How Can We Trust God in the Hard Times?

"So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10

This verse above was how I ended my last post - a post about rubbish being restored. Who knew? Who knew what devastation was to occur within 36 hours of that post? Only God. 

It'shard, no it’s impossible, for me to hold it together seeing the images and hearing the stories from Oklahoma. The children. The destruction. The seeming randomness of it all. Why were some spared while others were obliterated?

Here in New Jersey, we had similar experiences at the hand of Hurricane Sandy. Seven months ago, total destruction randomly meted out.

This morning’s Jesus Calling lends some insight:

I, the Creator of the universe,am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.

It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. … you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!

I feel conflicted when I read this. Yes, God is the Comforter who offers worry-free abundant life. But He’s also the Creator of the universe, so couldn’t He prevent this?

Well yes, He could. But in this instance, He didn’t. My earthly mind thinks this is harsh. But my spirit seeks truth from the Word. And this is where it starts to make a little sense. Often we never fully know the whys of situations like this. But we can know in part.

The Word tells us that God used hardship and persecution to accomplish His purposes:

- of bringing His people, the nation of Israel, back into relationship with Him.

- of leading His people, the church, out of Jerusalem to share the Gospel in the outermost parts of the earth.

- of allowing His people individually to seek comfort, solace, strength, purpose, vision, courage, in Him the Source.

If we trust in Him in the good times, how much more do we need to trust in Him during the hard?

Seven months ago, the Jersey Shore appeared without hope and beyond repair. Many areas still remain just as they were. But other areas are being given new life. They are restored stronger and better than they were before. Progress is being made daily. Most of the beaches and boardwalks will be open next weekend for Memorial Day even though the construction continues.

If in the physical realm, we can achieve more than we imagine possible at the moment of heartache, how much more can we as believers, with infinite resources to call upon, rise above our circumstances in hope.

Right now, things in Oklahoma appear to be without hope and beyond repair. But that’s just the beginning of the story. The Psalmist said:

I waited patiently for theLord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mudand mire;

he set my feeton a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new songin my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear theLord

and put their trustin him. Ps. 40:1-3

Lord, we pray for those who are experiencing unimaginable loss and destruction in Oklahoma. We grieve with them. We ask that You bathe the area in Your promise of hope for the future, provide the needed resources, burden hearts to offer help, comfort those in despair. May we see You and experience Your peace in the midst and the aftermath of the storm. In the steady rock named Jesus we pray, Amen.

How you can help:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

http://www.worldvision.org/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/20/how-to-help-oklahoma_n_3308962.html

http://www.weather.com/news/tornado-central/salvation-army-red-cross-providing-help-20130520

 Comments welcome here.

Susan Panzica is a Jewish Jersey girl who loves Jesus, her family, the ocean, and mangos. Her passion is to bring an eternal perspective to earthly matters through writing, speaking, teaching, and coffee dates. A quasi-emptynester who works with her chiropractor husband, she thoroughly enjoys when her college age children are home, with or without all their friends. Susan is a speaker, women and children’s Bible teacher, and writer of the devotional blog Eternity Café. You can also check out Susan at www.susanpanzica.com

photo credit: ZY-CO via photopincc

Choosing to Be a Mother

This past January there was a lot of chatter on television and the Internet surrounding the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.  While over the years I have not thought much about it, the buzz online stirred up thoughts that began circling around in my head about one fateful decision I made 39 years ago concerning the birth of my firstborn child.

I was 24 and my husband Michael was 29.  I was working as a hairdresser in a prestigious hair salon when I discovered that I was pregnant.  I was excited about the idea of having a child, but I was concerned about whether or not we could afford one.  When I married my husband I had also married his debts.

I immediately called my husband with the good news only to find out that he wasn’t as excited as I was.

He said he wanted me to get an abortion. 

“What?”  I couldn’t believe he said that to me.  I was surprised to find out that we had such different reactions to this pregnancy.  He had always wanted more than one child, and I wanted less than five.  However, I thought that he believed as I did, that an abortion was the shedding of innocent blood.“I am not killing this baby!”  I said to him.

Even though I did not have any church or Bible teaching on the subject, I knew that there was a baby growing on the inside of me and the idea of ending its life was out of the question.

In December of 1974 I gave birth to a 7lb., 6oz., baby girl. 

In the early years of our marriage, my husband’s job kept him on the road traveling most of the time so it was left up to me to raise our daughter the first few years of her life.  Four years after she was born, our small family relocated to New York, where the home base of my husband’s company was located. I soon discovered I was pregnant with our second child. 

Michael’s reaction to this second pregnancy was not the same as the first.  Our daughter had been such a delight to us that any fears my husband had about having children quickly disappeared.

I surrendered my life to God when our daughter was in third grade. 

We attended a church where the uncompromised Word of God was being taught.  It was a small church and my children sat next to me every Wednesday night and Sunday morning as the pastor taught the congregation.  After I learned about the power of God and how to take the promises of God and turn them into prayers, I began to pray every day for my children. I was able to encourage and instruct them in the Word of God in everything that we did.

Then I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997.

 My daughter was by my side constantly speaking words of faith she had learned over the years. She would remind me that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and that With Godall things are possible (Matthew 19:26), even my healing.

Deuteronomy 30:19, Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live.

39 years ago I chose life and I am so thankful that I did.

Michael and I both are so very grateful that we did not abort our little girl.  Our daughter has grown into a lovely Proverbs 31 woman.  She is married and has given us three wonderful grandchildren. They are being taught the principles and character of God and to have a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. She is a wife, stay-at-home mom, blogger, designer, and entrepreneur.  She enjoys volunteering at her children’s school, running, and reading.  She and her family also enjoy traveling the country with Michael and me in our RV.  She has touched the lives of many people throughout the years with her peaceful and kind manner.  

The joy that our daughter has given to us over the years is priceless.

I made the choice for life and my descendants are now a living testimony to the goodness of God because of that choice. 

If you find yourself being pressured into terminating your pregnancy by having an abortion, I want to encourage you to remember my story concerning my daughter.  God has plans of a future and hope for both you and your child.  If you cannot find support from your family, there are many people and agencies that will lend a helping hand. Click here for a comprehensive resource.

My prayer for all moms is that you will find as much joy and delight in your child as I have had in mine.

Are you struggling with a hard choice? 

Martha Wentz has been married for 41 years and is a mother of 2 grown children, grandmother of 3 small children. She ministerd to children, ages 7-9, for 18 years.  She also ministered for 9 years in Victorious Overcomers, a support group. Her body was healed of cancer and her marriage saved from divorce by the power & mercy of the One True Living God! She is the author of Unforgiveness, Cancer, and Healing. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

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When a Home Renovation Leads to a Spiritual Lesson

We are about to start a home reno project.

It's something my husband and I have talked about since we moved into our 80-year-old home several years ago. The kitchen is original to the house, so are the bathrooms, we are redoing both.  I have been looking through magazines, sketching ideas, and drawing numerous plans trying to generate ideas for the project. 

Our architect came over the other night and dropped off the schematic designs. These are the plans that show us the ideas he's come up with. Once we give him the thumbs up, he’ll start drawing the plans the contractor will use to build from.  

Many times I became discouraged waiting for this process to begin. Each day I contend with cabinet doors that don’t close, never ending flaky paint, and leaky plumbing. I started to loose hope that things would never change.

Seeing those drawings cured the discouragement I experienced in the waiting.

My excitement for the project was renewed once I saw the rooms of our house illustrated on paper. I am a visual person, so I am not surprised that this is what it took to jumpstart my delight.  Each time I glance at the drawings lying on my dining room table, I can't help but smile. I have a bounce in my step anticipating the changes that are going to take place in my home.

I am reminded of how my faith in prayer ebbs and flows too. 

I am thrilled when I come across a scripture in the Bible that meets a need in my life. I begin to pray and trust my situation to God. Early in the journey, there is joy in the anticipation of what lies ahead, what God will do in my circumstance. Somewhere between the beginning and the answered prayer, though, I grow apathetic. Just like my enthusiasm for a new kitchen began to wane over the last year, I lose steam when I am waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled in my life.  It's easy in the lull to get discouraged or distracted.

I hate riding that emotional roller coaster.

So I came up with some ideas that might help steady me. Maybe they’ll help you too!

• Be thankful for where I am now.

• Write down what I am praying for and any relevant scriptures.

• Memorize scripture that encourages me.

• Memorize a new scripture. Praying just one or two Bible verses over and over will sow that promise into my heart but it may get stale and my prayers may become rote. So change it up.

• Read books or blog posts that build my faith.

• Remind myself of what God has done in my life in the past. Share it with others. Listen to or read the testimonies of others.

• Pray with a friend.

• Keep the vision literally in front of me. Hang up a picture or a sign that reminds me of what I are looking forward to.

I have taken these steps individually and they have given me a boost when I need it. However, I have also carried them out collectively, as apart of a long-term strategy and it’s enabled me to go the distance.

Many months will pass before our home project will be complete. There are still final drawings to come, a contractor to choose, and finishes to pick out. Once the transformation begins, the lives we’re accustomed to will no doubt be disrupted. Strangers will be in and out of our house and dust will be everywhere. I bet I will be tempted to lose my enthusiasm again.  However, if I keep those drawings handy, looking at them often, I’ll have what I need to maintain my joy, knowing that one day soon, my kitchen/bathroom makeover will be finished.

How about you? What steps do you take to keep the faith in the waiting? Tell us here.

KimberlyAmici is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.

Follow Kimberly her blog at Living in the Sweet Spot, Facebook, or on Twitter.Click here for her full bio.

Being Still and Knowing He Is God

My Recent Retreat Experience

I was thrilled and intrigued when I received the email from my stepsister Susie Minno inviting me to celebrate her 60th birthday by joining her for a day of retreat. What a unique idea! I’ve been to plenty of exciting, wonderful, blessed birthday festivities, but I knew this one would be a gift to all who could attend. I marked my calendar right away…

The day was bright and beautiful.

The retreat property included a large gracious home on sweeping grounds with a lovely pond, a vegetable garden, and sitting areas scattered around. We met in a large parlor, in a circle, and shared a bit about who we were. In-between reflection and journaling on our own, we returned to this sacred place to share. Much of our time was spent silently, alone, meditating on scripture, particularly:

Come to me!Matthew 11:28

There were also a few quotes, thoughts, questions; exercises we could use to direct our quiet time. I must admit, looking back on my journal (which Susie gave us as a special retreat gift), I see I was having a tough time settling down.

One of the exercises was to write a letter to God. And I had plenty to say. We were just three weeks away from launching Circles of Faith, so my mind was racing with To Dos, due dates, etc. Starting this new venture, I had so many questions, so many “what ifs,” so many hopes and doubts. This letter to God allowed me to pour out my heart and settle down.

Another exercise was a letter from God to me. This is what I recorded in my journal.

Dear Elise,

I am your lifeline. Take heart and rest in this, apart from me you can do nothing.

You can’t balance work, family, dinner, wants, and have tos.

You can’t have the marriage you desire.

You can’t rely on yourself to eat well, lose weight, and keep it off.

You can’t close your mouth when you want to open it.

You can’t love like me.

You can’t change the bad spending habits you’ve formed.

You can’t obey my command to love me and love others.

But here is the VERY GOOD NEWS…

You can do all things through Me. Everything I have purposed and planned will come to pass. What I have said, that will I do.

Have hope in Me alone. And rest assured, I love you with an everlasting love.

Stay close to Me.

Invite Me in to all things.

Start with Me.

End with Me.

This is rest.

Trust in Me.

I will never mislead or misguide.

I love you more than you can imagine…

I AM!

My response to God…

Oh God, I believe. Yet, help me in my unbelief! (Matthew 9:24)

Have you met with God recently? What is He saying to you? Let us know here.

*Elise's post was mostly written at the 60th Birthday Retreat Susan Minno shared on Circles of Faith, Wednesday, April 17. Click Here to read...

Elise has been married for 28 years and is mom to four mostly grown girls. She is a writer, editor, writing coach, and blogger. She believes we all have stories that matter--big life bios and small meaningful moments. Elise believes our stories are a reflection of God’s glory and are meant to be shared. They have the power to inform, reform, and transform. She loves God, familly, friends...and really likes travel!

photo credit: Olivander via photopincc

Still Hungry

Blessedarethey which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 Matthew 5:6

I sat on the deserted beach

watching the Gulf's waters rise and fall.

Hearing them pound the shore.

There was in my spirit a longing.

A craving.

An intense, deep hunger....

to find my Creator.

To talk with Him.

To hear His voice.

To sense His presence.

So jaded was life.

So tired was I....

of the chaos that surrounded my existence.

I searched for peace.

I longed for inward rest...

that would sustain me..

and not leave in the days to come.

I sat on the rock...

alone...

wind sweeping long hair,

drying quickly-falling tears...

almost as quickly as they fell.

How I longed to just fly away...

on its wings...

through the turbulent, stormy skies...

and be at rest.

I turned my face upward...

closed my eyes....

spoke with my heart.

My mouth didn't move.

Just my soul.

He heard....

sensed my hunger....

for Him.

He nourished my soul.

Dried my tears.

Brought calm.

I watched the sun set,

then disappear,

and melt into the waves.

I hesitantly climbed down from the rock,

wishing things were different, but knowing I was.

 I was filled with His presence.

So, I could go on.

Since then,

God has led to greener pastures.

One thing has not changed.

I am still hungry.

As I prayed this morning,

I told God so.

I hunger for Him...every, single day.

In calm or chaos,

grief or joy.

Whatever the external.

My heart craves...

longs for...

seeks after....

God.

He fills me to the point of overflowing.

To the point of feeling I will never hunger for Him again.

But every day, the hunger is fresh.

Like I've never been filled before.

I need God.

I crave His presence.

When I feel separated from Him,

due to the stuff of life,

I sense a strong, inward tug...

to find a place alone.

Remember the children of Israel?

Their journeys,

trials, tribulations, and circumstances....

all recorded as natural types and shadows

of the spiritual lives you and I now live.

We can learn so much from them.

The 78th chapter of Psalms paints a vivid portrait

and gives their story in a nutshell.

At one point, they were wandering in the wilderness.

They were hungry, physically,

doubting God,

not believing He could feed them there...

surrounded by such desolation.

The foolishness of their doubtful words found in the 19th verse?

"Yea, they spake against God; 

they said, ‘Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?’"

I call their words foolish because they knew what God could do.

He had already miraculously parted the Red Sea...

caused the waters to stand in a heap on both sides...

dried the muddy ground in the middle...

right in front of their very eyes...

and kept it dry until the last one

of their doubtful feet crossed over to the other side.

He had caused water to gush from a rock,

when they were thirsty.

He had rained down manna from Heaven,

when they were hungry.

How could they doubt what God could do?

Perhaps, due to circumstances beyond your control,

you are surrounded by spiritual desolation.

Wilderness.

Where no sustenance grows.

Can God feed you there?

Can He furnish a table?

Right there....in such dry conditions?

Yes, my friend!

He is the Creator, remember?

He made the world...

out of nothing.

To furnish a table, 

with all the trimmings,

overladen with spiritually-charged nutrition,

is an easy task for God.

Even in the most desolate wastelands of your life.

You don't have to be seated in a pew

or in the midst of the sanctimonious.

On a beach,

in a church building,

in your living room,

in the car,

at the foot of a mountain,

on your knees,

flat on your back,

in the woods,

 at the stump of a tree,

seated on a fallen log,

surrounded by unbelievers,

in the midst of persecution...

wherever you are.

He will come down...

right there...

whereyouare,

and He will furnish a table...

just for you.

It will contain an "all-you-can-eat" buffet.

Each time you go back,

you will find a fresh supply...

of goodness,

and everything you crave.

His creativity is endless.

He is the Creator.

He never runs out of ideas…

on how to feed your soul...

as long as you are hungry.

His table is spread.

He waits for you.

Just take His hand....

and follow Him...

to the table.

Comments? Click Here

Cheryl Smith is eternally-grateful wife to Kevin and homeschool Mama to Zachary.  Daily walks with God, conversations with the Potter, peaceful married life, the beautiful way God still opens barren wombs and sets the solitary in families, homeschooling, aging parents, grief, family ties, & the endless joys of being in the center of God's perfect, abiding will...these things she lives and breathes and knows.  These things she writes from her heart at Homespun Devotions at www.cherylsmithministries.blogspot.com.

photo credit: Paulo Brandão via photopincc

A Wild (Snow) Goose Chase

This past week, my husband Josh and I were enjoying a lazy Sunday, hoping to get out into some natural surroundings at some point to enjoy the hints of spring in the air. We are done with the hibernation of winter, ready for warmth and sunlight.

Friends of ours called and said that they were taking a drive to the Lancaster area to see a wildlife area known for the migration of snow geese and tundra swans. Though I had plenty of dishes to do, blog posts to write, books to read, and so on, we decided to spontaneously hop into the car and go with them, seeking an outdoor adventure.

When we arrived to the reservoir where the geese where supposed to be, we saw thousands of birds in the distant sky, masses of white making waves in the air. We drove on to get a closer look, but alas, that was the only glimpse we got of the snow geese all day.

There were, however, around 100 or so tundra swans, gracefully swimming in the reservoir, and though they were still a ways off, we were able to admire them from afar. All four of us climbed a huge tree to get a better look. I have to admit it’s been a while since I’ve climbed a tree, and the ascent and descent were a bit more difficult than I can remember.

Though we missed the peak of the snow geese (55,000 or more in February), I did not miss the rejuvenation of being outside. I did not miss the crisp air and sunshine, the beauty of light and color, azure sky, rich blue water, golden fields.

Nature is good for my soul.

Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Sacred writings are bound in two volumes - that of creation and that of the Holy Scriptures. Visible creatures are like a book in which we read the knowledge of God.” Whether majestic snow geese or elegant tundra swans, hyacinths or crocuses, we understand God in new ways through all these aspects of nature. “To study the word of God is to study nature,” says Matthew Fox.

 It becomes clear to me time and time again that God speaks to me, to all of us, through Creation. When we are in love with God, then ideally, we are loving Creation; we see the earth’s inherent worth and value. We become compelled to care for the earth in which we live, to live in a way that honors God and all that God created.

May we seek a greater understanding of God through Creation all around us. 

When have you experienced God's presence in nature?

Micalagh Beckwith Moritz is a social worker, a writer, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a community member...continually learning how to do a better job at each of these roles. She is newly married (if under 2 years still counts as "new"!) and currently working as a school-based clinical therapist. She is always contemplating how to love others better and to enjoy the small things of life; to see God in everything...and everyone. Also important to note- she loves cheese, speaking French, and experiencing different cultures (whether in or out of the United States)! Micalagh blogs at Only Small Things.

photo credit: Rick Leche via photopincc

Easter's Over - Now What?

Many of us focus on the seven last sayings of Jesus during Holy Week .

Now, on this day after Easter, let’s look at what Jesus said after his resurrection.

Jesus’ parting words before His ascension are found in three of the four Gospels and in Acts 1. These messages, spoken nearly two centuries ago, still have meaning for us today.

COMFORT

When Mary Magdalene finds Jesus’ body is missing from the tomb, she is dismayed. Weeping in grief and uncertainty, Jesus had only to say her name to soothe her (John 20:11-18).

When Jesus appeared before His other disciples, who were “startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost,” He bid them peace (Luke 24:36, 37). He assured them His death proved He had authority over heaven and earth (v. 18), and that He would be with them forever (Matthew 28:20). Jesus pledged to them life-long comfort, in the person of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5, 8), fulfilling a promise he had made earlier (John 14:16-18, 26; 16:7-15).

Like Mary and the disciples, we too desperately need consolation for our anxiety, confusion, and sorrow. This same risen Savior cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We not only find solace in His words in Scripture (Romans 15:4), but also are strengthened by the Holy Spirit who remains active in every believer’s life (Romans 5:5).

COMMAND

Jesus issued only one directive before he ascended: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20). “Go,” He said, “make disciples…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:48).

Jesus left us with a big task, one that is perhaps even a little scary and overwhelming. But when He gave the charge, He also supplied the power, again, through the Holy Spirit, through power from on high (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49). And therein lies the…

CHALLENGE

A pair of Jesus’ followers journeyed to the village of Emmaus that resurrection day, conversing about the amazing events. Jesus approached and asked, “What are you discussing together as you walk?” (Luke 24:16, 17). They incredulously wondered aloud if this stranger (they were prevented from recognizing him) was the only one who hadn’t heard the news. “What things?” Jesus prodded them (vv. 18, 19).

The two travelers related their bewilderment about the astounding happenings, Jesus’ death and resurrection, and what they signified (v. 19-24). “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Jesus chided them. “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (v. 25). And he went on to explain it all to them (v. 27).

Later, as they ate, the pair had their eyes opened, and they recognized the Lord, only to have him vanish (vv. 30, 31). “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” they marveled to each other (v. 32).

Jesus also confronted the remaining 11 of his closest friends: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!” (Luke 24:38, 39). He invited the skeptical Thomas to touch his hand and his side as further proof (John 20:27).

Seven of those men next saw Jesus at dawn by the Sea of Tiberias. “Do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter three times (John 21:15-17), perhaps to offset the disciple’s trio of denials of the previous week (John 18:16-17, 25-27). “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus countered over Peter’s protestations of love (John 21:15-17).

Then Peter learned how he was to die. Undoubtedly disturbed and upset, he gestured toward his fellow disciple John, and asked what his fate would be. “What is that to you?” Jesus rebuked him. “You follow me!” (vv. 21, 22).

Then Jesus’ followers had one final question before he left them: when are you going to make everything right here on earth (Acts 1:6)? “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority,” Jesus said, a reply that must have left the still-reeling believers even more puzzled.

Our challenges haven’t changed: we read Scripture, but don’t always know how to apply it; we struggle with doubt; we declare our love for the Lord and our fellow sheep, but fail to show it; we get distracted by what God’s doing in the lives of others to the detriment of our own walk with him; we want to know the whys and whens and hows, trying to take command of what rightfully belongs only to God.

Oh, that our hearts would burn like those two on the road to Emmaus! That we would “not see and yet believe” (John 20:29)! That we would “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles [and] run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1), instead of snaring ourselves in matters over which we have no control!

May these resurrection words stir us as they did the early church, so that  “with glad and sincere hearts” we too will “praise God and enjoy the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:46, 47).    

Comments welcome HERE...

 Penny Musco is a freelance writer with a terrific family—husband, daughter, mom, two brothers, and an assortment of in-laws, nieces and nephews. Her first passion is living for God as His child, redeemed from my “empty way of life…with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). A second is being with her family. Creating stories, whether fiction or non-fiction, is a third. And then there’s travel, especially to places where she can get up close and personal with the natural world. Trekking through the national parks is the best way she's found to combine all four. 

Penny blogs at Life Lessons From the National Parks. She can also be found at http://www.pennymusco.com and  http://www.steal-away.com

When Your Mother-In-Law Tests Your Ability to Forgive

My husband and I have been traveling back and forth to Pennsylvania to visit my mother-in-law who has been seriously ill. At 90 years of age, Nadine went into the hospital to get a pacemaker. Up until that time, she was a healthy, strong-willed person with a sound and alert mind, still able to drive her own car. Complications set in and she was eventually placed in a rehabilitation center.

Despite the fact that I did everything I could to please her, and to be the daughter that she never had, Nadine never accepted me. Her only son Michael, now my husband, entered the Navy when he was just 17 years old. When he was discharged, he decided to stay in Virginia rather than to return to his hometown. I met him two months later. Despite the timing, Michael’s mother blamed me for his decision, saying that I wanted to keep him away from her.

I liked Nadine immediately when I first met her!

She was very friendly and outspoken. However, she kept calling me Barbara. This lasted for approximately six months. Whenever I asked Michael why she called me that he would respond, “Oh don’t mind her, she’s just getting old.”  I found out later that Barbara was Michael’s distant cousin and high school sweetheart, whom Nadine had wanted Michael to marry. Nadine told me that she thought the reason that Michael didn’t move back home was because of Barbara. Ok, so which is it?  Is it my fault or Barbara’s? 

When Michael and I became engaged, I showed Nadine my ring. She responded, “Why, that’s bigger than mine!” Her comment surprised me because it sounded like jealousy. This bothered me; I had a problem ignoring it.

Michael and I were engaged for about eight months when, one night, Michael said, “That’s it, we’re getting married tomorrow!”  We eloped without telling anyone. When we arrived back home, we shared the good news with our parents. At a time when family was supposed to be happy for us, Nadine was devastated. She once again blamed me, this time for robbing her of seeing her only child walk down the wedding aisle in church.

It seemed Nadine didn’t like anything I did.

She didn’t like me having a job. Then, when I quit, she didn’t like me being at home. She didn’t like me teaching my children responsibilities (chores) around the house and she certainly didn’t like me raising my children in my newfound faith. She once shouted at me, “I don’t care what the Bible says!  I only care what my church says!”

Nadine didn’t like the way I cooked food or cleaned the house. She certainly didn’t like the car I drove. She even stood in the hallway of her home, shaking her finger in my face, and told me that she didn’t care anything about me; she only cared about Michael. I had gotten to the point where I would become physically sick whenever we would make a trip to visit with her. I would try to talk my husband into leaving me at home, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

I prayed, “How long do I have to turn the other cheek Lord? How many times do I have to keep on forgiving her?”

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) says "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.". That means that when the enemy of our soul comes to us and replays all of the horrible things that another person has done to hurt us, we are called to forgive them.

Forgiveness is a choice that each one of us has to make.

Over the years, I had developed the mentality that this woman was too big for even God to do anything with. But after spending time in prayer for her, I could see that she was hurting inside and desperately needed the unconditional love that many of us search for in life. God loves her and cares about her just as much as he cares about me. God gave me a compassion for her that enabled me to look at her through His eyes.

I made the choice to let go of all bitterness, resentment, and un-forgiveness that I had developed toward my mother-in-law over the years.

It was only when I began to pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness to be upon her that I started to see a change in her attitude toward me. By the time Nadine became sick, I was able to look at her and repeatedly think to myself, she’s not bigger than God, she’s just flesh and blood.

For the last six months, Nadine has allowed me to pray for her and she has even said the prayer of salvation with Michael and me. On a recent visit, she told me, “It’s nice that you pray for me like you do.”  When I kissed her on the cheek and said, "I love you." she replied, "I know you do." On another visit Nadine turned to me and said, “I have accused you of many things these past years, but I was wrong.”My first thought at her statement was that of astonishment.My second thought was, “Why couldn’t this moment have come years ago?

If you’re having difficulty with your mother-in-law, begin praying for her today.  Take the promises of God from the Bible and claim them for her. Remember, she’s YOUR mother-in-law.  Don’t let the devil steal what belongs to you!

Post script:At 91 years old, Nadine died on February 25th, 2013.She will be missed by many people but especially by me.However, I know that I will see her again when I leave this earth to be with our Lord and Savior.

Martha has been married for 41 years and is a mother of 2 grown children, grandmother of 3. She has ministerd to children, ages 7-9, for 18 years. She also ministered for 9 years in Victorious Overcomers Support Group. Her body was healed of cancer and her marriage saved from divorce by the power & mercy of the One True Living God! She is the author of Unforgiveness, Cancer, and Healing coming out soon. Click here to follow her on Twitter.

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Where Does Your Faith Come From?

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

On St. Patrick’s Day, I can’t help but think of my beloved Grandma who traveled here, a young girl, barely 20, to the United States from Ireland 90+ years ago.

I wish I could talk to her today, but she is long gone. She died in 1972. There is so much I’d like to know more about.

What was it like for her to leave her mother and father in one country to join brothers and sisters in a new land that lay across the sea? To go to an unknown city, leaving behind the stone farmhouse in the country hills of Fermanagh, the only home she had ever known?

Was she scared? Excited? Did she feel courageous and brave…she surely was!

There are things I know about Grandma, but so much more I wish I knew.

When Grandma arrived here in the U.S., about 1920, she went to live with her sister in New York. I recall Grandma telling me she met her husband, Grandpa Daly, a.k.a. Charlie Daly, through her brother Patrick, who used to drive an ice truck back in the day when there were ice boxes.

I don’t know what Grandpa did for a living. I only know that he had difficulty keeping a job during the Great Depression. And, in fact, grew quite literally depressed from lack of work. Grandpa fell ill, was hospitalized, and never returned home. He died when my dad was 13.

Around this time, Grandma started working as, basically, an “Irish washerwoman” or “domestic” for wealthy doctors. Once Grandpa died, Grandma couldn’t keep her home and she and Dad moved in with one of the doctor’s families…living in the back rooms of the doctor’s office.

Dad was a good boy, but the class clown. He was being educated for free at St. Peter’s Prep School as a poor student of promise. Because of his antics, Grandma had to cry to the dean of students more than once, begging Dad back into the dean’s good graces…and allowing Dad to graduate by the skin of his teeth.

Dad went to St. Peter’s College at night, so he could earn money during the day. Eventually, he did not fall short of Grandma’s high expectations and belief that the only way up out of poverty was through education. Dad had a very successful publishing career and was most assuredly the apple of his mother’s eye.

Meanwhile, Grandma went from washerwoman to nanny of another doctor’s family. She worked hard, scraped by many times, and when she was too old to work anymore, at the age of 65, Grandma came to live with us. She walked with a cane due to a leg that had broken in two places and never healed quite right. Her hands were gnarled with arthritis and her back bowed in pain much of the time. She could barely see from the effects of macular degeneration.

BUT Grandma was the most thankful person I have ever met.

She was positive and encouraging. She was an advocate for…everyone. She prayed wholeheartedly for all she knew. In fact, when she could no longer do much besides help care for the crazy brood of five children that were the Daly Kids, prayer became her life’s work.

Whenever I picture Grandma, I see her in her big plaid buffalo chair in her corner of the sun porch in heaven. There is a line of people waiting just to share their prayer requests with her, knowing she is a constant, consistent, powerful prayer warrior.

Grandma had nothing of material worth…yet for many years she was everything to me. In the midst of my parents’ messed up marriage, Grandma was an anchor in the storm. In the midst of middle school insecurity, she was blessed assurance that I was loved. In the midst of my growing need for something bigger, surer, more certain, she was a glimpse of the Jesus she so loved, the God I have come to know.

Grandma never preached. She just lived…quiet, prayerful, sure, faithful. And she passed this legacy on to me.

I wish I knew when and how Grandma came to such strong faith. I will never know this side of heaven.

But I am thankful every day for her gift of faith that keeps on giving to me.

Is there someone who left you a legacy of faith? Someone who was a beacon of Light in your life, whose faith drew you to faith? Tell us HERE

photo credit: Randy Durrum via photopincc

Elise has been married for 28 years and is mom to four mostly grown girls. She is a writer, editor, writing coach, and blogger. She believes we all have stories that matter--big life bios and small meaningful moments. Elise believes our stories are a reflection of God’s glory and are meant to be shared. They have the power to inform, reform, and transform. She loves God, familly, friends...and really likes travel!

Abundant Living Becomes a Reality

A year ago, I found myself at a major crossroads in my faith journey.  I began to seriously entertain life questions that I had been grappling with for years.  Why wasn’t the promise of abundant living found in the Bible a living reality to me?  Was it Biblically correct to embrace faith-filled suffering?  If so, could my suffering prove to be God’s “BLUEPRINT” for me to develop a deeper sense of felt joy?  Is redemption revealed through suffering?

Revelation of God’s Goodness

Captivated by the very possibility that God could bring about a depth of joy through my suffering, I began to feel comforted.  A newly discovered sense of HOPE was taking root in my heart.  Gradually, my human will was being postured to “KNOWING” what Father God had in store for my life.  Never once did I fathom that my decision to fully surrender my will to His blueprint, could lead to a revelation of the Goodness of God! 

Hoping Without Knowing

I began my intentional journey of not knowing, but hoping, by yielding my control to understand.  I practiced being gracious to myself as the process of surrender beckoned me to come closer to God.  I realized that the questions I had grappled with for so long; were actually the very longings of my soul hungering to know God as my Father.  God wants me to know Him through and through.  He is deeply concerned for me and cares immeasurably for me.  His commitment to conform me into the very likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29) is the very cry of His heart.  Knowing this leads me to the very reservoir of God’s goodness and mercy towards me.

Gaining Victory

Redemption was revealed to me when I surrendered to the unknown destination of faith my major life experiences of journeying through and gaining victory over many years of manic depression and trichotillomania (an impulse control disorder characterized by compulsive hair-pulling).  It is a true reflection of the very real and felt presence of Father God’s manifested goodness towards a once deeply broken, in spirit, me.  His goodness graces me with deep love, compassion, and empathy towards countless victims of painful childhoods.  It goes beyond my sake and comfort in life and allows me to reach others.  Through my journey God helps me to  give a voice to the voiceless victim, who longs to be released from the deep fear of exposure and rejection.

Running the Race of Life

Father God’s goodness galvanized my understanding of what it means to be His beloved daughter.  It frees me of my own limited human comprehension of a father’s love shown to his biological daughter.  God’s goodness teaches me the inward truth that I too, with all my human frailties, am forever dependent on the gift of free-flowing Grace of His heart. It is available to assist me when I fall short of drawing life and courage from being in His Presence.  As I embrace that Grace, I am, in part, mastering His art of defining the joy that was set before Him, in the aftermath of His death on the Cross, for you and I.  In joy and in suffering, I can now run the race of life with confidence.  “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV).  

Celebrating the Journey

With great expectancy in my “faith journey,” I no longer view my life as a moment by moment sorting through of painful memories, dead promises, and endless looping questions. I am on an infinite symbolic journey on Highway Psalm 27, always keeping my mind’s eye on Exit v.13. This way, despite every road I have traveled down, I can now celebrate my life journey, and travel free of the cares of this life. With a full heart I say: “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 NIV). 

To comment click HERE. 

Maryann L. Hayles is the Co-founder and Managing Partner, Inner Healing for The Center for Emotional and Spiritual Development - Website is www.emotionalspiritualcenter.org. Email address is mhayles@emotionalspiritualcenter.org.  She oversees the Emotional and Spiritual Health segment for Christ Church Women's Ministry.  Maryann is a passionate follower of the lover of her soul - Jesus Christ and delights in seeing broken people healed, restored and fulfill their God-given destiny. She is the proud wife, of 11 years, to Rupert A. Hayles, Jr.

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Five Decades at the Potter’s Wheel

2013 marks my 50th year of life. I am so excited. I always take note of entering into new decades; there is something very special about that to me.

Before New Year’s and in preparation for this golden year, I wanted to do some “decluttering” and reorganizing, so I’d be unencumbered by the stuff that just builds up over time. I’ve done this over the years, but this time was different.

In the midst of throwing out old things that were no longer needed and organizing things, I sat for a while, pouring over my memories of decades past, through pictures, letters, and journals. As I looked back over my life (and this is truly why I love getting older), I was simply amazed by how God, the Potter, so carefully has been molding me on His wheel as the years turned.

Molded for Empathy

In the first decade, He shaped my empathy for others. Only God could use my chaotic childhood experiences that were soaked in a potent, toxic mix of addiction and mental illness, to dig a deep well of empathy within me. It’s a well that I have drawn on time and time again to serve others in their time of need.

Molded for Purpose

In my teens, He shaped my determination and perseverance to stay the course and get to the goal. By the grace of God, I escaped some of the vestiges of family dysfunction, and bypassed destructive peer pressure because His firm hand kept pushing me toward purpose.

Molded for His Will

In my 20s and 30s, He walked me through some dark valleys. I believe His hand was upon me. I also know He had to pry open my hand, so I’d relinquish my own will for His will for my life.

Through the deaths of both my parents, my husband’s devastating departure, and my own near death, He added levels of faith and belief that I didn’t know were possible. I can truly say with assurance that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

Molded for Sacrifice

In my 40s He honed my courage to use my gifts and my voice to address leaders and speak the truth and the courage to stay true and COMMITTED to fulfilling my unique calling, in season and out of season. He gave me a fuller understanding of Romans 12:1 (should use quote), what it means to be a living sacrifice.

And now, here I am, entering my 50th year and God continues to mold me. His work is not close to being finished, but I can honestly tell you that He’s given me what I need to go to the places He calls me to go to, to take the risks He asks me to take, to stay committed to the tasks He assigns…no matter what. And to truly follow Jesus…no matter what. In 50 years, I’ve learned to follow Jesus—THAT IS TRULY LIVING.

On New Year’s I looked back over my life, and reflected on how the Master Potter has taken such great care to prepare His disciple. I just have to give Him praise.

As you look back, how has the Master Potter taken care of you over the years? Let us know HERE.

For the past 25 years Karen Proctor has defined herself by two words, Chelsea’s mom. One of her greatest joys in life is to be her mother and to have a role in helping her to blossom as a grown up human. She spent many years as a senior public affairs/social responsibility executive in the radio, cable television, sports and publishing industries. Her ministry experience includes leading youth ministry for the past 14 years at her local church. She heart's desire in life is provide people with opportunities to learn and grow. 

Karen is founder of Pala Miracle and publisher of freshzoe.com. She uses that space to focus on living a fresh life; one that is fully about serving God and serving others. “In His service” is her place of real joy.

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40-Day Prayer Challenge - Day 11

Here is a sample of what we are doing during the 40-Day Prayer Challenge. It's not too late to join us. 

There are two ways you can walk with us on this 40-Day Prayer Journey: Subscribe to 40-Day Prayer Challenge by Email (Please note this is a different subscription list from our regular posts.) Like us on Facebook.

Day 11 First Class Notifier (Based on Day 11 in Draw the Circle)

I recently took a photography class. It was a four-week course that taught us the basics of using a DSLR camera. In the third class we learned about the six elements of design: line, shape, form, texture, pattern, and color. The instructor told us that the more often we look for these things in our surroundings the more we will notice them. This is because of our Reticular Activating System. It’s the RAS that determines what we notice and what we do not. I was excited to know that this applies to prayer as well. 

When you pray you start noticing providence, divine appointments, and answered prayers in unexpected places. 

There are times when we can't see past those things that are heavily weighing on us. Sometimes we can't see past the dishes our sink, the laundry in our hampers, or our to-do list. Prayer lengthens our depth of field*. As we cultivate a habit of prayer we develop our sixth sense - a Holy Spirit enabled perception.

I don't know about you but I don't want to miss a thing!

Dear Lord, I know you hear my prayers.  Open my eyes and help me to perceive your hand in __________________________. Help me to notice how you are working in this situation. I don’t want to miss what you are doing in response to my prayers and in my life…

*Depth of field - the amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in focus in a photograph. Want to learn more? Check it out here. 

This post is a part of the 40-Day Prayer Challenge at Circles of Faith. We are following along with Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challengeby Mark Batterson. To read more about it CLICK HERE. 

About the author - Kimberly Amici, co-founder of Circles of Faith, is passionate about prayer and excited to share this journey with you. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Not Afraid to dance…

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3 (NIV)

Recently, a mentor asked me to name my fear. Ha! I am the definition of fearless, or so it seems. I cope. I do not panic. In the face of what some might view as paralyzing circumstances, I industriously move forward. There is no mystery in this forward movement; God wired me this way. I. Go. On. Going on does not mean you are not afraid; it just means that fear does not stop you. I cannot imagine being any other way.

I have not named my fear; they are legion. Among them are:

•           asking for help

•           reaching out to people I do not know

•           not being good enough

•           failing those I love

I could go on, but I won’t. I am learning to thrive in community, to rely upon others. I am beginning to consistently trust my instincts, believing that the still small voice that speaks when I am quiet is enough. More than enough.

Even for a scaredy-cat like me, there are absolutes. My desire to protect those I love vanquishes any fear I might profess; when they need me I AM THERE. Another absolute? Though I might never speak my faith to you, while you might see it in who I am or how I live, know this…

I AM NOT AFRAID TO DANCE.

Though I have danced all my life, I was consumed by the ministry of liturgical dance 10 years ago. It is the single most profound confession of my faith. It is the confession I dare not make with my mouth. It is too intimate; too close; too dear to speak. That is how I came to understand that dance is my prayer language.

Dance is my native tongue.

Ministry through dance is neither widely practiced nor well understood. It is a form of worship ministry, not performance. To the same extent that devotion leaders help us prepare the temple and the people, dancers do as well, in their way.

This is not a primer on liturgical dance, this is my story.

Liturgical dance is the place at which I meet God, unafraid. It is the moment when my desire to seek Him, to offer myself as a vessel becomes larger and more insistent than any fear. I speak it all to God when I dance.

Liturgical dance is my intimate conversation with God...

I am always amazed that I can even tolerate anyone watching...except that when I worship through dance, I am completely alone, even in a sanctuary full of people. I wish I could write what I feel, but that's just it…I could dance it for you. Explaining this connection, this experience, is beyond my capacity in this language. It’s not my primary language in speaking my faith.

I dance my prayers.

I give thanks before the altar, beside the dining room table, walking the dog, anytime, anywhere the words are not enough. When dancing your prayers, the movement is the words. I best make my offering through movement. I dance unafraid; consumed more by the need to speak my wonder, my gratitude, my pain, than anything else. It is like breathing. You do not think to breathe, you just do. Even dancing in front of a congregation, a part of me remains very much alone even in ensemble, set apart. It is intimate conversation, just the Lord and me.

I am grateful for the gift of dance--it’s my fearless place.

It allows me to express feelings, to share emotions I never articulate. It is the place where I am open. While I may be observed, the subtext is exquisitely private; mine alone. It is corporate prayer whispered in a personal prayer language expressed as movement. I dance my prayers. I affirm my surrender. I dance gratitude. I dance receipt of the gift of Grace. I say, "Thank You, Lord." I humble myself and submit to an anointing, praying that my movement releases something in a worshipper that even they cannot convey in words.

I desired a prayer language. I discovered I already had one. And I am never afraid when I speak it. I am not afraid to dance.

Rochelle Wilson blogs at Treat Me to a Feast about her life lived forward, reviewed backward, through the lens of faith. She’s a PK (Pastor’s Kid), who’s been a Baptist church musician since she was five. Always a dancer and athlete, as an adult she turned to liturgical dance to deepen her personal worship.  It worked. Rochelle laughs a lot, is married to her first love and prom date nearly 20 years ago. Together God gave them two children and a boxer who is the other love of her life, confidante, therapist, and physical trainer.

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When a Boarder Moves Into Your Home and Into Your Hear

An engagement memento box from Chris for our 25th anniversary

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.   Psalm 139:16

We grew up, five kids, in a big old house with lots of bedrooms. Then one by one, we left our home to go to college. So for many years, our home was a place where we all came and went, regularly. Holidays and summers were times of reuniting.

One of the ways my divorced mother was able to hold onto the homestead was to rent out a room or two to a boarder. This was a common occurrence in our college town. All you really had to do was hang up a sign on the college community bulletin board and you pretty much had your pick of possible renters.

So it was no surprise when a boarder moved in shortly after I left for my senior year at Boston College.

 Mom and I would chat every couple of weeks. There were no cell phones, no texting, no personal computers or Macs, but we did have a landline house phone in our on-campus apartment (fun times!).

One evening in October, Mom called. She was full of excitement.

“Have I got a boarder for you!” Mom practically burst through the phone.

“Really? Tell me…”

“Well, he’s really cute. He’s a poet, getting his masters at Columbia. And he has the most adorable daughter. You are going to love him.”

“Hmmmm…sounds good, Mom. Guess I’ll meet him at Thanksgiving.” And our catch-up conversation continued.

I was intrigued…

Sadly, when I arrived home from BC, I found out that Chris’ dad, only 45 years old, had passed away. As a result, Chris was home only briefly, but long enough for me to see that indeed this guy was really cute and sweet…and long enough to make him a batch of cookies to bring to his grieving family.

I went back to college, more intrigued, but there really hadn’t been time to get to know Chris at all. 

Still, I definitely had a crush and my roommates were all ears as I told them about Chris the boarder. I also began writing in my journal, which was filled with prayers asking for God’s guidance. Could this guy, who just happened to live in my home, in a bedroom downstairs from my room, be the man God had in mind for me? It seemed too good to be true.

Christmas vacation came and went. Chris and I passed by one another in the hallway, but spent no time together. This was fine since I was busy living my life, reconnecting with friends, having a holly, jolly holiday.

During Spring Break, I headed down to Florida with two carloads full of BC seniors. On the way back, Easter Sunday, we all camped out at my house for one night before returning to BC. Chris and his mom stopped by and my mother invited them in for a visit.

I was so nervous and excited. My heart was in my throat, my palms were sweaty, I was flitting around like a fool!

Oh yes, I had a growing crush. There was something so innocent, so good about this guy. He was genuine and real…and I had had plenty of experience with superficial immature game-filled relationships.

I left for my last month of college life. One of my roommates said with absolute certainty, “You are going to marry that guy.”

My roommate and my mom were right…Chris and I have been together 34 years, married for over 27.

When people ask me where Chris and I met, I exclaim, “Right in my very own home.”

Some would say fate brought us together; I call it divine intervention. And I’m very thankful!

What’s your story? Where or how did you meet your spouse? Tell us HERE!

---

Elise has been married for 28 years and is mom to four mostly grown girls. She is a writer, editor, writing coach, and blogger. She believes we all have stories that matter--big life bios and small meaningful moments. Elise believes our stories are a reflection of God’s glory and are meant to be shared. They have the power to inform, reform, and transform. She loves God, familly, friends...and really likes travel!