Even in Messy, Whiny Days – God is Right Here

I’m here at my office desk typing this blog. My morning ritual is in progress. Wake up (thank God, I woke up), head to my office, look over my blog written yesterday with a fresh perspective, make necessary changes and publish on Facebook, Instagram, and my two blog sites. I look at my desk cluttered with papers, coupons, bills to pay, mail I haven’t opened and garage sale supplies (yes, I’m having a garage sale with my community this weekend – what a work-out that is). Please, God, don’t judge me on messiness or whininess today!

I have a lot on my plate today – some God things, but mostly Me things. I hear a voice in my head telling me what I do doesn’t really matter. It’s small stuff compared to others who are juggling way more than I am. And, not having all the responsibility that comes with raising a family, I still feel a bit overwhelmed today with “to-do’s”, meetings to determine if I should take that new ministry position, this garage sale, my volunteer job, and other commitments. But, does it all matter anyway?

It’s likely the opposing team, the enemy of my heart, that is causing this inner turmoil AND this whininess. He tries to make me feel insignificant and under-qualified. He plays a number on me. I recall a couple of days ago when my granddaughter had to let her brother use her car. She said: “I sure miss my car!” I replied “I sure miss Papa!” It put things in perspective for her and reality to me. I really do miss him when I could use his arm around my shoulder, snuggle me close into him, cheer me on and remind me “I’m here for you!”

A bad movie is playing in my mind: “You should throw in the towel and coast. You’ve earned the rest. You should sit back and let God use others. What you do doesn't really matter anyway. You should stop right now". Then into this space of doubt and anxiety, I hear God’s voice telling me I’m not alone in this “life” thing. He’s right here with me, always, still saying, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). And this too: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

If we are showing up to serve our Maker, if we are seeking to follow Him, and there is someone or some-thing trying to push us away, then we can be sure it is not God. He is not saying we are disqualified. He’s not hollering “shape up or ship out.” His instruction isn’t, “Come back when you’ve got it together.” Instead His invitation is, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

As I take hold of this truth today, my shoulders relax, my breath slows. I settle into my comfy office chair that has become a place of simple, enlightening, beautiful grace. I start typing this blog again – perhaps the words are more for me than you. I push the POST button and trust that there is someone besides me who needs an encouraging word that helps them know, they are not alone either. That whatever happens in this day and whatever we say and do, we will still have God by our side and on our side at the end of the day, telling us "You are enough!"

What is Your Sweet Spot?

“I would appreciate any positive prayers or scripture verses you could send my way.” Those were the words that I saw on a friend’s Facebook post yesterday. This sweet gal has had some very rough times, so I was quick to give her a couple of my favorite scriptures and a prayer, but when I read this scripture later, I went back and got behind my imaginary pulpit again. This time I typed these words to encourage her, and I figure, just maybe, there are others that need to hear these words, so go ahead and call them your own, too!

Psalm 31:24 says “Be strong, and let your heart TAKE courage; all you who wait for the Lord.” It doesn’t say have courage, it says take courage – like “Take your medicine!” In this case – take Christ! Keep on keeping company with Christ and ask Him to TAKE your fears and to embolden your courage. Ahh! Keeping company with Christ. That is the “sweet spot”. I also call it “My Peace Zone” (see my website: MyPeaceZone.com ). It may rather be a season than a spot, but it’s holding the hand of the Hope-Giver and Peace-Provider, knowing that God never wastes “spots” or “seasons”.

Life is unpredictable. One day we can be firing on all cylinders -- enthusiastic, energetic, hope-filled and everything’s going our way! Give it another day or two, and we’ve bottomed out, weary from the stress, lack-luster in our faith and our engine has stalled completely. But hold on! On those days, we quickly run to that SWEET SPOT of “being strong and TAKING courage -- holding on tightly to the Sweet Spot-Maker.

The “sweet spot” is often the middle spot – between the good times rolling and waiting while the storms pass over. The eye of the storm – so to speak. I’ve found that spot is hanging out with Jesus. When I’m traveling on long open roads (which I do often), I look forward to the next Rest Area where I can hit the restrooms, stretch my legs, and even, if need be, sit in my car and shut my eyes for a few minutes. It’s amazing how rejuvenated I can feel after – after the sweet spot – the rest stop!
And in this middle place of working through something in our lives — in the space between moving courageously and waiting for something to change— we can lose our gumption to function. Hope gets buried beneath 50 layers of defeated thinking, and we’re sure we’re making all the wrong moves. But, DON'T lose hope. You could be on the brink of a miracle.

I don’t know the details of your circumstances or situation, but if you are calling on God for help this day….please hear this.
Keep on keepin’ on. You’ve got this. TAKE courage, dear ones: the fight is not over. You have not lost. You’ve made it to the Sweet Spot, where the waters are about to part. Stand firm in the Sweet Spot and in the Peace Zone and TAKE courage!

Stuck in the MIDDLE?

The MIDDLE: the center, an equal distance from the extremities of something; halfway, a position at an equal distance from the sides, edges or ends. The middle child. The one in the middle of a circle. The piano's middle "C". The middle of the night.

I know what being stuck in the MIDDLE is all about. I started out strong in a challenging “stormy” season. I was determined to ride out this storm in relentless faith. I kept saying “We’re on the brink of a miracle. I just know it.” A new day came, and we’d proclaim “God’s mercies are new every morning!” But, there were still no changes and, what seemed to be no answer to our prayers. It was getting darker by the minute. Initially, I hit those challenges with courage head-on, but as the battle persisted, I became bone weary in the fight. I know God’s Word enough to “have the faith of a mustard seed and speak to the mountain and say ‘Be removed’, and I know how to “stand, and when I’ve done all to stand, keep standing”, and I know Jesus “approved” of those who had great faith, and I didn’t want to be one of those “Oh ye, of little faith” followers. But I – rather, we, seemed to be STUCK in the MIDDLE of this storm.

The fact is, in most all circumstances, problems don’t disappear overnight. More often than not, we just keep moving through them with slow, persistent diligence and consistency. As much as I’d love to think that this life of living for God was “Easy Street” or “Comfort Road”, quite often, there are MIDDLE hills and valleys and detours of working through something – in the space between moving on courageously and waiting for something to change. In that space, it’s quite natural to lose our gumption to function. Hope gets buried beneath piles of defeated thinking, and we’re sure we’ve planted in the wrong fields or hung with the wrong people, or made the wrong decisions or wrong moves.

In Exodus 14, we see that Moses and the Israelites were stuck in the MIDDLE . Pharaoh had just freed them from captivity when the Lord led Moses and His people out and away from Egypt. But shortly thereafter, Pharaoh changed his mind and went after them. As the Israelites camped near the Red Sea, soon all of Pharaoh’s army barreled down on them. When the Israelites saw them approaching, they were full of fear and began to question every move that brought them there. Moses spoke up “Fear not, stand firm . . the Lord will fight for you.” Exodus 14:13-14

I loved this scene from the movie, “The Ten Commandments” when the Lord parted the Red Sea waters and the Israelites went through on a dry path. Charlton Heston (rather, Moses) led the Israelites across to the other side unharmed, and then the big finale was when God brought the waters back together again over the Egyptian army. The Israelites were scared, yes, but they saw the promise fulfilled: "The Lord will fight for you".

I don’t know the details of your circumstances or situation, but if you’re worn out from running from the enemy and fear is making you question where you’re at right now, please hear this: Keep on keepin’ on. You’ve got this."The Lord will fight for you!"

Psalm 31:24 says it like this: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage; all you who wait for the Lord.” It doesn’t say HAVE courage. It says TAKE courage. Keep on keeping company with Christ and ask Him to make you tenacious in faith, to take your fears and to give you courage to not only face the Red Sea – but to walk across unscathed. Bravery is not the absence of fear but following God through the fear as we believe God’s promises. It’s holding on to the facts of our faith more tightly than to the fears for our future. I promise you – I know it’s true. This MIDDLE season will not be wasted. It will not last.

Jesus Christ freely gave Himself to be "stuck in the MIDDLE" of the cross, in the MIDDLE of two thieves -- even though He could have called 10,000 angels to free Him, but didn't. He FREELY gave His life "in the MIDDLE" for you and me. Best of all -- He died, and in the MIDDLE he was buried, but on the third day rose out of that grave to FREE you and me from being STUCK in the MIDDLE. Just maybe, right smack dab in the MIDDLE of our circumstances God is wanting us to let go of the doubts, fears and worries, because He isn't surprised about our MIDDLE. It's probably just the tip of the mountaintop where we'll slide right down into the Finish Line of what He has prepared for us. So....“Hold on, my child – JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!” (Psalm 30:5)

Persevere AND Stand Firm

There is no Journey Like the Journey of Faith

This day, 7 years ago, I wrote my first-ever blog. It was the beginning of the faith journey of our lives and I knew God wanted me to live our journey out-loud to document the abiding and constant love that we knew that the Father would pour out on us. We wanted our light to brighten the way for others who may have been facing similar situations. We were embarking on travels that were not without God's oversight and provision. While we had always considered our walk with Christ to be an amazing faith journey, with its many twists and turns and ups and downs, we were always secure in knowing He was on board with us, come what may. But, this new road we were on, was one that came out of the clear blue, unexpected and we needed to put on our combat boots and gear to handle this one. I invite you to read that post. You'll notice how full of faith, determination and great expectancy we were living in.

I know, as you read, you might think "Bless her heart, with all that faith, ultimately, their prayers weren't answered. Oh, contraire! They were answered when he survived the first surgery which the medical industry says is the most dangerous and life-threatening surgery there is. They were answered when God gave us a first class medical team that was second to none. They were answered when we would laugh and celebrate in the midst of the pain. They were answered when God supplied our needs during those times of loss of income. They were answered when friends and family members co-partnered with us in prayer, providing meals, and support. They were answered when doctors, nurses, other patients and visitors were touched by the strong courage we maintained. They were answered when the most incredible peace that passed all understanding kept our hearts and minds throughout the journey. And they were answered incredibly as this widow still maintains that trusting wholeheartedly in God's faithfulness is the ONLY way to handle life and all that it brings us.

What would I do differently than what we did? Absolutely nothing. We did exactly what God's Word says to do:
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by faith, not by sight."
1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
James 1:3 "because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

https://livinginthepeacezone.blogspot.com/2010/04/our-great-faith-adventure-begins.html

Dare to be Bold

Yesterday, my post was about the willingness to get out of our comfort zone. In other words...dare to be BOLD!

When my sweetheart passed away, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless and BOLD gal. I played the "widow" card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. Before long, that card expired and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient and capable business woman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.

I know boldness can often come across as pushy and even arrogant. And when we "go bold" on our own, it isn't a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, overpowering, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don't one to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don't honor God and, in fact, they even repel when, we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up -- not bring them down.

Boldness, in the hands of God, can be such a gift. I love Queen Esther's boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes. She said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). What a role model for women in every century! But her plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.

Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. But when God leads the way, we can follow Him without fear, knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.

I'm thanking God for giving me victory over intimidation and helping me in my quest for boldness. With His nudging and reminding me of His abilities in me, I sold my home and built a new home, I started a business that changed my life and many others, I started a Life Group (Bible Study) in my home, I've joined women's groups where I can raise my hand to volunteer, I've become a leader in other groups, I put down my inhibitions and shyness (yes, I once was shy) and now I publicly speak to many various audiences about God's goodness.

When we let HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll discover, "He crowns the humble with victory," (Psalm 149:4). My crown is not the likes of Queen Esther, but it's one I wear proudly, because it's one that God placed on my head and it's called The Crown of Boldness. I've learned not to hold back from sharing God's love to those who are hurting. Here's God's Word for you and I today: Joshua 1:9 "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or ... do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." So, let's be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us....and, like Queen Esther...."for such a time as this!"

Persevere and Stand Firm

That almost sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it.  How can you persevere while you're standing firm?  Persevere sounds like an "action" verb, while Stand Firm seems like a "motionless" verb and adverb.

In this photo is a little desk plaque that Mom gave me for Christmas.  She said, "I saw it and I just knew I had to get it for you."  The words on it are "STAND FIRM....Be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."  1 Corinthians 15:58.  When I received it, I'll admit I thought "Uh oh, Lord, what is it that I'm going to need those words for this year?   Also, in the photo is the rock that I picked last week that underneath it was the word "perseverance".  That's a double word exhortation for me.  Stand firm and persevere.

Wednesday night, for my Life Group, I had the candle (the light of Christ), the Bible opened to that 1 Corinthians 15:58 verse, the Stand Firm plaque and the rock as the centerpiece to our table.  I knew there was a message God was conveying to us.  Each of us, in our own lives, are dealing with stuff -- circumstances, people, situations, challenges and decisions to be made.  It's enough to give us the jitters.

This scripture gives us a step-by-step way to handle our anxieties and our impatience.

STAND FIRM -- tells us to not be moving around so much.  Ever been around someone who just had crazy nervous energy going on?  They drum their fingers on a table or swing and tap their feet.  They are in constant motion. Honestly, it can drive us loony just being in their presence.  I've literally had to shut my eyes to keep from getting myself nervous, too.

"Stand firm" means "be stable," "be steadfast."   Unmoveable, means to hold a position of "heels dug in" with bulldog tenacity.  Bulldogs never quit.  If they get hold of your leg, they won't let go.  They are known for their tenacious spirit.  They are actually bred to be tenacious.

We may not know what is up ahead for us in this new year.  But, I intend to remember to persevere "enthusiastically" in whatever God calls me to -- especially in the work I do for Him, and STAND FIRM in my trust in His unwavering love for me that assures me that everything is gonna' be alright and "in due season I will reap, if I don't faint.....while standing firm".  Father knows best and His promises are true.  I'm going to STAND, and when I've done all to stand....I'm going to keep on standing.  I won't give up, until I'm taken up.   How about you?

The next time we find our courage tested to the limit, let's remember that God is as near as our next breath, and He offers strength and comfort to His children. He is our shield and our strength; He is our protector and our deliverer. Whatever our challenge, whatever our trouble, God can help us persevere. And that’s precisely what He’ll do if we ask Him.  Our job is to keep persevering until He does.

I'm thinking that I'll start introducing myself this way:  “Hi, my name is Donna, but you can call me Bulldog!”

Playing the "Waiting" Game!

Waiting on a traffic light....what seems forever! Waiting for a doctor appointment..... what seems beyond usual. Waiting in what we thought was the fastest line at the grocery store.....only to realize THAT was the slowest line.

It is inevitable that we will spend a great deal of time in this life.....waiting. Lines at the airport, stores, theater lines, gas station lines, rush hour traffic, doctors' appointments, bank lines, and even waiting in a telephone call queue.

And, we just have to deal with it -- it is what it is!

So why should it be any different when we're waiting on God? There is ginormous difference in waiting on God because of His PERFECT timing to provide what we need -- when we need it!

He promised in Isaiah 40:31 "Those who WAIT for the LORD will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary." And, in Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

So, today, let's just deal with it....because when God's light turns green for us.....we will surely declare.."It was worth the wait!"

At the End of Your Rope -- Hold On!

Feel like you've failed at something one too many times.....and you're ready to throw in the towel? Feel like you've prayed too many times....and the answer just has not come? Feel like you're at the end of your rope.....and there's no where else, or no one else, to go to? And, you've even spoken the words, "I'm DONE!"

This is not the time for giving up -- it's time for holding on.
This is not the time for looking back -- it's time for being strong.

Some of the greatest GREATS failed, went bankrupt, made many mistakes, but never gave up -- today they are world renown because they never quit: Henry Ford, R. H. Macy, Soichiro Honda, Bill Gates, Colonel Sanders, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oprah Winfrey, Lucille Ball, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Schultz, Steven Spielberg, Monet, Elvis Presley, Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Jordan. All these names are synonymous with accomplishments and achievements -- honored, respected and commended. Maybe we won't be in the world's archives of fame and notoriety, but we will be to those eyes that are in our sphere of influence, if we don't give up.

So today, I'm just reminding us all to dig our heels in, put a stake in the ground and say "I will NEVER give up!" Yes, it may seem like each day holds insurmountable challenges, but still, our Creator said He would never leave us or forsake us. I'd say that's quite the PARTNER, so let's take His SUPER abilities and meld them to our NATURAL abilities.....and let's go after it another time. His SUPERNATURAL is on its way! He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will provide another rope if we're to the end of that one. He will SHOW UP if we don't BLOW UP!! He'll even catch us if that rope breaks and He'll set us on a new course with a new rope with an AMAZING comeback!