen to our hearts, whether they are joyful or heavy.
He never withholds Himself from us.
And in a world that is constantly in flux, my heart is grateful that He is my constant.
My prayer is that you allow Him to be yours as well.
That is putting it mildly, some of you are probably thinking.
The ways that we work, shop and go to school have been altered.
Curve balls are thrown at us on a daily basis.
Yesterday was no exception.
An eerie feeling came over me as I entered the building for my yearly appointment with my oncologist.
The center that was once bustling with activity now felt like a ghost town.
No walks where breast cancer survivors and supporters could gather this year.
In person activities and gatherings have shifted to virtual.
It has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis.
Connections with others were the very things that helped me through my own journey.
And as I made my way back the empty hallway after getting my temperature taken at the door,
I ran into a staff member who had helped me through my treatment years ago.
We sat and chatted about the change in the atmosphere.
Limitations in how the staff interacts with patients and how the patients interact with each other left a heaviness on my heart.
Everything just feels different.
And when everything feels different, this is the verse that I hold onto:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT
He never put limitations on how He interacted with His people.
Not if they were considered unclean.
“Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8: 1-3 NLT
Not if they were considered unworthy.
“Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” John 4: 7-10 NLT
Jesus knew that they craved connection.
Connection with the One who brought hope into their brokenness.
The same hope that is available to us today.
The only limitations that are placed on how I interact with our Savior are the ones I put there myself.
He is always available, ready to listen to our hearts, whether they are joyful or heavy.
He never withholds Himself from us.
And in a world that is constantly in flux, my heart is grateful that He is my constant.
My prayer is that you allow Him to be yours as well.
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You Can’t Make This Up
You can’t make this up.
If you have teenagers, you should be well acquainted with this phrase.
The phrase that was uttered the other night when my son and his friends strolled into my living room on Monday night with ducks.
Emphasis on the plural.
Not one, two or even three.
Eight.
During the book club that was being held at my home.
To say that they thought this was a great idea would be an understatement.
Heat lamps and food were purchased to care for these 3 week old babies.
These kids were serious.
But they had missed one crucial step when making this decision.
No one had asked their parents if they thought this was a good idea.
The parents were taken by surprise.
Now, the ducks were adorable.
We could all agree on that.
But the impact that decision would have on others was not thought through.
The who, what, where and how had been overshadowed by the appeal of these cute furry creatures.
I have to confess I am no different than a teenager some days.
I do not always consult my heavenly Father first about my decisions.
My choices do not always line up with what His will is for me.
The appeal of something that brings me short term joy may have weighty consequences later, ones I have not considered.
My impulsivity and human inclinations take over.
And just like buying ducks, I don’t always consider how my decisions might impact those around me.
Maybe I am not alone here.
But unlike earthly parents, our heavenly Father is not surprised by anything that we do.
Even when we rebel and don’t consult Him about our choices, He always takes us in.
“But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.” Daniel 9 : 9 NLT
After the initial shock of the chirping wore off, our group of parents had a chuckle and knew we would have a story for later.
Friends, I am certain that Father God has many stories He could share about us.
Gratefully, the same God who was full of compassion and mercy for Moses has that same compassion and mercy for you and for me.
“The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,“Yahweh![a] The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6 NLT
And that is something you cannot make up.
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Under His Feet
Being hospitalized in COVID times casts a different shadow for families now.
Surgery for our 17 year old son meant that only one person could be with him : me.
My husband would drop us off at 5:30 on Wednesday morning and not return until Sunday.
That moment he drove slowly away felt crushing to my soul.
But the weight of my anxiety was replaced by peace as I sat alone in the waiting room.
And the peace that I felt as I awaited updates could only be explained this way:
The prayers of others were carrying me gently through those long hours.
Like Paul, my gratitude for the faithful was included in my prayers of thanks.
“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…”
(Ephesians 1:15 ESV)
Upon hearing of my son’s surgery, my church family and friends immediately put love into action. Praying together on Zoom, sending goodie baskets, coming for visits.
We are a part of a family larger than the one that bears our last name.
As a body of believers, we belong to each other.
“ so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 ESV)
When we show love to one another, we honor our heavenly Father.
Paul describes this as “the love shown toward all the saints.” (Ephesians 1:15 ESV)
In the hearts of those who call upon Him and call Him Lord is the same power that rose Christ from the grave.
It is that power and that knowledge of the hope that we have in Him that brings us peace.
Not the knowledge of what we can see, but of what we cannot see.
I could not see anyone with me in the hospital, and yet I did not feel alone.
I felt His presence in a powerful way.
And that is what Father God desires…for us to be in His presence.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)
When His children draw close to Him, God rewards them with His peace.
As we call more and more upon God, so our faith and our relationship with Him grows.
“having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 1:18-20 ESV)
As our faith deepens, our perspective expands and the eyes of our hearts are opened.
We do not gain worldly knowledge, but rather spiritual knowledge.
Not only are we able to see hope, but also those around us in need of that hope.
We see each other through His loving eyes.
And when we do, we reflect the image of our Creator.
Knowing that nothing happens to us here that is not under His dominion provides a security that cannot be found anywhere else.
“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV)
Regardless of our circumstances, there is nothing that happens that is not under the feet of the One who gave His life for you and for me.
How glorious is the hope that we have in Him, knowing He is always near.
Brothers and sisters, that is something to give thanks for each day.
Prayer: Father God, we are so grateful to be a part of your holy family. Thank you for our brothers and sisters who shine Your light and share Your love in this broken world. Open the eyes of our hearts that we might see clearly those in need of the hope and peace that only comes from You.
In Your Son’s most precious name, Amen.
Are you experiencing a difficult time right now in your life?
“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Now fill in the blank: ____________________________ is under His feet.
Pray this scripture over your situation:
“Father God, the weight of __________is heavy, but I know that this problem is under Your feet.”
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The Light is Always On
During the pandemic, our family ate at home most of the time.
Some days we would support our favorite local restaurants by ordering takeout.
But otherwise, this girl was putting in overtime as the family’s short order cook.
If you have teenage boys, there is no further explanation needed.
Sometime during my cooking and baking extravaganza, my oven light mysteriously would not turn off.
My husband and I searched the owner’s manual and online for a solution, as no repairmen were permitted to come into homes at that point.
And when we could not fix the problem, we just concluded that eventually the lightbulb would burn out.
So the light stayed on.
And after a while, though I am in the kitchen everyday, I didn’t even notice the light anymore.
That was six months ago.
And the light is still on.
Yesterday, as I walked past the oven for the upteenth time to pour my coffee, I heard this whisper.
The light is always on.
I love how our God finds the most amazing ways to speak a message into my heart.
The meaning in the malfunction.
His Light is always on.
There are many times I walk through my day, not noticing that the Light of the world is shining.
A light that was meant for you and for me.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12 NLT
His Light is always on.
Even when I forget it is there.
It does not matter how much time passes.
His light never burns out.
And His light not only shines for us, but through us.
As believers, we are called to share that light with a world filled with darkness.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NLT
Friends, my prayer for us all today is that we do not walk past the Light, but embrace it and share it with others.
The Light is always on.
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That Familiar Feeling
It was a familiar feeling.
The conversation flowed like we had just seen each other yesterday.
But the circumstances for our impromptu gathering were not as pleasant as being seated at our high school lunch table.
Assembled faces now on a video chat, we were no longer talking about classes or weekend plans.
Sadly, a friend’s unexpected loss led to a discussion on how to best support her.
Some of these women I have known almost my entire life.
Being in their presence was easy and comforting, even if it was on video chat.
It had been way too long.
It’s sad it takes something like this to come together.
In unanimous agreement, we spoke about how we needed to make it a point to get together more often, despite the busyness in our lives.
As I sipped my morning coffee today, this is the moment I have reflected on.
How similar this is to my own faith walk.
Sometimes I will sit down with my heavenly Father to talk about my day, just like sitting at our lunch table.
It’s no longer about classes or weekend plans.
But the content does not matter.
What’s most important is being in His presence.
It’s a familiar feeling because the Creator knows me.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.” Psalm 139: 13-16 NLT
Being in His presence is easy and comforting.
But sometimes too much time passes between our conversations.
Something breaks my routine, and I find myself getting caught up in the busyness of life.
Then my meeting with Him comes only when a problem occurs or there is a crisis.
Regardless, His love never changes and He always receives His children.
“The Lord is like a father to His children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
For He knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust.
Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear Him.” Psalm 103: 13-17 NLT
Just like my earthly relationships, the time I spend with my heavenly Father needs to be intentional.
No one knows me better than Him.
No one loves me better than Him.
Friends, don’t let the distractions of the world get in the way of the most important relationship you will ever have.
Spend time in His presence today.
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The One
As I settled into bed, I felt a sense of peace.
Jonathan was curled up watching Netflix.
Daniel reclined in his chair playing Madden on his Xbox.
My husband had already dozed off beside me.
There is no better feeling than this.
Joy.
Everyone was home.
It’s just not the same when one of them is missing.
Just knowing they are all in my presence is everything.
Our heavenly Father feels the same way about us.
His ultimate goal is to have all of His children in His presence.
And when we leave this place, He wants us all to come home.
That is why even if one of us is missing, it is just not the same.
Even if ninety nine are present, He still pursues the one.
“Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15: 3-7 NIV
Don’t miss this, friends.
Our Creator rejoices when one of His lost sheep comes home.
“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.”
Joy.
That is what our heavenly Father feels when all of His children are together.
You.
Me.
The ninety-nine.
And the one.
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Finding Joy When Your Heart is Heavy
Gazing at my son walking away with one crutch under his arm, my heart felt heavy.
He was happy to be with his teammates, even though he would not be able to play this season.
Truthfully, his attitude is much better than mine some days.
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, thinking about the year ahead.
His senior year.
Between the surgery and COVID, we both knew this year would look different.
And even though my words told him we would make the best of this crazy year, I have to confess my heart is not always there.
Today was one of those days.
So after an iced coffee and a few more tears, I decided to shift my focus to my shopping list.
New shorts for school, a birthday present and a baby shower gift.
I tackled the list in just that order and finally found myself in the baby section.
And then I heard it.
The sound was unmistakable.
One I had not heard in awhile.
It was the sound of sheer joy.
While browsing through the baby section, I could not help but overhear a man on the phone with his wife.
Quickly it became apparent that he was shopping for his infant son.
He picked up outfits, describing each one in detail.
It was as if nothing else mattered.
His excitement was so genuine.
It was almost childlike.
Like he was seeing the world in a whole new way.
And while he looked at onesies and sleepers, I wondered if he even knew how much I needed to hear that sound.
How much we all do.
A reminder of all that is good in the world.
The presence of joy, even when our hearts are heavy.
I stood there with my 25% off coupon in my hands and my heart in my throat.
The days of buying baby clothes had long passed for me, except for when I was in search of a gift.
But this was a gift I was not expecting, one that changed my outlook on the rest of the day.
As I approached the young father, I told him I could not help but notice his excitement.
Beaming with pride, he quickly shared that his first son had just been born 3 weeks before.
Sheer joy.
I told him to enjoy every moment and handed him my coupon.
Be blessed, I told him.
In my heart, I knew he had already blessed me.
God knew the heaviness on my heart.
He knows what is on your heart, too.
“You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalms 139:1-4 NIV
God knew I needed encouragement in that moment.
A reminder of all that is good in the world.
A reminder that there is joy, even when my heart is heavy.
God challenges us to encourage each other in different ways.
Consider this scripture from the Hebrews:
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG
This translation really challenged me to think about how I can be inventive in my ways of encouraging those around me.
That is what we are called to do.
And encouraging someone else is one way we can find joy, even when our own hearts may be heavy.
How will you be inventive today?
A sticky note on a lunch box, a cup of coffee, an unexpected visit?
A 25% off coupon to a stranger?
The possibilities are endless.
Because we serve a God of endless possibilities.
Friends, my prayer is that His promises keep you going in the days ahead and that you are able to find joy, even when your hearts are heavy.
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