Come Away

Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

I’ve always known that I’m a solitary person at heart. A shy, quiet, hermit deep inside. {Although quiet doesn’t reflect who I am these days}. Ironic that our Lord’s divine plan for me was to marry an extrovert and often put our lives in a public format. “Ministry” can be a challenging life. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved the years God has afforded us together, whether it has been through the preaching of His word or ministering through His song.  1 Corninthians 1:23, 24  tells us, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

 I fully recognize that we aren’t doing HIM any favors. He doesn’t have to use us in any capacity – we aren’t worthy from the onset. But, God in His glory and richness in mercy, called us into His service right from the beginning of our relationship. We’re not perfect mind you, nobody or any relationship is, but we are thankfully and incredibly restored after service in Him, rather than being drained from it. When God opens a door…we go through it! I really deem one of the most precious of intimacies on earth – the marriage of two (two Christians) – propelling us in one of the closest ways we can know the intimacy of God. He longs for us to experience His divine offering! One writer said it best by saying, "When we are faithful and diligent in serving Him, He readily showers us with blessings." He will for you too! (Single, or married)

Sometimes I feel a little selfish; I can’t help myself for wanting to leave our public eye and steal away into a forest of trees or a little creek along the Dan River. I find myself dreaming of slipping away where no one knows our names and we can soak in the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains or walk along a magnificent sea shore. However, God’s beauty readily surrounds us – a walk in the local park or gazing at the stars from the view on our porch brings contentment and joy as well. It doesn’t take but a moment to see the glorious wonders of His mighty hand. I love gazing at an endless ocean and being cognizant of how small we really are, as a people.

Some of the times I treasure most are the private, intimate times with the people we love. I thoroughly enjoy a “get together” and being in the midst of our family and friends. I love to cook a good meal, and gather around the dinner table to enjoy great conversation and a good dessert. Or, maybe I should say good conversation and a great dessert?! J   Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.  I never get enough time with those I love! Nor with the One who loved me enough to die for me!

I am reminded that God’s storehouse is always full. When we’re at the point of emotional bankruptcy, when our giver just can’t give any more, when we’re in need of spiritual refreshment, we simply need to look to Him for restoration. Many Christians know that verse in book of Psalm so well  – Psalm 23 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

We have always loved the Song of Solomon. We've read many commentaries about it, and what I remember most is that it's a metaphor for God’s longing for His bride, His church, but it is also a beautiful love story about yearning for the one you long for most. I encourage you to read it if you could use a big Hug from the Almighty!

Song of Solomon 2:10-13 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Isn't that beautiful? Oh the wonder at His marvelous Word!

Look UP my friends!

It's good to be nice

When I was a sophomore in high school I noticed my friend “Luke” had dropped his books, coat, and what seemed to be mountains of stuff as he walked onto the school bus. I noticed some kids laughing and “poking fun” of Luke as he struggled not to block the steps. His efforts to gather up his belongings seemed to be futile. The mess got worse. Or maybe it was the taunting of our peers that magnified the awkward moment. Without too much contemplation, I stooped down and helped him collect his enormous amount of belongings. We finally made it to a seat on the bus, we sat next to each other, and the moments passed with idle chatter and conversation about geometry, family, and homework assignments. By chattering away like two crows in a cornfield, I was secretively trying to be as nonchalant as possible, and minimize the embarrassment he was most surely feeling. I learned things about Luke that I hadn’t known before – like he played the guitar but was too shy to admit it to most people. He had a cat named Goose. He despised potatoes. That was a stunning revelation to me! Really? Someone dislikes one of the best vegetables on earth?! I had never heard of this before! (Funny what we remember sometimes, huh?)  I asked him to help me the next day with a particular math equation, because he was more talented in that area than I was. (Interject here - It’s always nice to point out someone’s talents – offer a good word of encouragement and support – not to lift “man” up - not for ego’s sake, but for the honor of God. We all have individual talents and blessings, so it’s more than okay to recognize someone’s specific area. Don’t be jealous of it. Don’t resent it.  Let’s not compete against it. Try to be happy for the other person! You have talents too! Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.).

Luke was a nice boy. It bothered me that other students would harass him sometimes. I noticed Luke would take it without complaint. He would smile. Laugh it off. Perhaps I saw sadness in his eyes a few times, but for the most part, Luke made the best out of awkward situations. His attitude was fantastic!

Another couple of years passed, and we graduated together along with many more students, and as coming of age tends to lead, we went our separate ways, moving on to college, the work force, or other pursuits. I would bump in to Luke every couple of years and we would share friendly banter, small talk on family, jobs, spouses, and life’s uncertainties.

On one such occasion a few years ago, I unexpectedly ran into Luke at the drugstore. I hadn’t seen him in years! It was refreshing and good to reconnect again. Have a quick chance to catch up on what was going on in our lives. I must say, there’s just something special about your friendships when you’re from a small town. I find myself caring for my fellow classmates just like we haven’t skipped a beat, these 20 – odd something years later.

Luke asked very casually, “Do you remember what I was doing that day on the bus? When we were kids – and you started sitting next to me after that? When you helped the ugly kid pick up his books?” I was startled. I searched my memory fields as quickly as possible. I said, “Oh yeah – we’ve been friends a long time.” In that split moment, should I say yes, I remember, or no, I don’t? I stuck with a neutral response. “Well, I just wanted to thank you. You were a life saver that day.” That embarrassed me. I guffawed it off, and acted with humility as best I could. I was just being nice to someone who was nice too.

He looked at me with a sheepish half-smile, and said, “No. Really. I was going to kill myself the next day. I had it all planned out. But you needed help for Mr. P’s class. And we talked about how much you love hotdogs.” (Remember I had said earlier, it’s funny what we remember about people!) Goose, the cat, and hotdogs 20+ years later…who knew those were lifelong bonding moments?

I shook my head, and said how sorry I was that I didn’t know he had been in such a hurtful state of mind, and that I wish I could have done something more, and that it would have been a horrific loss for all of us, had he prematurely took his own life. (I’m pretty sure I just rambled, but it really cut me to the core). Luke ended with a joke referenced back to my lack of geometry skills. “Well what else was I going to do, but help out a dingaling like you?”

We parted ways with a brief hug and wave goodbye. I went home with tears in my eyes, thanking God that Luke is still with us. He’s happily married. Two kids. Great employee. Makes a real difference in the lives of those he loves. All of that life could have been instantly removed? What a tragedy that would have been.  That evening when I read my Bible, a verse spoke to me. Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  In my Bible, I wrote “Nice to Luke” by the scripture to help remind me, that it’s always good to be nice! I praise God for sparing Luke's life...It wasn't me, it was HIM! And it helps others when we're nice.

Oh, we had hotdogs for supper.

Look UP my friends!

A Hard Day

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV

I’m in the habit of waking up in the early morning hours well before it’s time for me to officially start my day. I enjoy tinkering around the house for a few minutes – feeding the cat, activating the gas logs, giving the dog a treat, grabbing a quick drink, and beginning my morning devotion. I’m not a break-of-day type person, but I DO appreciate the mornings largely because I can’t wait for the minute I can go “back to bed” for as long as possible.

However, there are just some days when your gut tells you, “Rats, this day isn’t going to be easy.” Events happen (the unexpected sort) and we want to pull the blinds back down, rush back into bed after donning our favorite pajamas, drink a cup of cocoa (because I’m not a coffee drinker) and  block out the world for a few hours. I have found myself looking for that elusive “do over” button more than a few times! Have you?

Not long ago, my clock had stopped working in the “wee hours” of the morning. You know what that meant! When I returned to my little cocoon of warmth and seclusion, I thought I had a couple of more hours to enjoy a “slow awakening.” They next thing I knew, shoes were flying; clothes were airborne as I searched for that one aloof clothing item; toes were stubbed; animals scrambled to get out of the path of a one-shoed lunatic; and out the door I go wearing my summer sling-back heels, without the good measure of a winter coat. Did I mention it was 23 degrees outside? But hey, I was 20 minutes later than my usual 5 minutes late, which meant I was late to my own meeting! A big taboo for me. How embarrassing! NOT the way I wanted to start the day.

Once I arrived to work, panic stricken and bustling to get organized immediately, things began to spiral. That’s spiral downward, not upward. You know that feeling…the one within minutes where those things that CAN go wrong, actually do. The moment when your nerves are frayed, but someone or something seems to carry a very sharp knife to cut that one final existing frayed nerve, the one that will push you over the cliff of exasperation?! It was just one of those days. Obstacle city! We all have them, right?  By 2:00 on Monday, it felt like 7:00 on Thursday – one of THOSE days. (You can imagine how many times I asked for the Lord’s help throughout the day…constantly! It is important on days like this, to not allow obstacles to define us.  Trials are there to help shape us, teach us, and mold us, although it can be really HARD to see that when you really just want to get in your pajamas and shut the world out. The Bible says in 1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

At the end of “the longest Monday on Earth,” I heard from a close friend. Turns out she had been absent from work for several days, and had been undergoing tests for severe health concerns. After a variety of scans, blood work, lots of poking and prodding, and tests, the doctor’s final diagnosis was not good news. By the end of our conversation, I began to feel ashamed of myself. My hard day wasn’t even comparable.

Sometimes I don’t know what to say in times like that – Have you ever felt like that? You wanted to say SOMETHING to encourage her/him, to say the right thing at the right time about God, and how He cares for our burdens, and that we’re not alone in our fears and adversities, but you just got stumped?  

I didn’t dwell, so as not to distract, but rather just spoke from the heart, as real friends do. (I would like to add that this isn’t a time to talk about you, but rather listen to the other person). When we’re sincere with the people we care about, words aren’t always necessary. I told her I would diligently pray about this situation, and if nothing else, reminded her (and myself) about the power of prayer. Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And I realized something else…even when I’ve had a hard day, God may come along and “shake me into reality,” and ask me to help somebody else. Stop feeling sorry for myself, and focus on something I can do that matters.

Prayer matters!

Look UP my friends!

Humble Acts Serve A Purpose

I read a true account of a little child whose sister needed a blood transfusion. If she didn’t receive one from the best possible donor match, chances were she would not survive. The writer said, "Her only chance of recovery was receiving a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the young lad was an idyllic donor. The doctor put in plain words that Sarah in fact, had the same disease the little boy, her brother, had recovered from two years prior."

“Would you give your blood to Sarah?” the physician asked. Nathan hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled and said, “Of course, sure thing, for my sister.” Soon the two siblings were whisked away and rolled into the hospital room. Sarah, an image thin, weak, and frail.  Nathan, strong, healthy, and energetic. Both were quiet, but when their eyes connected, Nathan smiled. As the nurse inserted an IV into Nathan’s arm, his smile diminished. He watched intently as the blood flowed through the tubing and over to Sarah’s arm.

With the ordeal almost over, Nathan’s voice, slightly wobbly and shaky, broke the stillness. “Doc, when do I die?” he acceptingly asked.

"It was after that important questions that the doctor realized WHY Nathan had paused earlier; why his lip had trembled when he agreed to donate his blood. Nathan thought giving his blood to his sister would mean giving up his life. In that brief moment, he had made his immense decision."

What a precious example of strength and love demonstrated here, between these two young siblings! It readily reminded me that small acts can benefit great reward.

Let’s pause to consider how our most humble act of service or sacrifice might change things in someone’s life – or many lives thereafter. We’ve heard the old adage, “it’s the little things that count,” but do we really mean it? Are we actively looking for opportunities to be a blessing to someone, even if they don’t seem appreciative? Perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of an unexpected blessing and in that small moment of time, it’s what got you through! Reflect on how you were encouraged, you were delighted, relieved from a burden in some way. Enjoy it through Christ! After all, He is the giver of all good things. Mark 9:41 – “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.”

Unexpected humility: A couple of days ago a young fellow, about the age of six, offered to share his peanut butter cup with me – AND the opportunity to hold his Lego. Wow! That was a big deal. Two of his “mostest favorite things” so humbly offered. A gentleman I didn’t know held a door open for me yesterday. Today my husband fulfilled an act of kindness for me.  I received an encouraging word this week. I have been greeted with many smiles. I received a hug. A stranger returned my grocery cart for me. A co-worker lent me her umbrella during a severe rainstorm. These are just a few recent acts of humility I’ve been blessed by lately…what have you experienced recently? Really think about it…Humble acts serve a HUGE purpose!

 We really don’t know what some people are facing or living with: heartbreak, illness, bereavement, grief, stress, or suffering. There is a purpose for humility! One act of humility, really can enlighten someone’s day! Take a few minutes; you can come up with your “unexpected humility” list too.

Look UP my friends!

Daily Courage

We need daily courage that will compel us to move onward. I read a powerful article that said, "You may have to go against the advice or nature of our friends, family, luke-warm Christians, or our own bodies sometimes. Courage can inadvertently result in awkward and disappointing moments, so it is often thorny when circumstances seem resistant." The Holy Scripture says, 1 Chronicles 28:20 “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”

Recently after participating in an exercise class, a beautiful young mother spoke to me about a specific disappointment. She had diligently followed a diet regime that has worked very well for her in the past; one that is a nationally recognized plan which usually delivers good results. However, after 2 weeks of following this program, she increased not decreased in weight. Someone gifted with the genetically enhanced “thin bone” as I call it, may not be able to relate, but I certainly did! I’ve been there…when you work hard, dedicate the time, and sacrifice your wants, only to have lack luster results in the end. Believe me, the evil one will swoop right in and take advantage of this discouraging situation! And quickly! It’s good to be aware that our own minds can mislead us and facilitate us to make wrong choices. I think we can all understand that moment of “Well, just forget it then!”

I admit, my advice may not have been intellectual, but when I saw the frustration and hurt in her eyes, my automatic response in that moment was, “Just keep doing something…just keep doing! Keep going onward.” Sometimes when others or other things tell us to quit….we must keep going onward. Just keep doing! Psalm 56:3-4 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” We must remind each other that we can trust Jesus above all else – HE will see us through. Just keep moving onward!

As Christians, we do acknowledge that our beliefs and love for the Savior are often rejected, rebuked, and mocked. I came across a story today (from a neighboring town’s newspaper) about a young man who had been wrongly accused and arrested for a crime he did not commit. His case went to trial; evidence was heard; and thankfully the judge ultimately declared the man “not guilty.” The plaintiff cried out, “Thank you, Jesus!” when he heard the verdict he had been praying for. In response to the young man’s declaration, the pompous judge said, “Thank you, Jesus?! You need to be thanking your lawyer right there! He’s the one who save you!” (Which the gentleman did whisper his gratitude to his attorney as well). That’s where our judicial system is? I beg your pardon? Openly mock a genuine plea of gratitude to our heavenly Father? It took courage for the gentleman NOT to apologize for offending the judge. Let us not be ashamed to be called a Christian! Every bone within me cries out, “Nothing or nobody can save us except the Lord, Christ Jesus!” Are you shocked by this event too? I hope so – we need courage to continue our voice, in the right way, and in the right spirit!

 Do you find it challenging to be your own person when you’re the “odd one out?” In the past, I have been told by “corporate America” that I walk to the beat of my own drum, but it wasn’t a complement. {By the way, aren’t you glad the past is in the past?!} In many cases, standing up for your principles, your sense of integrity and your willingness to reject peer pressure doesn’t make one well received. Isn’t that a paradox? I have talked with dozens upon dozens of people in a variety of workforces over the last several years, and from what I hear regularly, it takes real courage to be your own person, the person God calls you to be at all times. It takes courage to walk in humility, but not be willingly mistreated. Yet, I digress, my thoughts on how to “survive” in the workplace will be in future posts…

Finally, let’s be reminded that God Himself came as one of us to lift us when we fall, heal us when we hurt, give us courage when we’re weak, forgive us when we fail, offer rest for the weary, and last but not least, to fill places within our heart and soul that only God can dwell.

Look UP my friends!

Watchwords for a New Year

I’ve had several friends or acquaintances to ask me what my New Year’s resolutions are…I don’t practice resolutions, primarily because I would likely to break them within a few weeks or less. I do, however, like to set goals or specific choices for the New Year! Since we’re still in January, I wanted to share five “Watchwords” (a term I borrowed from Dr. Shelton Smith) that I have set for myself…

1.       Make God the #1 priority – not just through talking and perception – but being conscious about my decisions and choices. {Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods before Me -  Ist Commandment} When we humbly serve HIM first, everything else falls into place.

2.       Keep looking Up! My husband’s favorite scripture is Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Do you have loved ones in heaven? Friends that have gone on to the Holy City that John saw coming down as a bride adorned for her groom? It’s real, you know! What a reunion day! I had the blessing of meeting my biological grandmother one time before she died from cancer complications. I reflect back with great affection to that time we visited on her hospital bed. She asked me if I knew Christ. It brought tears to my eyes, because she had asked me before I could ask her! I had the joy of telling her about my personal relationship with Jesus, and that I would again, meet her in Glory, if not here on this earth. She passed away two days later. I’m so glad she wasn’t too bashful or nervous to ask me about salvation! Seize the moment! You never know when too late will be too late.

3.       Stay focused – {Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy – 4^th Commandment} It is so easy to allow ourselves to get off center! To lose focus! It is utterly important that we find ourselves prioritizing our local community church where the true Word of God is preached – not forums, conversations, sharing of ideas, or just teaching – but actually preached. All of us need to surround ourselves and stay consistently involved with a solid, KJV scripturally driven, Biblical church.  If you’re looking for a church home, please feel free to contact me! I am sure of this next point…The more I try to convey His worthiness and greatness, the more my inadequacy is revealed.

4.        Stay away from joy robbers! “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of concision,” Phil 3:2. We all know someone who is a “Debbie Downer.” Nothing is right…it’s too hot; it’s too cold; the singing was too long; the preaching was even longer; you can’t do it; you’re not good enough; there’s no point, etc. Avoid those people if possible! I’m not suggesting we treat them with rudeness and insincerity, but rather surround ourselves with people that help us to stay motivated and joyful. We can also sabotage ourselves by getting overly tired, overly burdened with worry, and stressed out. If you find your thoughts spiraling out of control, then try to regroup as quickly as you can. Remember that the evil one actually WANTS us to be joyless and discouraged. Ephesians 5:15 tells us, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

5.       Study the Word – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, “ John 1:1. It’s possible to read the Bible through in one year, and it doesn’t require an enormous time commitment. Three chapters per day for six days, and five chapters on the seventh day. (I do my five chapters on Fridays verses Sundays, but it’s your choice.)  You can do it too! If you decide to do this in 2013, please send me a message, and we’ll do it together! I assure you that your time will be well rewarded. If you’re new in the faith, I encourage you to start in Psalms or the book of John.

“The words of Scripture thrill my soul as nothing else ever can. They bear me aloft or dash me down. They tear me in pieces or build me up. The words of God have more power over me than ever David’s fingers had over his harp strings. Is it not so with you? --- Charles Spurgeon

Look UP my friends!

The Father's Love

To Him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by His blood – Revelation 1:5

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
[Originally, for such a worm as I?]

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.

Oh how the words of this great hymn bring rejoicing to my spirit! “Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!”  

Recently, a dear brother in Christ gave us a set of ceramic coasters with old hymns embellished on them. I’ve placed them strategically around the house. I routinely find myself switching out the one near my bedside so that I can read these anointed words before I go to sleep. It’s also our practice to leave a few Bibles open throughout our home, and when we walk by doing our daily activity, we try to stop, read a scripture or two, and then continue about our task. It’s a good thing to continually remind ourselves about heaven, the Lord, and His amazing love! We can truly never have too much God or too much LOVE in our lives.

Of all the promises and truths in the Holy Scriptures, there is possibly no truth that the evil one would like to blot out more! The truth of God’s love should ring in our hearts with both power and gentleness. For thousands of years, the evil one has been trying to convince humanity that God does not love them. He succeeded in making our first family, Adam and Eve, believe this enormous lie! Often he is successful in persuading this generation too.

The delight of experiencing His love does not rely on whether we’re good or bad. Just like we don’t teach our children that we’re against them or hate them when they do wrong or make a mistake. Their transgression does not change your love into hate – if it did, you would change your relationship an enormous amount of times and it would be a false example of unconditional love. So, no! He or she is still your child, and you love your child/children.

If men have gone astray from God, it does not mean that He hates them. There will never be a human being born that God hates – it may be the sin He hates – but not the person. Why is that? Because Christ Jesus died for all – for anyone that will believe in Him. (John 3:16 KJV)

Ask yourself, why is the understanding of unconditional love so hard to grasp from our perspective? Maybe it’s because we’re unworthy…

Look UP my friends!

A Discouraged Mind

When I was a young girl and "new in Christ," I used to think that life would get easier and simpler as time went by. I have come to the awareness that the longer I live, the more snares and challenges encircle me. And if I am being brutally honest, I need to own up to the fact that I have failed HIM greatly in my lifetime. I say with all sincerity, “Thank God for grace and mercy!” I have found in my own life, that the fiercest attacks are made on the strongest soil, and the fiercer the battle the soldier is called on to fight, the greater the evidence that the Almighty is working on his/her life. We, as Christians, ARE on the battlefield!

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Have you ever felt that the Christian path is sometimes more challenging and difficult than you thought it should or would be? You’ve probably heard this question before – why do bad things happen to good people? Why is it that every Christian, whether a seasoned “salty” one or a new believer experiences difficulties and trials? (I will expound about being a “salty Christian” in a future post – our Associate Pastor brought this out in a message recently, and it had a profound impact on my heart).

Many a young believer can be discouraged and disheartened when the odds seem to be stacked against them. But isn’t discouragement experienced by those seasoned Christians too? Of course!
It is very easy to let our minds lead us down the wrong road -  The evil one will whisper in our ear that God has forsaken us, that Christianity isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, that there’s no use in making sacrificial choices in our lives – doubts and fears can escalate in a few short moments. Before you know it, your mind is telling you to lay it all down; forget it; and give up in defeat! And these emotions are even more wounding if you’ve been hurt or poorly treated by someone you love, respect, or care for. Pain coupled with any negative emotion simply intensifies our hurt. In times like those, the only one to turn to is the Comforter, the Great Physician.

You remember Noah’s story, right? He preached 120 years with no visible reward! I can’t imagine the discouragement he might have experienced…the “what’s the point” commentary that would have no doubt been whispered among his family, neighbors, or friends. Let’s be reminded that we must keep our eyes focused on heavenly blessings and not earthly things.

Just like a visit to the optician for new glasses or contact lenses…we need to sharpen our spiritual vision when we fight the good fight. Last month I went for an eye exam myself. I hadn’t realized that my own vision prescription had changed until I had my eyes examined by a professional! We may have poor vision and not even realize it! Who better to help us with discouragement but our professional Way Maker, the Prince of Peace?!

There are lots of folks who have poor vision – they have what’s called a long eye and a short eye – and they make wretched work of their spiritual life. You see, one eye is kept on our eternal home, but the other eye is fixated on earthly goals. When you have opposing sides, someone WILL lose. We don’t want that side to be our spiritual side!

Have you seen and experienced God working in your life during times of attack? One way to fight discouragement is to reflect on ALL the times that God has delivered you from the snare of the evil one…ALL of the times He has answered your prayers…ALL of the times that He is there for us...ALL of the battles are His!

 Don’t be discouraged, friend! This valley you may be in didn’t come to stay around!

Proverbs 2:8 – He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.


Sickness must be present, for healing to take place
Lives must be broken, so they can be restored…
We must stop looking at our hard times,
Like they are dead end roads!
But avenues…to prove that He is Lord!

It didn’t come to stay….it came to pass…
                            ~Sung by The Martins

(I will try to upload the Hemric version of this song on my FB Page as well)


Look UP friends!

Humble Ourselves

“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10 (KJV)

The adversary provides a counterfeit for just about everyone or everything that's good and whole...he can counterfeit faith, counterfeit love, and even counterfeit hope. According to one writer, "There is one fruit of a Christian that is difficult to counterfeit for too long - and that is the fruit of humility."

 Don’t you love to around someone who’s humble? Self-effacing? Not trying to steal our joy or lift themselves up too greatly? One who doesn't put us down to lift their spirit up?

This morning I took a few quiet moments to enjoy the glistening snow-tipped pine boughs in our back yard. One could not help but notice how pure and wholesome the Earth looked. I saw the sun's golden rays streaming through the trees; squirrels were darting along the ice covered limbs; the far off conversation between a dog and his master in the distance could be heard. Yelps of happiness from both carried through the cold air. As I feasted my eyes to see the glorious creation of His hand, my thoughts turned to Jesus and the Apostle Paul.  

My thoughts brought to the forefront how the Apostle Paul so poignantly and humbly stated in I Timothy, chapter 1, that he was “chief among sinners.” What humility!
What an example! Oh, if we could only actively practice humility in our own lives!

We often experience a nation of “Me, myself, and I,” don’t we? I truly believe that we, our homes, churches, work places, dinner tables, and conversations could benefit from a good dose of humility. Let’s check ourselves. Is it our four and no more? Is it me first? Do we mistake kindness and humility for weakness? Do we find ourselves secretly brown nosing the boss? I imagine that our human nature could much more quickly point out someone else’s brown nosing before we acknowledge our own shortcomings, right? The truth as I see it, is that most arrogant people don’t apply humility to themselves. Their expectation is on the other person.  Rarely would an arrogant or selfish person also be humble. So, humility may take practice!

There’s a saying in the East among Arabs – “As the tares and the wheat grow, they show which God has blessed.”  The article I found on it said, "The ears that God has blessed bow their heads and acknowledge every grain, and the more fruitful they are, the lower their heads are bowed. The tares which God has sent as a curse lift up their heads, high above the wheat, but they are productive of arrogance."

Allow me to give another example, more simply illustrated. My mother-in-law has a crest of land below the Sauratown Mountains in North Carolina. On it, she has some of the most beautiful Crepe Myrtle trees you could ever see. Rich, bold magenta in color, and some filled with blossoms the size of mason jars. Every branch on some of the trees seems to be reaching upward, waving their splendid blossoms, almost like badges of honor. Last year, some of her trees were so full of blooms, that many branches almost touched the ground. Yet, a few trees remained mostly green; still pretty, but less fruitful.

If we could get down low enough, my friends, God will use every one of us for His glory.

Let's look UP!

Center of My Joy

Like a bucket draws water from the well, so the tongue of man dips down and usually pours out whatever the heart tells us - I love that quote! The second part says, "If our thoughts (and heart) are contaminated, so our words will reveal." (Similar to contaminating our rivers and streams with pollution!)  If our heart is clean, then a clean tongue is what we communicate both subconsciously and consciously. I've always heard that a person's true character is revealed when they least know it. Proverbs Chapter 10:32 states, "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness." (KJV)

If you're reading this blog, then it is my privilege, and my blessing, to share with you, most simply captured, my heart, and how a Cornerstone of Strength is the ONLY way to live a victorious, happy life. 

This blog is intended to encourage those who battle with various struggles within ourselves and/or with others in our life...Do a little assessment of your personal battle with issues such as envy, depression, stress, confusion, anger, impure thoughts, immodest dress, bitterness, revengeful spirit. I took the time to make two lists - one of my inner battles, and one of those who I perceive work against me, either on occasion or consistently. The list could continue indefinitely. Perhaps you've done a self-analysis and everything is coming up roses? No stress? No burdens to bear? Then by all means, please consider a genuine prayer of thankfulness and gratitude every day, multiple times per day, and remember the names of others in your circle who are in a vexed state of adversity against the evil one. Some more than others. Christians know and believe in an ACTIVE prayer life, right?! I encourage you to make two lists - be aware of the difference of internal and external conflict. Don't get discouraged if your list is lengthy! God is able! 

With that said, I'm not overly altruistic - we can't blame everything on the adversary, or satan as he's often referenced; the devil. We make choices! (For future reference: I will avoid grammatical correctness and won't capitalize his name, because he doesn't deserve that courtesy in my opinion). However, every Christian has an innate understanding that the evil one is real and he does, as the Holy Scriptures tell us in 1 Peter 5:8, go about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  

Now that you have identified your personal struggles, it is time to be reminded that the Almighty doesn't want us to worry so much (or as much as I do sometimes). Don't worry! Easily said, right? Instead of worrying, I pray. I simply talk to Jesus like I would my faithful husband or my closest friend. He is a true friend. You'll be amazed at what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your day. 

Fill your prayer and your mind with "Cornerstones of Strength" such as truth, grace, mercy, love, God's authenticity as the Savior of the world. Count your blessings! It won't be too long, before your mood is lifted, and you'll be able to face the next challenge through grace. (And by all means, stay away from those joy robbers! We'll talk more about those later)

In closing, I want to share the words of a beautiful song I came across. May they bless you and encourage you.


Jesus, you're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment,
Hope for all I do,
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

When I've lost my direction, You're the compass for my way;
Your're the fire and the light when nights are long and cold.
In sadness, You're my laughter
That shadows all my fears;
When I'm all alone, Your hand is there to hold.
                          - Gloria Gaither 



Look UP my friends!