Today as we travelled, I saw numerous road signs - "Detour Ahead," "Road Closed," "Wrong Way," "Construction Zone" and "Men at Work" to name a few. As our route changed and time in the car increased my mind went to work - these same signs can be seen as we, I, walk in faith.
It can be easy to make our plans, think we know the destination God has for us and map out the best route to get there. Then I set out and things don't always unfold like I had expected. At times the "Detour Ahead" sign appears on my path and God helps me change directions. Occasionally my plans take precedence over God's, I move ahead, thinking I'm walking according to His will, but eventually I see the "Road Closed" sign and realize I was wrong. It's then I have to back up, seek His wisdom and direction and begin again. As the journey continues there can be times when I don't hear or follow directions and the "Wrong Way" sign appears - usually out of nowhere!
Today as we travelled I was thankful for the signs. Yes, they changed my plans, but they kept me from danger, warned me of what was ahead and were put in place by someone with more knowledge of the roads than me. The same is true for the signs I see as I walk in faith - sure they don't have flashing neon lights, but God, the ONE who knows what lies ahead, has His way of keeping me from danger and helping me change direction.
The next time we travel these same roads there most likely won't be any construction or men at work, but I've come to realize the road of life is constantly under construction and God is always at work! I simply pray I will be quick to see the signs He has for me! Proverbs 20:24 says, "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" God does direct our steps, ones I don't always understand, sometimes rarely, but I'm beginning to realize if I seek His direction and follow His map I will arrive at the destination He has for me.
Friend, today as you set out on your journey, look for the signs and obey them. "Listen, my son, (and daughter) and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path." Proverbs 23:19
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Please pray
I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted, but as I look back at the last couple of weeks - life has been busy. On the 9th my mom had her hip replaced and in the time since then she's had various setbacks - the most recent - staph infection. She is now back in the hospitol and has had 2 more surgeries. I ask that you keep her, Judy, and my dad, Dan in your prayers. The struggles are beginning to create discouragement.
I know the whole situation is further proof that we are not in control and remind me that we don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I trust God does!! Thank you for your prayers for my parents - my greatest hope is He will reveal Himself in a powerful way in a dark time. I also would appreciate prayers for myself - that He would strengthen me and use me to shine His light. Thank you friends.
I know the whole situation is further proof that we are not in control and remind me that we don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I trust God does!! Thank you for your prayers for my parents - my greatest hope is He will reveal Himself in a powerful way in a dark time. I also would appreciate prayers for myself - that He would strengthen me and use me to shine His light. Thank you friends.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Join us for a journey!
The Rise and Shine women's ministry team would love for you to join us on a journey to become more! In a couple of weeks we will begin reading Lysa TerKeurst's latest book, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl." For more info visit the Rise and Shine Women's Retreat site found here!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memory Day
Just yesterday I heard a teacher talk about asking a class of students, “What does Memorial Day mean to you?” She was surprised with the answers. “No school!” “We go camping!” “You remember people.” “We’ll go to the cemetery.”
Today as we explained things to our kids, I thought about the question. We didn’t have school, but we didn’t go camping either. We made our yearly trip to the cemeteries and remembered ones we miss. But I’ve also thought about things in a new way - earlier on the radio, the DJ was talking about paying tribute to the soldiers who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom. Ultimately that is what the day is about - honoring those who have fallen on our behalf. I thank God for the soldiers who have served and for those who continue to fight, protect and put their lives at risk today.
Then as he spoke of soldiers he took things a step further and reminded listeners that we are soldiers of Christ. Yes there is another battle going on and it’s not just in a foreign country; the LORD’S army is battling on US ground as well.
These thoughts have been on my mind and I’ve found myself turning to prayer. My 3 year old keeps calling it “memory” day and I’ve been asking God to help me remember. I don’t want to forget what others have done for me, the lives that have been lost, so I might be free. I want to remember the people who’s names are etched on the tombstones we’ve visited. I’ve asked God to help me share stories so my kids will remember their grandparents, a cousin, friends and neighbors.
As I was praying, God brought to mind the most important person I must remember - He was a soldier and a friend. He fought an opponent bigger than any army has ever faced; He defeated death itself. The victory He won, set me free; His life was lost, so I might live. But He was more than a warrior, He is a compassionate friend. On Memorial Day, I pause and remember all He’s done, the lives He’s touched and the difference He has made. And I’m humbled to pay tribute to Jesus - the ONE who lost His life for me!
I want to ask, "What does Memorial Day mean to you?"
Today as we explained things to our kids, I thought about the question. We didn’t have school, but we didn’t go camping either. We made our yearly trip to the cemeteries and remembered ones we miss. But I’ve also thought about things in a new way - earlier on the radio, the DJ was talking about paying tribute to the soldiers who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom. Ultimately that is what the day is about - honoring those who have fallen on our behalf. I thank God for the soldiers who have served and for those who continue to fight, protect and put their lives at risk today.
Then as he spoke of soldiers he took things a step further and reminded listeners that we are soldiers of Christ. Yes there is another battle going on and it’s not just in a foreign country; the LORD’S army is battling on US ground as well.
These thoughts have been on my mind and I’ve found myself turning to prayer. My 3 year old keeps calling it “memory” day and I’ve been asking God to help me remember. I don’t want to forget what others have done for me, the lives that have been lost, so I might be free. I want to remember the people who’s names are etched on the tombstones we’ve visited. I’ve asked God to help me share stories so my kids will remember their grandparents, a cousin, friends and neighbors.
As I was praying, God brought to mind the most important person I must remember - He was a soldier and a friend. He fought an opponent bigger than any army has ever faced; He defeated death itself. The victory He won, set me free; His life was lost, so I might live. But He was more than a warrior, He is a compassionate friend. On Memorial Day, I pause and remember all He’s done, the lives He’s touched and the difference He has made. And I’m humbled to pay tribute to Jesus - the ONE who lost His life for me!
I want to ask, "What does Memorial Day mean to you?"
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Will you call me friend?
My friends, people who have been important since my earliest years - the ones I’ve laughed with, played with and cried with. They have been my classmates and teammates. I've been in their weddings and they've been part of mine. Some of them I haven’t seen in years and others I see on a weekly basis. And now thanks to Facebook, I’ve reconnected with friends from days gone by.
Recently I’ve been thinking about friendships and how they change through the years - with graduation taking place I hear many young people say to one another, “let’s keep in touch,” “we’ll be friends forever” or something of the sort. I flashback and recall saying the same thing, but I really believed it too! I had spent years with these people and made memories - though others had told me and I had seen it happen, I was planning to be different - my friends and I wouldn’t drift apart.
It’s been 16 years since I walked across the stage, received my diploma and moved to a new chapter in my life. At the time I didn’t know what that all meant, but one thing I was certain of was a lifetime wasn’t too long to live as friends.
Well, it seems those who advised me things would change were right - nothing has stayed the same and that’s not all bad. Some friends go, others come, some return and a few friendships have grown stronger. Though I haven’t seen or spoken with some friends in years, I still count them as a friend, but I wonder if I will always be one they call friend.
Awhile back I read this poem (I apologize for not knowing the author - he deserves credit for great words and insight) and it has me thinking…
"My Friend"
My friend, I stand in judgment now,
And feel that you’re to blame somehow.
On Earth I walked with you day by day,
And never did you show me the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together here on Earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me so many things, that’s true;
I called you “friend” and trusted you.
But I learn now that it’s too late,
And you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on high.
Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And, yet, on coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot, now, call you “my friend.”
It’s true, my friendships have changed over the years - my best friend has a new name, Jesus, and He plays a role that will never change, Savior. This was one friend I never really expected, but am now so grateful for! He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and truly the ONE who loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
Today I wonder, will those who called me friend in this life say the same in the next? It’s not enough for a social network to say we’re friends…remember another line in the song? Friends are friends forever if the Lord is Lord of them!
Though I didn’t believe it years ago - friendships do change, but they can last forever! That only happens though when we share the same best friend! Jesus isn’t like the friends from junior high - He is big enough to be friends with us all and though He’s my best friend, He can be yours too!!
Someday just like our time together in school, on a team or in a town our time together on this earth will be over and I wonder, “will you call me friend?” I pray you will! And friend if you’ve read these words and have questions, want to know more or are curious how Jesus can be your friend please let me know! Email me at jillberan@yahoo.com If these are words you’d like to share with a friend, please do!
Recently I’ve been thinking about friendships and how they change through the years - with graduation taking place I hear many young people say to one another, “let’s keep in touch,” “we’ll be friends forever” or something of the sort. I flashback and recall saying the same thing, but I really believed it too! I had spent years with these people and made memories - though others had told me and I had seen it happen, I was planning to be different - my friends and I wouldn’t drift apart.
It’s been 16 years since I walked across the stage, received my diploma and moved to a new chapter in my life. At the time I didn’t know what that all meant, but one thing I was certain of was a lifetime wasn’t too long to live as friends.
Well, it seems those who advised me things would change were right - nothing has stayed the same and that’s not all bad. Some friends go, others come, some return and a few friendships have grown stronger. Though I haven’t seen or spoken with some friends in years, I still count them as a friend, but I wonder if I will always be one they call friend.
Awhile back I read this poem (I apologize for not knowing the author - he deserves credit for great words and insight) and it has me thinking…
"My Friend"
My friend, I stand in judgment now,
And feel that you’re to blame somehow.
On Earth I walked with you day by day,
And never did you show me the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together here on Earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me so many things, that’s true;
I called you “friend” and trusted you.
But I learn now that it’s too late,
And you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on high.
Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife.
And, yet, on coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot, now, call you “my friend.”
It’s true, my friendships have changed over the years - my best friend has a new name, Jesus, and He plays a role that will never change, Savior. This was one friend I never really expected, but am now so grateful for! He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and truly the ONE who loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
Today I wonder, will those who called me friend in this life say the same in the next? It’s not enough for a social network to say we’re friends…remember another line in the song? Friends are friends forever if the Lord is Lord of them!
Though I didn’t believe it years ago - friendships do change, but they can last forever! That only happens though when we share the same best friend! Jesus isn’t like the friends from junior high - He is big enough to be friends with us all and though He’s my best friend, He can be yours too!!
Someday just like our time together in school, on a team or in a town our time together on this earth will be over and I wonder, “will you call me friend?” I pray you will! And friend if you’ve read these words and have questions, want to know more or are curious how Jesus can be your friend please let me know! Email me at jillberan@yahoo.com If these are words you’d like to share with a friend, please do!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
When a Child has to Wait
“I want that!” “How much longer?” “How many days til Christmas?” I could go on, but I’m sure you get the idea - little ones have many responses when it comes to waiting. Though the questions can change and topic can vary the struggle is usually the same - waiting is hard. It’s never something my little ones choose to do - if they WANT a cookie, they want it now; if they want to call Grandma, they want to do it now; if they want me to read a story, they want it read NOW!!
I’m not sharing this because I have demanding kids, they really are no different than the average child - one who has wants and needs and longs to have them filled. When the average child has these needs it’s natural to think they need to be met immediately. They don’t want to wait, it’s hard, it requires patience and sometimes even sacrifice.
This struggle can sometimes lead to not so pleasant results - the child who has to wait can become whiney, naughty, angry, demanding. We’ve all seen the child at the check-out counter have a tantrum as a result of being told, “No, you have to wait!” It’s not a pretty sight!
Recently life has shown me, though I’m no longer a child, sometimes I still have to wait. Nearly eight months ago, I was waiting for our baby to born - anyone who’s been there knows, waiting is hard!! I’ve waited for friends and family to get medical tests results, sometimes waiting is scary. I’ve waited for God to show me what comes next, sometimes waiting can be confusing.
But as I wait, God works - eventually our little man arrived, the tests results are revealed and God’s plan unfolds. Still though the waiting really never ends - we wait for a friend’s baby to be born, someone else has Dr. appointments and though God gives me a glimpse of what lies ahead, He says, “Not yet.”
Sometimes the “not yet” wait is the hardest - just ask my little girl who wants a bowl of ice cream thirty minutes before supper. She just knows it will be so good and she’s had to wait all day already, she just can’t wait. At times I can see what God has for me and I relate to Joy - it looks so good, I want it, it’s tempting to reach out and grab it on my own. But then I hear God change my words a bit, “Daughter, remember Your FATHER knows best!”
Those words can be hard to hear - it can be tempting to regress and act like that child in the grocery store, but as a child of God that’s not how my DAD has trained me to react. No in place of the tantrum, He wants me to trust and instead of me making things happen on my own, He wants life to happen on His time. And finally rather than me creating things by myself; He wants to use me in ways that are better than anything I could do on my own.
Though I’m all grown up, I’m still a child who has to wait and though the game is still hard, I’m thankful my Father really does know what’s best!
I’m not sharing this because I have demanding kids, they really are no different than the average child - one who has wants and needs and longs to have them filled. When the average child has these needs it’s natural to think they need to be met immediately. They don’t want to wait, it’s hard, it requires patience and sometimes even sacrifice.
This struggle can sometimes lead to not so pleasant results - the child who has to wait can become whiney, naughty, angry, demanding. We’ve all seen the child at the check-out counter have a tantrum as a result of being told, “No, you have to wait!” It’s not a pretty sight!
Recently life has shown me, though I’m no longer a child, sometimes I still have to wait. Nearly eight months ago, I was waiting for our baby to born - anyone who’s been there knows, waiting is hard!! I’ve waited for friends and family to get medical tests results, sometimes waiting is scary. I’ve waited for God to show me what comes next, sometimes waiting can be confusing.
But as I wait, God works - eventually our little man arrived, the tests results are revealed and God’s plan unfolds. Still though the waiting really never ends - we wait for a friend’s baby to be born, someone else has Dr. appointments and though God gives me a glimpse of what lies ahead, He says, “Not yet.”
Sometimes the “not yet” wait is the hardest - just ask my little girl who wants a bowl of ice cream thirty minutes before supper. She just knows it will be so good and she’s had to wait all day already, she just can’t wait. At times I can see what God has for me and I relate to Joy - it looks so good, I want it, it’s tempting to reach out and grab it on my own. But then I hear God change my words a bit, “Daughter, remember Your FATHER knows best!”
Those words can be hard to hear - it can be tempting to regress and act like that child in the grocery store, but as a child of God that’s not how my DAD has trained me to react. No in place of the tantrum, He wants me to trust and instead of me making things happen on my own, He wants life to happen on His time. And finally rather than me creating things by myself; He wants to use me in ways that are better than anything I could do on my own.
Though I’m all grown up, I’m still a child who has to wait and though the game is still hard, I’m thankful my Father really does know what’s best!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Rejection
In the final home basketball game of my high school career, the game was tight with the conference title on the line and I came up with a steal. I grabbed the ball and headed to the other end, I put up a shot that would give us the lead only to have it rejected.
Rejection - it’s never fun on the basketball court and the effects of it in life are even more painful. This hurt can come in various ways - being rejected for things you do, rejected for what you believe, rejected by those you love… Sometimes this rejection is real and others it’s created by our, or at least by my interpretations.
Let me explain - my child disobeys, so I teach and re-teach, discipline and model only to have them repeat the act of disobedience. At times it can be easy for me to feel rejected, like I’m not accomplishing anything, but I need to remember my little one is a work in progress. There may be times they flat out reject my teaching, but with God guiding and strengthening me as their Mom, I pray they won’t reject me.
Then there can be seasons of drought in friendships when my mind can play the guessing game and return to the days of junior high, “what did I do wrong?” The lack of communication can leave me feeling rejected. Thankfully God usually doesn’t let me waste much time with these worries and the phone will ring or an email will arrive to remind me life is busy, friends are friends with words…and without.
Feelings of rejection can even take place in marriage - let’s be honest, after the wedding things change and with 4 kids they really change! Time together is not easy to find; dates can quickly become a thing of the past. Though feelings can make me feel rejected that is not the case, the truth is our lives are different and time together becomes more precious.
Really there can even be times when we, or at least I, feel (there’s that word again) rejected by God. Times when we expect things to play out a certain way and they don’t. Or when something or one is taken from us, our minds can wonder, ask “Why?” and then listen to satan answer, “Because He doesn’t care.” During these moments we must remember that feelings and emotions are things that come and go, they change with circumstances, truth on the other hand is real and stable. God is truth, His love and acceptance is real.
Yet bad things will happen, we will hurt, we may even feel rejected, but we must remember Paul’s words in Romans 11:1,2, “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew.” That was true then and it still is today!
So with God on our side we must not forget that when those feelings of rejection come (and they will) life really isn’t much different than a basketball game. In that game years ago, emotions were strong, fans were loud and the game was tight. When my shot was rejected I couldn’t quit, we’d been coached to persevere. And our team did just that, so much so that in the final seconds of overtime, I got a steal and a second chance and a new result - in place of rejection, two points and a victory for the Wildcats. So it is in life, we must keep playing, stay focused, listen to our Heavenly coach and trust there will be victory in the end!!
Rejection - it’s never fun on the basketball court and the effects of it in life are even more painful. This hurt can come in various ways - being rejected for things you do, rejected for what you believe, rejected by those you love… Sometimes this rejection is real and others it’s created by our, or at least by my interpretations.
Let me explain - my child disobeys, so I teach and re-teach, discipline and model only to have them repeat the act of disobedience. At times it can be easy for me to feel rejected, like I’m not accomplishing anything, but I need to remember my little one is a work in progress. There may be times they flat out reject my teaching, but with God guiding and strengthening me as their Mom, I pray they won’t reject me.
Then there can be seasons of drought in friendships when my mind can play the guessing game and return to the days of junior high, “what did I do wrong?” The lack of communication can leave me feeling rejected. Thankfully God usually doesn’t let me waste much time with these worries and the phone will ring or an email will arrive to remind me life is busy, friends are friends with words…and without.
Feelings of rejection can even take place in marriage - let’s be honest, after the wedding things change and with 4 kids they really change! Time together is not easy to find; dates can quickly become a thing of the past. Though feelings can make me feel rejected that is not the case, the truth is our lives are different and time together becomes more precious.
Really there can even be times when we, or at least I, feel (there’s that word again) rejected by God. Times when we expect things to play out a certain way and they don’t. Or when something or one is taken from us, our minds can wonder, ask “Why?” and then listen to satan answer, “Because He doesn’t care.” During these moments we must remember that feelings and emotions are things that come and go, they change with circumstances, truth on the other hand is real and stable. God is truth, His love and acceptance is real.
Yet bad things will happen, we will hurt, we may even feel rejected, but we must remember Paul’s words in Romans 11:1,2, “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew.” That was true then and it still is today!
So with God on our side we must not forget that when those feelings of rejection come (and they will) life really isn’t much different than a basketball game. In that game years ago, emotions were strong, fans were loud and the game was tight. When my shot was rejected I couldn’t quit, we’d been coached to persevere. And our team did just that, so much so that in the final seconds of overtime, I got a steal and a second chance and a new result - in place of rejection, two points and a victory for the Wildcats. So it is in life, we must keep playing, stay focused, listen to our Heavenly coach and trust there will be victory in the end!!
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