Traditions - Change?

“I am the Lord, and I do not change...”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬a GNT‬‬

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 CEV

Do you or your family have traditions? Holiday’s (food, details, etc.), Game day celebrations, school productions, plays, band recital, and more?

Growing up, one of my fond memories is that my mom would make birthday (sheet) cake for Jesus at Christmas time. This was always carrot cake, with cream cheese frosting and walnuts on top. We would enjoy the cake at some point after singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. 

My husband’s family celebrated Christmas Eve by attending church, having soup, or other sort of food spread, and opening stockings. The items inside the stockings were wrapped as well. 

When we got married we combined these (and other) traditions. My husband isn’t super fond of soup, so we would have chili and cornbread, or sandwiches, or something else easy.

As our kids grew up, one didn’t like carrot cake, so some years we had chocolate cake. Most of us like carrot cake, at some point it became a two-tier round, one year my father-in-law asked if we could add raisins into the cake, so we did - Yum!

My husband makes baklava and it has the most amazing mixture for part of the layering process, I discovered sprinkling that on top of the frosting of the carrot cake took it to a whole new level! 

We’ve served brownies, or other treats, but always birthday cake for Jesus.

What changed? 

The cake flavor (sometimes)

Adding of raisins

Changing the topping

Celebrating on various days in December based on travel, church services, extended family celebrations, etc.

What Never changes?

God - Psalm 90:2 / 102:27 

His Love - Psalm 100:5 

He doesn’t lie / Can’t lie - Numbers 23:19 His Faithfulness - 2 Timothy 2:13

He Is Unchanging - Hebrews 6:17

No Variables / No change - James 1:17

Everything around us changes, however we can TRUST God to be consistent and He will never change!

My prayer for you is that as 2023 comes to a close and enter into 2024, that you would continue to trust the Lord regardless of what ever you face.

Get Out Of The Tent

 Get Out Of The Tent

“Genesis 15:5 “And the Lord brought Abram outside [his tent into the night]…”

Step One: Get out of the tent!

Step Two: Look Up! 

“Look now toward the heavens…”

Step Three: Believe God!

“And Abram believed the Lord,…”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“I am the Lord who brought you out...””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Before getting out of the tent Abram was complaining that God hadn’t followed through on His promises. 

Right after “…the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In the middle is getting out of the tent! A change of perspective. 

Sometimes we want to loathe in self-pity, doubt, our sin, time lost, promises forgotten, etc. 

I believe God wants us to get out of our tent, focus on Him and His promises. 

He’s with us in the tent, He is calling us out of the tent, where He will also be with us, and then to venture into the unknown where He will lead us and is there with us as well. 

My prayer for you is that no matter where you are: in the tent, still looking up, or on your journey forward that you would allow God to be your shield and your great reward! He will give you strength and be with you every step of the way. 

Advocate

Assert

Defender 

Vindicate

Overseer

Champion 

Attendant

Trustee 

Escort

“…we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ b KJV‬‬

“Speak up for the people who have no voice, …”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭8‬a‬ ‭MSG‬‬

It has been a challenging few weeks! 

My mom went into the hospital with diabetic related symptoms. We were in the emergency room for approximately ten hours until she was admitted. 

She was in diabetic coma for a time, and had moments of just not feeling well. There were times it looked hopeful for her to be discharged, and then something would happen that made them want to continue to watch her. 

During her stay she was officially diagnosed with dementia. We knew that this was a possibility, but to hear it is still hard. 

I am my mom’s medical power of attorney, and with this now my job to care for her and ensure she receives the care she needs going for, I’ve had a lot of phone calls, shake a few trees, and be firm on my stance.

I try to be kind yet firm. As I typed out various words that spell advocate, I have had to walk in all of those shoes on and for my mom. 

I also have an advocate, Jesus! 

He has done all for me and even more than I can imagine! 

I’m thankful for his wisdom, grace, mercy, etc. during this difficult time. 

My prayer for you is that you look to the Lord, the only one that can fight for you on all fronts and stand in the gap when you have nothing left to give. 

Trust over Blame

Trust - Word of the Year for 2023. 

So far this year, I know people fighting cancer, a friend that moved without her house selling first, our son starting a business with a friend, my mom in the hospital, new jobs, the unknown and TRUST! 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Trust 

Blame 

Trust says I don’t know what’s going to happen but I know and rely on the one who does. 

Blame says it’s not going as planned and it’s all God’s fault. I trusted Him and it didn’t work out.

If we trust COMPLETELY that means we must choose not to depend on our understanding.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We can’t depend on ourself and on God. 

We than have to continue in the trust cycle by seeking. As we seek his will in all we do (depending on God) - He will show us the path to take. 

Beki

Unprecedented Jesus

Unprecedented: “never done or known before”

As we approach Christmas, let us remember that when the angel came to Mary, and told her she would give birth to a son and she was a virgin, and the son she was carrying would save the world...this was unprecedented!

Luke 1:26-56

2020’s tag words aren’t new! 

Social distancing - The wise men took the long way out of town Matthew 2:12

Pandemic - Too many to count ... Look at the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt!

Social Unrest / discrimination - The Israelites and then everyone else 

Quarantine (Alone Together) - Mary and Joseph alone in the stable and Jesus lying in the manger Luke 2:16 

Trying Times - Mary and Joseph took a long journey (90 miles by donkey) while she was very pregnant Luke 2:1-5

Shortages - No room in the Inn 

Essential - Jesus being born Acts 4:12

Elections - King Herod was on the throne and didn’t want a new king in town Matthew 2:3

Census - This is what brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem Luke 2

Something that was never done before, was Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us was born with the sole purpose of dying for our sins.

“Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15 MSG‬‬

Something that was never known before, is His love for us! 

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans‬ ‭8:31-39‬ ‭MSG‬‬

As we finish this unprecedented year, let us hold tight to our unprecedented Jesus! “For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬ ‭MSG‬‬

My prayer for you is that wherever this finds you today, that you would see and believe the hope that is in Jesus! He never fails! He is ...

Writing it in the Dirt

Everyone seems to have their own perspective on the COVID-19 situation. The Democrats and Republicans, the healthcare workers and systems, who is essential and who is not, to wear masks and gloves or not, the list goes on.

I too have really struggled in this season. I am an extrovert and I have been isolated due to illness in the past and I don’t like it!

The arguing, the name calling and out right hate speech from people is just disheartening. I know that strong opinions can come from fear, or anger when we don’t have control over what is going on.

Today, I was trying not to be irritated by the things I read online, I felt the Lord reminding me of this story.

There was a woman who had been caught in sin and the religious scholars and Pharisees led her over to Jesus.

“Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. 

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt.

They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” John‬ ‭8:3-11‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Time and time again the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus. He never engaged in arguments. He simply showed grace, mercy and salvation. In this situation, He wrote something in the dirt. 

WOW! What would our world look like if we showed grace, mercy and pointed others towards salvation? None of us have the answers and none of us are without sin. So, instead of posting all the things, write it down, give it to God!

In this season, let us remember we are not alone, and we need each other!

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Psalms‬ ‭16:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Stay In Your Lane

Have you heard this expression “Stay in your lane”? This to me is selfish. If we stay in our own lane our focus is only on ourself. Stay in your lane (one lane at a time) only while driving!

What if Jesus stayed in his own lane?

Luke‬ ‭8:40-56 MSG‬‬

“On his return, Jesus was welcomed by a crowd. They were all there expecting him. A man came up, Jairus by name...He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his home because his twelve-year-old daughter, his only child, was dying. Jesus went with him, making his way through the pushing, jostling crowd.” (V:40-42)

‭‭

“In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages... She touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When no one stepped forward, Peter said, “But Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands. Dozens have touched you.” (V:43-45)

“While he was still talking, someone from the leader’s house came up and told him, “Your daughter died. No need now to bother the Teacher.” (V:49)

Wow, Jesus stepped out of his lane! He was on the way to heal Jairus’ child (now presumably dead) to speak to a women who had faith for her own healing. Jesus took the time after he realized his garment had been touched! “Jesus said, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!” (V:4‬8‬) ‭

Meanwhile at Jairus’ home “Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She didn’t die; she’s sleeping. Then Jesus, gripping her hand, called, “My dear child, get up.” She was up in an instant, up and breathing again!...”(V:52-56)

‭‭Two people in this one passage were healed! If Jesus would have stayed in his lane, the sick child would’ve been made well and it’s still a miracle. However, Jesus got out of his lane, healed the woman on the way to heal the child.

Another of my favorite where Jesus did not stay in his lane is when he saw Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. Take some time to read this as well.

My prayer for you is as you are on your road to wherever, doing whatever, that you would not be afraid to get out of your lane or out of your comfort zone to be his hands and feet to those around you.

I am so grateful for those who have come alongside me when I needed it and that the extended their hand from their lane to mine!

Remodel

“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:7-10‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Have you ever been part of a remodel project? We are in the midst of one right now. Our home was built in 1910 and has had lots of owners over the years. Currently it has a bathroom and a laundry room, both of which were not indoors at the time the house was built! 

The kitchen is galley style and not very big. At a quick glance its super cute. White cabinetry with silver handles, brown tile, brown sink, and white appliances. Cosmetically speaking the kitchen was livable, but when the Sheetrock came down we were able to see wiring not done correctly, pieces of flooring cut out and much more!

Anytime you decide to start something there are a lot of steps for the complete process. Walls have to come down, wires have to be fixed, floors and walls patched, textured, painted and new items moved in. Demo day can come with the excitement of the promise of change that is to come. A week or two in when all kinds of progress is being made sometimes it feels slow. There is debris with both the fall out and the progress. 

Man if this isn’t true of our lives we want the finish product; the weight loss, the spouse, the kid(s), the relationship mended, the job, the fill in the blank. The beginning can seem exciting, the progress slow and some days you think a lot was done, but its not visible to anyone. Once everything is pealed back you are able to fill the cracks, plug the holes and start to see a picture of what is to come. 

My prayer for you is that during your season of remodel, renewal and refreshing, that you will “join him in the work he does” and that you will see all that God has for you. “Search me, God, and know my heart;” Psalms‬ ‭139:23‬a NIV‬‬ The finished product is so much better that we can even imagine, but it takes faith, work, hope, and “trust him enough to let him do it”. 

Cool Bike!

If your bike was rusty, had a flat tire, or missing a tire, displayed a warped frame, etc. no one would say this to you!

“Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it,” Ecclesiastes 9:10 MSG

My husband has been an avid bicyclist. He has been riding bikes since he was a kid. When we got married, he owned a road bike. These bikes are known for speed. Bicycles designed to take you places. He used to ride his bike to college and to work as a young man. He also participated in two longer rides, both over 200 miles.

In preparation to ride, he makes sure of a few key items; such as air in the tires, making sure the brakes work, and that it is aligned. These basic checks will ensure his safety. He also comes up with a plan. How far will he ride, what is the safest route? When the longer rides (which are planned way in advance) come up, he is ready! He has done many long rides in preparation, he has checked all the components on his bike, taken it to the shop for a tune-up, packed supplies (such as pump, patches for tube, extra tube, changing kit) along with snacks and water that will last from start to first rest stop.

What if he just had a bike? What if he had the bike, but the tires were flat? What if …

How many things are we doing that we aren’t fully engaged because we don’t have the time, resources, energy, etc. to put into them?

I know that I have had my plate more than full in different seasons. I want to challenge and encourage you to take a look at what you are doing, what you are preparing for, don’t just prepare for the race, but start running (or biking)!

"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG) 

Market Analysis

Have you ever House shopped? “It will be fun” they say! Fun? It’s crazy!

Buyers Market, Sellers Market. All I know is that if no one is buying, then you’re not selling!

Home warranties, inspections, earnest money, down payment, closing costs, market analysis, etc. - it’s exhausting!

Market Analysis: “Studies the attractiveness and dynamics of a special market within a special industry.” Wikipedia

“A phase of research conducted to determine factors, conditions and characteristics of a market.” Dictionary

I’m so thankful my life doesn’t depend on all these things!

I’m reminded of an old hymn.
“Jesus Paid It All” by Elvina Hall.

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe; ...

For nothing good have I ...

My ransomed soul shall rise,
Jesus died my soul to save, ...”

Ransom: The sum or price paid or demanded.

In the housing market, a house price can go up or down, houses can go into a bidding war if multiple people want the same place.

Jesus paid the ultimate, highest price for us! For my sin and yours!

Mark 10:45 (NLT) “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Timothy 2:6a (TPT) “He gave himself as ransom-payment for everyone.”

Wherever you find yourself in this market—

New - not sure if your worth the purchase
Price Drop - devalued, uncertain
Price Increase - He will pay the highest price!
Pending - undecided, unresolved
Sold - bought by the blood of Jesus!

I pray that you will see that you are loved where you are at.

Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭(TPT) ‬‬“But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly!”

New Norm ... Who’s Norm?

It’s so crazy how fast and how slow five years feels. 

It’s been said that cancer “cannot cripple love.” I was diagnosed seven months after our 20th anniversary. Ron has been rock solid! He loves me, encourages me and tells me I am beautiful! I have so many scars, my weight has gone up and down, I’ve been tired and had sleepless nights. He even buzzed my hair when I started to lose it after I started chemo, I am so thankful for him! He told me the other day, he’s glad I am still here! #Blessed

Cancer “cannot shatter hope.” “Hope is the anchor for the soul” Hebrews 6:19 

I believe you just have to have hope in the faith. They really go hand in hand. 

Cancer “cannot corrode faith.” My faith was the strongest it had ever been during this darkest hour. God gave me strength, and determination and grit! Don’t get me wrong, there were days that I cried, slept all day, and just didn’t want to do this anymore, but I knew I was going to get through it and that God would use my story. I knew that God was with me!

Cancer “cannot eat away peace.” The day of my bilateral mastectomy I had such peace. “God’s wonderful peace transcends human understanding” Philippians 4:7 I woke up that morning and did not have a worry about the surgery, the healing process or anything else. It was such a blessing to know that people around the globe were praying for me!

Cancer “cannot destroy confidence.” Not sure about this one ... You have to dig deep when you are a woman and completely bald. I gained confidence in some areas and struggled in others. I would say “rock what you got!”

Cancer “cannot kill friendship.” Oh man...am I thankful for Edie and Michelle! I have known Edie for over 30 years. She came and spent a week with me after surgery, called to check on me, sent cards, etc. I have known Michelle for over 20 years and she is my nurse friend (everyone needs one). She came to all my appointments (along with Ron), explained things, let me ask questions, was my advocate and sat with me during chemo. I am blessed by these two and many more that were in my corner during this journey.

Cancer “cannot shut out memories.” Hmmmm I have memories, some clearer than others. After chemo & chemo brain I couldn’t remember why I went downstairs or names of things or people, but I can remember each cancer date like its a loved ones birthday.

Cancer “cannot silence courage.” I was silent for about a year. I didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted my life back. I wanted to be “normal”. Fact is I am not the same. Cancer isn’t who I am, It’s what I went through. It doesn’t define me, but it has changed me.

Cancer “cannot reduce eternal life.” Thank you Jesus! He is the one that holds the key to my life everlasting! 

Cancer “cannot quench the Spirit.” Ha Thankful for this! Sometimes people are shocked that I can laugh at some of the things that happened or that I went through. That’s who I am ... Always have ... and always will be!

One of my favorite verses in this season and now is Isaiah 43:2MSG

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God...”

I am thankful for the people that I have met, and the things I have learned. I have seen the faithfulness of God, I am blessed by my family and friends. I am grateful that I am alive!

Joy ~ Unspeakable

Joy: “The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation” 

~Webster

When diagnosed with breast cancer we made a conscious effort and bold declaration to laugh at hard things. We didn’t do this as a mockery or to be offensive, but to decide to find humor and joy even during our trial. 

It’s an Unspeakable joy. One others don’t understand. 

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”

1 Peter 1:8 KJV

To me this is part of faith. We have faith and believe that God exists even though we can’t see him in the flesh. With this in mind we choose to rejoice in and through our hardships believing that God is in control! 

This is not always easy...life is hard and trials seem to come and go like the waves in the ocean. There are days when I literally sat out loud “God if you love me ...” or “God do you hear me? Or even care?” I have to remember what the Bible says and some of my favorite verses. 

“I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’ Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

Isaiah 41:10 MSG

“I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.””

Matthew 28:20 MSG

When you choose joy in spite of what your going through it makes life bearable. Being negative, sad or wallowing in your trial takes more time and energy. When you choose joy, people want to know why. This is a perfect opportunity to point them to Christ! 

My prayer for 2018 is that we continue to find joy in all things! My prayer for you is that no matter what you are going through that you would be able to find joy. Joy comes from remembering what you have been brought through, and understanding what can come out of what your going through. God is able to get you through your biggest trial and give you joy for the journey.