Blizzard Conditions

 I woke up this morning to blizzard conditions in Iowa. Before we even got out of bed we could hear the wind blowing and my husband's first words were, "I don't want to go out there." But life on the farm didn't give him any other option and it wasn't long before he said, "I better get going. You can get the kids up to clean the bunks."

We'd received more snow thru the night and now were experiencing 50 mph wind gusts, so there were drifts everywhere and the cattle bunks were full of snow instead of feed. Blizzards are dangerous and on the farm they are not fun. My husband wasn't able to get down our drifted road to feed the cattle on our other farm til late afternoon. Before he headed back out, we glanced out the window and he said, "Well, at least the sun is shining. A good reminder this won't last forever."

Friend, regardless of what the weather is like where you are, those are powerful words to remember in the midst of any storm. They're true in our Iowa blizzard and for the spiritual storm that can rage as well.

This morning I woke up with a heavy heart...we've had two deaths in my extended family and my heart hurts for friends who are walking through depression, anxiety, grief, cancer, financial problems and relationship struggles. Friends dealing with sick infants and others with aging parents.

Sometimes life feels a bit like a blizzard. Troubles pile up faster than the snow outside my door. Tears from pain and grief and fear fall quicker than the flakes that fall from the sky. Sometimes the storm catches us off guard...it can leave us feeling stranded and alone. It reminds us we're not in control. Just like the blizzard has changed many plans, spiritual storms do the same.

As our snow day passed by, I found myself thinking about the similarities between the two storms and wanted to share the insight God seemed to put on my heart.

Sometimes we have to wait. It would have done my husband no good to try and move snow this morning. The wind was blowing so hard that tire tracks were filled in almost as fast as they were made. When a storm rages, we have to wait it out. The same is true in life...we can't rush grief or have instant healing. It all takes time and rarely do we know how long it will take, so let's pray for patience and remember the SON will shine.

One scoop at a time. When tomorrow comes and it's time to move snow, it won't be cleaned up instantly. It's going to take time...whether it's my husband in the skidloader or son with his shovel, it will all be moved one scoop at a time. This truth reminds me of Elizabeth Elliot's famous line, "Do the next right thing." Friend, if you find yourself in the pit of depression or overwhelmed with grief, do the next thing. Whatever mountain you're facing, press on and climb it one step at a time. This blizzard on the farm has taught me sometimes it's just about the necessities. Today, my husband did the basics...he checked on and fed the animals, that's about it. In the midst of your storm, let go of the need to do it all.

Make the most of it. This morning one of my little guys told me, "I kind of like the blizzard. We can all be home." The past winter sports season has kept us busy and on the go, but today the weather cancelled church and had us all in the house. Blizzards change our plans, but they provide opportunities. Friend, your storm has most likely changed your plans. Who are you spending time with because of it? How can you encourage them? Make the most of it as you cling to Romans 8:28 - "God is working for the good of those who love Him."

Perspective. Though the weatherman has predicted this blizzard there has been nothing we could do to change it. The power of God has clearly been on display, but so has His protection and provision. Friend, your storm may be one you saw coming or perhaps it caught you off guard, either way it didn't surprise God. He knew the waves of grief that were coming, the stack of bills you face and troubles that don't seem to stop. He's not just aware of this and all the other damage a storm includes, but He's working in it and through it. As the winds blow and storms rage, may we set our eyes on Jesus, cling to the Truth and rest in His promises.

Friend, in the midst of the blizzard I pray we can TRUST.

Heavenly Father, 
Lord, you see the wind blowing and the snow falling. You control it too. You understand the effects and are working through the problems it creates. You know my worries and fears. You hear my cries and see my tears. In the midst of my storm, help me trust you. I believe you are good, you are mighty and you are able. In my times of doubt, help my unbelief. In the moments of pain, comfort my hurt. When I feel helpless, remind me your grace is sufficient and your Helper is with me. When I'm weak, may I remember you are strong. Father God, help me trust you with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding. And Lord, in the midst of this blizzard I know spring is coming; when the spiritual storms rage may I not forget eternity is drawing near. You are my Shepherd. Thank you for walking with me, providing for me and taking care of me. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell with you forever. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen

Perfect Timing

They say a picture says a thousand words and the other day this photo from the past came to mind. It's a great memory from years ago, but recently God used it to teach me a lesson. This pic of my baby makes me smile...he had obviously just finished a meal of spaghetti and then insisted on praying. That's about all I recall from that day years ago, but I'm going to share the truth it shows me today.

Our pastor has been preaching through the book of Matthew and two weeks ago we studied the Beatitudes. As I listened to the teaching, I believe the Holy Spirit put it on my heart to pray these verses. It was a great idea and I whispered a prayer in the moment, but a week later I sat in church as our pastor reviewed the previous sermon before he started the current message. I recalled what God was telling me to do and felt bad for not getting it done. 

Satan was working to condemn while God had clearly convicted. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit helped me take my thoughts captive and rather than beating myself up, I moved forward in what God was asking me to do. Below, you will find the prayer I wrote and hopefully will continue to pray based on the words of Jesus. If God leads you to pray it, I trust He will bless you too. I also hope He uses this to remind us all that there is a perfect time to pray. 

We tend to pray before we eat, but just like my little guy we can pray when the meal is over. Scripture tells us there is a perfect time to pray and it's NOW. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." Ephesians 6:18 tells us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." In Romans 12:12 we read, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

So friend, as we move forward in our walk with Jesus, let's pray before and after, now and later, let's go to the Lord always! He hears and answers. 

Beatitudes Prayer

Lord, in your Word and through your Word you teach me, I come to you now because of that teaching. May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing to you. 

I ask you to make me poor in spirit. Help me declare spiritual bankruptcy Lord. Without you I am nothing. Help me take my eyes off self and things of this world and put them on you.

Lord, you bless those who mourn. I'm thankful for your comfort when I grieve. Help me not just grieve for those I miss and opportunities that are gone, but may I truly be grieved by sin.

Father, you are God and I am not. Make me meek and humble. Help me submit to you and be gentle with others. I give you control and trust your perfect plan.

Sometimes I physically eat the wrong things...unhealthy foods that don't satisfy, help me not do the same thing spiritually. Give me a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Like Jesus may my food be to do your will and accomplish your work. Feed me with your Word Father.

Lord, you are merciful, help me be the same. Give me eyes to see the people around me, ears to really listen and the desire to truly invest in others' lives and feel their pain.

God, I ask you to purify my heart. Help me see and deal with the sin in my heart. Make me holy. Make me more like you. 

Father, the world is full of conflict and fighting so I ask for your help in being a peacemaker. I don't want to be a peacekeeper or peacefaker, but long to help others resolve conflict. You are the Prince of Peace, help me point others to you so they can experience peace too.

Lord, following you brings peace, joy and hope, but in a world that doesn't know you or always welcome you help me remember to expect persecution. May I remember you will provide the strength to endure this and set an example for how to embrace it. 

Lord, I thank you in advance for the blessings you will bring. I'm grateful for the kingdom of heaven, your comfort and mercy. I'm thankful to be your child and I look forward to seeing you. 

In Jesus' powerful and precious name, I pray. Amen.

Thoughts for Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday...a day that means different things for different people. I haven't thought much about this years game, but God brought this post to mind as I prepped for the day. It was good for me to reflect and remember what I truly need to be ready for, I pray it does the same for you.

From February 5, 2012-
I typed the words, "Are you ready?" and in my mind could hear Hank Williams Jr. singing, "for some football, for a Super Bowl party!" In case you didn't know the big game is today, but chances are you do and have maybe even been getting ready for a party this afternoon.

I've prepared some food and our little Jesse man is ready for his first ever Super Bowl! He's even sporting colors of one of the teams!

But last night the title of this post was on my mind for another reason. I'd just received a call that loved ones were involved in a car accident after they'd left the hospital visiting loved ones who were sick. Thankfully, it's just the vehicle that's a loss and not someone's life. I thanked God for answering specific prayers we'd prayed earlier for safety. He is good!

Though I was grateful and at peace my mind was still at work as I reflected on yet another day that didn't go as planned. It began with a loved one on life support, 6 of the 7 people in my house getting sick, a friend's mom having major surgery for a brain tumor, my dad tipping over his skid loader and then the accident yesterday. Honestly it has been quite a week and as I thought about it all I said, "Wow, God...it could have been much worse."

I am beyond thankful that it is not, but I know this is not a perfect world and someday the news won't be what I want to hear. As I thought about this, the opening three words to this post came to mind...I could hear God whispering, "Are you ready? And the ones you love, are they ready?"

Honestly thoughts of dying are not ones I prone to ponder, but this post keeps begging me to write it, so I will.

Personally, when I ask myself this question...no, I'm not ready when I look at things from an earthly perspective - my kids are young, they need me, their mom, to raise them up; my husband and I have many years in front of us; I have dreams and desires I long to see unfold, but I know that's not what God is asking.

He's asking if I've accepted His Son, Jesus, as my Lord and Savior and yes, yes I have. Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." That I have done and that I believe, so I know when my time comes I will be saved. I am ready.

Friend how about you? Are you ready? Remember being ready isn't accomplished by going to church, being a good person or growing up in a christian home. Matthew 7:21-23 says, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" God doesn't desire rituals or religion, He wants a relationship. Friend being ready is about knowing HIM!

Perhaps today, maybe even right now He is standing at the door of your heart and knocking. If you hear HIS voice and open the door, He will come in. (Rev. 3:20) Friend I encourage you to do that now! Make yourself ready...my past week is proof that we don't know what tomorrow will bring.

The Giants and the Patriots have spent two weeks preparing for this game and some of them will say they've spent their life working towards this goal, they are ready!! But when the whistle blows and the game ends, win or lose life will go on. Those athletes are preparing for a game, but today I pray you will apply this question to thoughts about your eternal home!

When God Answers Prayer

The other night my phone rang, which is not out of the ordinary, but the name on my screen did catch me by surprise. A far-away friend, who I frequently text, but rarely talk to was giving me a call. It was great to hear her voice and wonderful to listen to her news. She called to share an answer to prayer and God worked to give me a good lesson and important reminder.

As I've reflected on our conversation and thought about the work God did, I've realized when He answers prayer there are somethings I need to do. Friend, perhaps you should do them too -

THANK HIM
First and foremost, when we hear about or witness answered prayer, we must thank the One who is responsible for it. Scripture instructs us to ask God and gives great examples of prayer, but God's Word also directs us to be thankful. What a wonderful thing to be thankful for...answered prayer!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits..." Psalm 103:1-2

SHARE
So my first point is rather obvious, but this idea of sharing is two-fold. I know asking for prayer is not always the easiest thing to do, but on the flip side this conversation brought to mind a question - "How often do I share the answers to prayer?" The pure joy and gratitude in my friend's voice was powerful. God's answer was a blessing and my prayers played a part. It's important and necessary to share our burdens, but it's also critical that we share God's blessings. This truly glorifies God and builds up our faith.

"And He did not permit him but said to him, 'Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.'" Mark 5:19

PRESS ON

The prayers my friend referred to have been ongoing. These answers weren't quick, but they were perfect in God's timing. When God answers prayer, I'm reminded to press on. Answers do come. God is listening. His way may not be our way, but it is best. In those moments of doubt, may we pray the prayer of the father whose son was possessed - 

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24

REMEMBER

I truly believe my friend called to share God's answer and thank me for my prayers, but as always God is doing more. He used our conversation to stir up my thoughts and remind me of truths. He is always working, even when, especially when we don't see or understand. His Holy Spirit truly connects His children and puts things on our heart. God is a good God who gives us the desires of our hearts. We are each unique and can be blessed by one another's strengths and gifts. When God answers prayer, I remember how powerful, mighty and good He is! He truly is the giver of all good things and in Him I can put my trust.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Proverbs 3:5

Friend, what prayer has God answered for you? Have you shared this answer with others? Chances are you've taught your children to pray, but have you made it a habit to help them look for and thank God for the answers? What would you add to my to-do list for when God answers prayer? 

Let's start the wait for another answer now - 

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, you are so good. You are always working and listening. Help me cry out to you and help me see and embrace your answers. Don't let me take answered prayer for granted Lord...may I always thank you, share with others, press on in prayer and remember who you are. Help me pray more because I know you will meet my every need with your glorious riches. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Turn the Page

Welcome to my friends from the Encouragement Cafe! Thank you for joining me today! Like I said in the devotional, "Life is full of choices!" They truly never end, but I want to encourage you in a specific area today.

Like I wrote in my previous post, much of my time is spent in a gym these days. All 3 of our boys are wrestling and our 2 girls are playing basketball. As I coach the b-ball team, I find myself remembering that sports can teach us so much about life and our spiritual walk.

One phrase I've said a few times this season is: "Turn the page." The words come as I talk with an athlete who's made a mistake. Basketball is a physical game, but it requires mental strength as well. Turnovers are part of the game and bad calls can be too. Sometimes your shot isn't falling, but still you must press on.

I still remember my high school coach telling us, "Don't let one mistake lead to two." Now as a coach myself, I see this happen quite often. When a player makes a bad pass, they tend to make a bad play on defense. This takes place because mistakes tend to get in our head; they become the focus of our attention. We think about what we did wrong instead of what we need to do next. We allow what happened in the past to impact what happens in the future.

In attempt to encourage my players to not get stuck in their mistakes, we simply say, "Turn the page." We've talked about this as a team and the girls know what the simple statement suggests. Knowing this and doing it are two different things, which is where choices come in. My athletes can decide if they are going to move past their mistake or dwell on it and friend, you and I can do the same.

There comes a time in practice and in games when athletes must make this choice and though our playing days come to end the need for perseverance never does. We mess up as friends, employees, wives and moms and when we do, Satan tends to pounce.

Our mistakes impact our lives and the people we touch, but they also affect our minds. Doubts can creep in and lies can lead us astray, so mentally we must turn the page. Friend, daily you and I need to choose to exercise Philippians 3:13-14. Here Paul tells us, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead; I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

Once we make the decision to turn the page, we then must choose to press on. This isn't easy on the basketball court and it's just as challenging in life, but our effort will be rewarded! Whatever mistake you make today, I pray you can put it behind you and move on. Then make the choice to do the work that lies in front of you! Friend, turning the page might help my team win a game, but this choice for us as Christians has the potential to impact eternity, so let's choose wisely today!

The Purpose of Practice

As a mom to athletes and a basketball coach, practice is a part of my daily routine. I spend time planning it, driving kids to it and leading it, which is probably why the word caught my attention the other day as I read my Bible.

Philippians 4:8-9 says, "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Verse 8 is one I've read numerous times, studied a few times and even memorized, but nearly a week ago it was verse 9 that really went to my heart. "Practice these things" seemed to jump off the page and I dug a bit deeper and thought a bit more. I found myself thinking about it through the day and eventually found myself back in God's Word with a desire to know more.

Like I said, practice is part of our everyday life right now. Our two girls are playing basketball and three boys are wrestling. They practice at the school and at home as well. I coach the girls and help them practice too. As a coach and former player, I know practice is important. It's where we prepare, learn and improve. It's vital for success as a team and individual.

Practice clearly plays a part in the world of athletics, but does it have a place in our spiritual life? According to God's Word, the answer is clearly "Yes!" In Philippians, Paul clearly tells us to practice. In simple terms, practice means: to do, so Paul is instructing the people then, and you and me now, to do what he did, to follow his example and imitate him.

Really, it's no different than what a coach does with their team. I show my young girls how to pass, shoot and dribble. I explain offensive plays and defensive position. Athletes need to listen, understand and execute. Sometimes they try and fail, but that's why we practice. Friend, as a believer we must "practice" the same. In God's Word, He clearly instructs - we need to read, study, pray for understanding and humble ourselves to obey. Practice comes down to doing what we know.

This effort and event can lead to victories on the playing field, but the purpose of spiritual practice is so much more important. Let's read the end of verse 9 again - "and the God of peace will be with you." Friend, when we practice the spiritual disciplines Paul addresses we aren't guaranteed success, but we are promised God's presence and His peace!

As a player, I experienced some difficult practices, but I was always thankful I endured and did the work. I have no doubt we will say the same when we practice prayer, thanksgiving and Godly thinking. Practicing holy habits will improve our spiritual walk and daily living. This practice prepares us for eternity and invites God into the present.

Friend, most athletes will tell you practice isn't always easy, but they know it is necessary. Can you as a disciple of Jesus say the same? Are you willing to practice today? Start with practicing what Paul shares in verse 8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things..." Today pay attention to your thought life. Take your thoughts captive. Tune out the lies. Replace the doubts with Truth. Think Godly thoughts. Practice having the mind of Christ. Your day will be better because God will be with you!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for always teaching us. I'm grateful for your living active Word that never returns void and speaks to my heart. Lord, help me practice hard for you. As a coach I know practice serves a purpose, thank you for showing me spiritual practice is necessary too. Help me imitate Paul as he imitated Christ. Thank you for your presence and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What Mary Knew... (A short Christmas study)

What Mary knew...(A Short Pre-Christmas Study)

A popular Christmas song asks the question, "Mary, did you know?" I appreciate the song and find myself pondering Mary's role as mother of our Lord and Savior. These are things to think about, but as I've been studying the Christmas story and events leading up to it, I find thoughts of what Mary knew running through my head. 

I'm excited to share this lesson with you and look forward to hearing your thoughts. In these days leading up to Christmas I encourage you to open the Word and learn a bit more about the woman who brought Jesus into the world. 

So to begin a few questions to get you thinking -  What comes to mind when you think of Mary? How would you describe her? What can we learn about God through her? How can we apply her story to our life? 


Let's begin our study by reading Luke 1:26-38. Here Mary is visited by an angel. The girl is betrothed to be married; this is not a casual agreement, but a promise to Joseph. Many commentators believe she was 15 or 16 years old, but as we will see, even if she was young, she was spiritually mature. As you read these verses think about these questions -

What did the angel tell her?

How did Mary respond?

What trait in Mary would you like to exhibit?

Friend, it's interesting to back up and read the previous conversation between Zechariah and the angel. The news is similar, but the response varies. Mary and Zechariah are both distressed, told not to be afraid and are promised a son, but that's where the similarities end. The dad to be asks a question and hesitates while Mary receives the news and believes. How do you respond when faced with unexpected news or direction?

Before leaving this conversation, a quick point I found interesting...in verse 36, the angel tells Mary of Elizabeth's pregnancy. God didn't just send a promise to His favored one, but also provided evidence of His power. Friend, we may not have an angel bringing us news, but when we get God's direction, may we look to His Word and remember the countless examples of His power!

As we continue our walk through the Word, lets read Luke 1:39-45. What catches your attention here? What do Elizabeth's words tell us about Mary? More importantly what do they tell us about God and Jesus? 

Perhaps one of the most important lessons we can learn from this short passage is another powerful example of humility. Elizabeth is human, just like you and me, but yet she didn't let jealousy take over or envious thoughts enter her mind...she recognized the presence of the Lord and knew her right position. May you and I do the same!!

As we move forward, we hear from Mary herself. Read Luke 1:46-56. Here we read what has come to be known as "Mary's Song" or "The Magnificat." Mary clearly knew the Old Testament as she draws on words from Scripture to offer praise to God. 

Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10. What similarities do you notice between Mary's words and Hannah's prayer? 

Use the following cross references to get a better understanding of Mary's knowledge of scripture. Note what you learn about the character and power of God in these verses. 

Luke 1:47-48 – 1 Samuel 1:11

Luke 1:49 – Psalm 111:9

Luke 1:50 – Psalm 103:13,17

Luke 1:51 – Psalm 89:10

Luke 1:52- Job 12:19

Luke 1:53 – Psalm 107:9

Luke 1:54 – Psalm 98:3, Isaiah 41:8

Luke 1:55 – Genesis 17:7

Friend, these words from Mary express her emotion and experience. From her meditation, we see she had words from the Old Testament hidden in her heart. Her praise to God before the promise even comes true is a powerful remedy to pride; may we remember this and practice it in the future!

To close, I encourage you to pause for a minute and think about Mary. She is a woman who set an example worthy for us as women to follow. She brought Jesus into this world and friend, you and I still shine His light. We can do that better if we model some of the characteristics we see in Mary. 

She was a woman who seems to have thought more than she spoke. (Luke 1:29, 2:19, 2:51) She was a woman of faith - she didn't doubt, she didn't laugh and she didn't ask for a sign - she believed. She was submissive, even when it involved risk. Teenage pregnancy had consequences, but she trusted God's plan and offered to serve Him in the greatest way. She was familiar with Scripture and close to God. Finally, she was a woman of humility...she didn't argue with the angel, but accepted God's call. She admitted her position and knew she was a recipient of God's grace before she was ever a giver of it. She was secure in her identity as a child of the most high God.

There were things Mary didn't know as she held Jesus in her arms, but there was plenty she understood as she started the journey with Him. The same is true for us. Wherever we are on our walk of faith, there are questions we can't yet answer, but friend there are promises we can cling to and truths we can stand on. This Christmas, may we follow Mary's lead and humble ourselves so that the Holy Spirit can shine through us and do what He knows needs to be done!!

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Mighty One. You have the power to do the impossible. Thank you for Mary's example and help me too be one who believes. Help me to meditate on your Word and cling to your Truth. Equip me to trust and obey. Tender my heart so that I hear your voice and walk in your ways. I echo Mary's words and say, my soul glorifies you and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. As Christmas nears, help me abide in your Word and enjoy your presence. Mary physically brought Jesus into the world and through my words, actions and life may I spiritually do the same. In Jesus' Name, Amen.