The Light on Your Way

When we look back along the road we have traveled, we tend to focus only on the negative things. Because the past had its share of problems, many people expect the same from the future.

But this is a negative way of looking at life. The prayers of your heart every day should be, "Lead me, O Light of the world!" Jesus Christ is still the Light of the world and He has promised that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness. Take His hand in faith and trust and experience Him as the light of your life.

God said , "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3

-- It's so very hard to try and be positive in the midst of battling an addiction, but this is when we need to stay positive the most. Because of past behaviors it's very hard to trust ourselves to make the right choices for the future and we might even be very cynical that we can. But the great thing is that we don't have to be the one leading the charge. God does. We just need to follow Him. If I allow myself to make decisions through the lens of His redemption of me, I know I'll make better choices. Don't forget about all the tools that are available for you - He created those. Use them.  The Bible, 12 step meetings or Celebrate Recovery Meetings, accountability partners or sponsors, counselors, friends, Bible studies, devotions, prayer and yes, even aids like technology apps are all things available to you from Him to help you reframe your perspective on life.

Grace for Each Moment

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What's Your Plan When Your Triggers Happen?

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that God really does have amazing plans for me and that I need to let go of my agendas and submit to his.

BUT, this does not mean that there should be no planning going on in our lives. This verse refers to long term - where the direction of your life is going. When in recovery from an addiction, habit, hurt or hang-up, you must plan because part of recovery is identifying your triggers. And that's great - but then what?

We must then figure out what we will do when trigger occurs - and that takes planning! If we continue to do what we have always done then we get the same results. If we say "God will handle it now that I've admitted to him I'm a sinner" then we are being foolish.  God wants us to make our own choices not because he makes us or says so - but because he wants a relationship with us. And by making the right choices on our own we are declaring that we have let the old ways past and desire a new life.

So what do we do to combat our triggers? I can't tell you that because everyone's lives and circumstances are different.

Perhaps think about the yellow lights in the recoveryBox app and how they connect to triggers.

Yellow lights are based on being with a person who can lead us to acting out, a place that can lead us to acting out or a thing that can lead to acting out.

For example, if you know that going to a mall will tempt you to overspend, then don't go there. Perhaps in the past you would go to the mall when you got stressed out at work. The trigger of stress in our lives won't go away - so substitute where you will go when you feel that stress. Instead of the mall, perhaps go work out or go for a walk. Change the routine. Make a plan to handle the trigger of stress.

It's Friday night and you feel so alone at your apartment by yourself. In the past you would turn on the computer and start surfing for porn. What can you do? We aren't meant to be alone in life (which is why God created Eve for Adam). Find something to do in place of the computer to combat the isolation. Enroll in a cooking class or find a group that meets that has similar hobby interests to yours.

Planning is not something that we evaluate once and then say - OK, I'm good. This is what I'll do. No, planning to change what we do when we face triggers is a life long exercise that must be evaluated for it's effectiveness. And that's where your sponsor or accountability partner can help.

Recovery from an addiction is not easy - but with some planning and support we can succeed.

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Courage to Change the Things That Should be Changed

God, give me grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Those who attend any Celebrate Recovery meeting or traditional 12 step meeting know that the Serenity Prayer is often said together as a group. If you want to read about the history behind this prayer, check out this blog post  http://recoveryboxapp.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-serenity-prayer-history-behind-it.html

I'm not going to say exactly what you should feel or think when you pray this prayer because your circumstance are different than mine - and prayers are personal.  But yesterday when I had my cup of apple cider and I saw the "Courage Mug"  (see yesterday's post if you are not up to speed) it reminded me of this prayer. 

"Courage to change the things that should be changed." The first time I ever read this prayer was at my grandmother's house. I didn't understand what it meant then being only 12 years old. Later in life I came to understand that my grandmother was an alcoholic and struggled a lot..perhaps that's why she had the prayer in her house. It's a shame because I can't ask her  what the prayer meant to her because she suffers from Alzheimers. So I can only speculate.

The line I find intriguing especially as someone who wants to solve everyone's problems is "the Wisdom to distingush one from another".  That's what I need to work on. I have got to figure out what is mine to change and what is mine to leave for others. Perhaps it sounds so easy but not for someone who deals with CoDepenedency. 

So today, there is no verse but rather I pray the Serenity Prayer and ask for the wisdom to know the difference.

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I Will Try Again Tomorrow

Isaiah 41:10'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Each morning I get my coffee with my eyes barely open. My kids know not to even approach mom before I have had a cup of Joe and five minutes to let it start working.  Each morning I walk over to the machine, pour the delicious pipeing hot fuel into a mug and breathe in deep waiting for the warmth to take over.  Yes, I LOVE my coffee.

This afternoon I decided to get a mug of hot apple cider because it's fall and a little chilly (and I don't need any more caffeine today). I can't really do much physically because of being in a cast and the need to continue to elevate my foot. So picture me, elevating my foot, with my iPad about to begin sipping on my cider. I never pay attention to the mugs we have - as long as they are giant enough to hold my hot beverage I don't care. My mother-in-law likes to buy mugs for the kids that reflect their interests and so I guess that's what I grabbed to use.

Continue to picture, I'm sitting in my recliner with my feet up and I go to reach for my mug - and I see the huge word courage on the mug. This is what the other side of the mug says "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow". Wow! I don't ever remember  this mug (even though I know she had to have purchased this). 

"I will try again tomorrow". Isn't that all we can ask for? Try again tomorrow. Just because we are dealing with addictions, awful habits, hurt and hang-ups doesn't mean that others have it all figured out either. Everyone has to strive for trying again tomorrow right? So I pondered this for a bit and came to realize that if we never had our struggles and failures, we would never enjoy the accomplishment that happens when we overcome. 

Having a sense of accomplishment creates amazing pleasureable feelings inside us - and I love how that feels. I want more of that feeling!

Today, I will end my day asking God for the courage to try again tomorrow. I'm not going to ask for him to take away all the burdens (but I do that sometimes too). Today, I'm going to pray for courage to face it all head on. I'm going to ask for courage to face my challenges and for the courage to make the right choice so that I might have that sense of accomplishment. Dear God, please fill me with courage today!

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Putting Childish Thoughts Behind

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside. 1st Corinthians 13:11

This morning, my son and I were having a heated discussion about his chore money. He felt that I owed him money even when I explained to him that he did not follow through with all of his responsibilities. And for the next fifteen minutes, in his childish ways he whined, tried to reason, complained and even threw a tantrum like a child will. And I expect that from my kids - because their reasoning ability is all centered around themselves - what is fair to them, what makes them feel good, what they can get for the least amount of work.

I get it (even though at 7:10 in the morning right before his bus is supposed to come, this "discussion" was trying my patience - huge!) And what can I do besides stick to my parenting guns - I can pray that he will grow into a young man who sees life not just though his selfish eyes - but consider the world and people in it around him.

As adults, aren't we supposed to have this all figured out? When we see our kids throwing a tantrum about something like this - it's obvious right? Or is it?

For some of us - I don't think it is. If it was, we wouldn't be in this world of addiction, hurts, hang-ups, habits. If it was so obvious, shouldn't we just be able to stop?

Perhaps, you never received the type of parenting that you needed in order to be able to cope with life and instead you chose addiction as the answer. Now as an adult you see your life crumbling around you and perhaps are wondering why? It's time we stop reasoning like a child and put on our big girl (or boy) pants and make adult choices. If you feel like you don't know how - seek help with a counselor, attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting, or a 12 step meeting, ask a trusted friend for their honest truth.  

It's time to put childish thinking, child reasoning and actions aside. It's time to getting our healing on!  What pants are you wearing today?

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New Traditions

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus itself. Ephesians 2:20

I was reading my devotions this morning and the topic was about belonging and I began to think about the community of those who have addictions. Feeling isolated is for many a huge trigger that fuels the addiction. No one gets me. No one understands. I feel so alone.

Her topic was about family traditions and wouldn't it be great to start something new - something that can be passed down through the generations to remind our kids of where they belong.

We have some of those in our family - things like giving the kids $20 on vacations for them to spend any way they want OR to keep it at the end. This way, we don't hear "Can I get....." at every souvenir shop. Or attending a family retreat for families affected by disabilities the first week of August every year. Or getting slushies after bike rides with the kids.

BUT, in our house we have a tradition that is laced around the fabric called recovery too. When my husband quit his addiction a few years ago, he made a pact with a good friend. This pact is filled with actionable items to keep him accountable to God, to me, to our kids and friends and most of all himself.  The words of the pact hang on our wall for everyone to read and each person signed it as well as a pastor that came to pray with us on this day.  The tradition part is that every December right around the anniversary of the pact, our families get dressed up and go out for a meal to celebrate.  We want to honor the men in our lives and the decision they made to be men of faith. Our children understand a little about what we are doing and my prayer is that as they grow older they will begin to see that we do in this one meal is so important and the importance of the decision their fathers made.

And so, I challenge you today. Traditions don't just have to be something that you think is outside of the recovery world - especially when fighting addiction is part of your world. Perhaps, it's time to start a new tradition.  Have a great day and prayers for thinking about starting a new tradition.

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Take Cover

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:1-5

Yes, I keep adding on each day to the verse we have been studying. There really is so much in it that for our short daily devo's I think it's best to take it in pieces and reflect on that piece for the day.

I titled the devo today "Take Cover" because when I think of the word shield I think of a force field kinda like an umbrella - maybe it's the science fiction in me from having boys and all the super hero stuff they watch. But the shield in this verse is amazing - it's God's shield.   In my kids shows, somehow the shield just doesn't seem to last or is broken through. But not so with God's shield..it's of God's power.  And any reading of the Bible will turn up such amazing and powerful examples of how mighty God's power is that I have no DOUBT in my mind as to the strength of God's power.

And so, when we read this verse it clearly states that the inheritance promised by God is being protected by the shield of his power. I envision in my head his amazing force field over my inheritance. Too bad I just can't make out what that inheritance is. Huh! Well, the end of the sentence tells us when we get to see it "revealed in the last time". 

If God is actually protecting my inheritance then he must think it's pretty special and needs to be guarded for me. That's awesome and makes me want it all the more. This is the God who created everything - and so I know the majesty and creativity of his creations. I truly believe this inheritance to be special because of that.

Today, rejoice in your decision (if you have made it already) to renounce the life of addiction, hurts, hang-ups and habits and embrace the life Jesus has for you. If you have not made that decision yet, I pray that you will soon find peace.

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What Does the Bible Say About Porn (Pornography)?

"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  Matthew 5:27-29

First, let's define what porn (or pornography) really is just so we are talking about the same thing. 

por·nog·ra·phy

pôrˈnägrəfē/

noun

1. 1.

   printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings.

   synonyms:

   erotica, pornographic material, dirty books

Since printed or digital pornography didn't exist during the Bible times , can the Bible really have anything to say about it and offer up anything that I need to take seriously?  There was no internet or printed material that contained images - so can the Bible really talk about pornography or sexual addiction?   The Bible is very clear that certain sexual acts are definitely wrong such as sex with animals, sex with family members, rape, adultery, orgies. It's even written in the Bible that these acts are punishable by death!  So clearly they are wrong.

But, what about just looking? Is there harm in that? "I'm not touching anyone or hurting anyone right?" - oh haven't I heard that one before!  A lot! That is something that is often used as an excuse but in reality,  there is a lot of harm being done both to you and to others. Today, as we focus on the verse above, we see that  Jesus tells us that even looking at a women in such a way is lust, which is defined as a strong sexual desire - many call it lust. When we just "look with desire", have we committed adultery? Yes, this "lust" thing was punishable by death. And Jesus does go on to say that your body will be thrown into hell. 

Perhaps others don't know your secrets desires and lust habits because they are just in your mind, but Jesus knows and is promising that you will not receive the kingdom of heaven.

So, how can that be bad? I'm just looking and not actually having sex. The thing is - as Christians we are called to also have pure minds. We are called to a higher standard. And so when we look at images, we create that desire in our minds and because Jesus tells us that even the desire is sin - then looking at the images is sin! Porn is this crafty medium that helps feed our addiction because by viewing these images we release chemicals in our mind that feed us pleasure - and therefore we seek more. And what's different about pornography compared to other addictions is that we can bring back those images in our minds at ANY point and get that high again. However, as all addictions go, you need more and more to get that same high. And so the awful cycle continues and grows. And maybe you act further on it or maybe you don't - it's still wrong and why tempt yourself!

When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we gave up our bodies. They now belong to Him and it's our job to take care of our body. I'm not saying we can no longer have "fun" but there are LOTS of other ways to create the same amazing feelings that are good for us and pleasing to God .. it's our job to find them.  That's why counselors, sponsors and accountability partners are crucial to have to recover from an addiction as they can help lend you ideas on how to create healthy habits.

The cost to a family or marriage is so high. I won't get into that because this is a devotion and I want to keep focused on God's perspective. But do the research to what watching porn is really costing you besides your personal relationship with Christ. It's a lose-lose situation no matter what.

Here is the great part about it all...when you decide to honor God with your eyes and mind and give up pornography or a sex addiction in any form, Jesus is waiting for you. He has been all along and he has the tools you need to break free from this habit. You can overcome and will overcome AND he offers forgiveness FREELY. Watching porn or committing adultery might cost you a marriage, relationships with others or maybe even your job, but Christ is offering forgiveness and is offering you a NEW life with one condition - truly accept his sacrifice on the cross and leave the porn alone.  I just want to scream FREEDOM from the top of my lungs.  He offers freedom!

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Are You Stealing from People?

He renews my strength, He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:3

Are you stealing from people? I'm not talking about office items here either (even though that's a conversation that could be had).  What I mean is are you giving of yourself in so many areas, especially your recovery for your addiction, that there is nothing left in the tank for others?

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in "our little world" - whatever that looks like, that we don't see the big picture. Could your work be better for your employer .. you don't know why it's in a slump because you are giving it all you have?! Or do you feel disconnected with your kids? You take off when they are sick showing them you care right?  Or what about your spouse? You have given up the porn and that shows to him/her that you are serious - yet something isn't coming back to your marriage?

Sometimes, it's as simple as take a day off. Renew your self as the verse says. When we step away and rest from what we have been so focusing on .. we often lose our creativity or our way to connect with others because we have been so super focused on ourselves.

Now is the time to take a day off of work and spend a day with your spouse.  Or take each child out and do something special that they like -- connect with them. Spending time with those we love will build relationships to allow conversations to freely happen when they really need to. It's sorta like practicing. Or what about start an exercise routine? Sometimes we have amazing thoughts pop into our minds when we are "away" from the situation.

When you take the time to invest in people you are giving to them (and sometime that investment takes the form of doing something for yourself). When you constantly fail to do so and only think about your success you are stealing from them.  Now do you see why I ask the question?  Take time today to invest in others and see how your life will improve.

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Where Are Our Manners?

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. James 5:13

When we face crisis in our lives we often turn to prayer. Sadly, prayer is often used as a last act when all efforts have been exhausted and failed. Even though scripture encourages us to call upon God first, our human tendency is to try and solve it first rather than consider God's invitation for us to pray.

And likewise, when things are going well, we tend to forget about God and not give praise and thanksgiving to the one who really is in control of our lives. He promises assistance to those who call on His name - so why don't we say "Thank YOU" to the living God?

Regardless of the problems in our lives, we must lay them at the cross and trust He will transform it into a blessing. And then me must not forget to use our manners and say "Thank You"!

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God Makes Life Awesome

"Listen to this Job; Stop and Consider God's Wonders" Job 37:14

If you haven't read the book of Job, I would recommend it. It stops my pit party in a flash. I don't want to give it away (as the Bible really is the greatest story ever told - honestly!) but I will say just when you think things couldn't get any worse for him - they do!

We do live in crazy troubled times when it's so easy to just give in to worldly temptations and go back to drinking, drugs, pornography, etc to try and shut out our problems. But instead, pause and reflect on the grace and wonderful deeds of God. Look at the earth - He made it out of chaos! He made the sky, the waters, the lands, mountains, animals, insects, people - everything! He created the smells of lilacs and the sounds of thunder. How creative and amazing is that!

God promises us eternal and abundant lives. Praise Him and believe in Him. He did all these wonderful things that we can actually see. Don't you want to see all that He has promised is ours that we can't see yet? I'm not ready to depart this earth yet and so I will praise Him for all the awesomeness that He has given in my life - and I will stop the pity party too.

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Getting a Lucky Do-Over

But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:3

Ever notice that in life the more you try to control the situation, the less you really are in control?!  I mean maybe you liked the outcome because you got what you wanted but how many other lives did you hurt in the process of getting what you wanted?

Many people feel that in order to be a good Christian that you have to give up complete control to God and that life is going to be so boring, no fun and all full of service to others at all times.

Both of these ideas are wrong. Yes we need to just let God do "His thing" but it's not going to be boring.  Goodness, look how creative He is!!!  One glance outside at the world around us should be enough for us to understand that he has an imagination that outdoes ours every time. Look at the human body - umm.. we didn't create that!  He did! Heck, we are still trying to figure out how it all works!

So, consider yourself lucky. Give up the addiction or hurt or hang-up and just let God be God. The verse for today tells us that if we love God He will be leading our lives.  And frankly, I think an addiction is proof enough that we don't have control ourselves.  So why wouldn't we let the Man who created everything and made it amazing finish His story - and see how much better He can end it.

I consider that getting a chance to have a lucky do-over.

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God's Purpose

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Last week I wrote about purpose and legacy and the fact that Jesus loves us. And I think today, this verse pulls all 3 of those pieces together. Jesus DOES have a purpose for us. That's why he created us. 

But what is that purpose? Well, first, for those who are dealing with an addiction..we must be rid of it. There is NO WAY we can hear God's voice clearly about what our purpose is if we keep listening to the lies of Satan about how our addiction is an OK way of life.  Only once we shed that can we begin to hear God's voice.

Now what is our purpose? Our legacy? I don't know. But what I do know is that this verse promises that "God works for the good of those who love him". Honestly, it would be awesome to know exactly what that is - but sometimes just rest in the promise. It takes a lot of energy to be here on earth and be sober - and so sometimes just resting in the promise is enough.  

I thought it was important for you to know that...often we get so caught up in trying to "be" that we need to be reminded that He has it all worked out.  So take time to rest and let Him do the work (but be listening in case He is calling you!)

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Leaving My Legacy

Wise words being many benefits and hard work brings rewards. Proverbs 12:14

We all have asked the question at some point in my life - "What is my purpose in life?"

Yesterday I wrote about life as a race. And if you think about it..I think life goes by so quickly....too quickly.. like a race. And one day I will be gone. So, to me, the question we might want to be asking is not "What is my purpose in the here and now?" (because the here and now is such a short time) but rather "What legacy do I want to leave behind?" because that is for eternity.

Will people remember what I said or wrote?  Most likely not. But will it inspire a person to take action and affect another person's life?  I could only hope so!  And so I want us to think about how our actions have such long-lasting effects and is what we are doing today making an impact on the tomorrow. And I don't mean changing the world type of impact. But I am a FIRM believer in changing one life at a time. Because that one life will affect another and another and so on.

What is your legacy going to be? Don't know..well figure it out!

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Running the Race With Too Much Garbage

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Hmm..what are those things that hinder and entangle us? For those with an addiction, hurt, hang-up etc, at first glance it's a quick easy answer, right? I mean it's alcohol, or drugs, or pornography, or over-eating or spending too much or always having to be right.

Sure, those things do hinder us. But, they are not the true reason. There is a reason we do these things. There is a reason we pick up the bottle at 8 in the morning while the kids are getting ready for school. There is a reason we shoot up in the middle of the work day. There is a reason we allow ourselves to be used by people over and over again.

I can't pretend to know what your issue is because it's your's to figure out. One of the best things I ever did was to take "inventory" in my life and truly figure out why I do the things I do. It is one of the steps in a traditional 12 step or Celebrate Recovery program - but you don't have to be part of a program to do this. It takes time to reflect and think about all aspects of our lives...and decide what changes we need to make. Dig deep and figure out the root causes of our addictions.

I like to race and am a competitive person. And I learned that I need to make healthy choices in order to fuel my body. But I also learned that I can't carry extra food, water and supplies - they will weigh me down. And so just as I learned how to shed this "extra" stuff to be able to race effectively we must do the same in our lives - to be healthy beings not hindered down by our addictions.

Have you shed anything lately that is hindering you?  Perhaps it's time.

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My Son's Little Red Wagon

Matthew 18:3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Yesterday, my children and I returned home from a trip visiting my parents. And to keep peace (and my stress level down too) in the car they watched a video that we got at the library before we left.  It was called "The Little Red Wagon".

In this movie the young boy (age 9 or 10) saw that towns affected by hurricanes had been destroyed - complete loss. And this young boy named Zach took his wagon and started collecting supplies.  When he went to visit the Red Cross shelter he met kids there and quickly realized that these kids now had no homes, no toys, no food - nothing!  And so he realized the problem was bigger than just a hurricane and fixing up a house. And so he took his red wagon and started to collect for the homeless.  And his crusade led to a walk across the United States collected over $100,000 in money and much more in donations.

And so I'm driving, and in the mirrors I'm sneaking peaks of my kids watching this movie.  As many of you know I have a special needs son who is very intense.  As I am driving, my son asks if we have homeless in our town. And I said yes. Then about 5 minutes later he asks if we have shelters or food banks and I answered yes.

Well, we no sooner get home from our trip and we finish unpacking and I crash in a chair.  He comes out of his room with a paper with all sorts of things written on it. So I asked him what it was. And he responded that it's a flyer to collect food for our shelter. He told me that we have people who need food and we have lots so he wanted to go collect food like the boy did. And so within an hour of being home he was already out in the neighborhood collecting for our food bank.

Now I know it's a long story but it got me to thinking. How simple was that?!? He saw a need and went about fixing it. Why do we as adults make things so complicated? Why do we make all sorts of excuses? I think part of it lies that life has molded us to think a certain way. Children see things so black and white and we see too many shades and variations. 

Addictions are nothing but an excuse. I'm sorry - and I'm in the same boat. Using a hurt or hang-up or habit -- we do it because it makes US feel better. But children see life differently. And I think that's part of what Jesus is talking about in the verse when he says we must become like children in order to enter heaven. We must see things more clearly and when we see a problem - fix it and not wait for some one else to come along.

And so, this movie has inspired my son to pick a new neighborhood each week to get donations so that no one has to go hungry.  I learn from my children each and every day!  I hope you can learn from the little children too!

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Blessed are those who Hunger

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:1-12

As we continue in the series in the Beatitudes, today we focus on our deepest and most constant needs. 

Hunger and thirst are at our basic needs in life. But this beatitude is talking about righteousness. It's not saying we are looking for those who are doing good deeds, but rather the hunger and thirst for it in ourselves. Jesus is describing a life that has passion for these things - the desire to do what is good and right for God. And out of this will come the desire to do what is right and good for the people of the land - social justice.

How do we live this? How do we hunger and thirst for righteousness? How do we make it a burning desire? First, we must develop a spiritual life so that we are connected with God - deeply. Then as we develop that walk with God, ask Him to open our eyes to the unrighteousness and injustice in the world. The spiritual person then will begin to long for righteousness and work to make those changes.

Again, by giving up a life filled with addiction, and hurts and hangups and bad habits, we put ourselves second and begin to see the world is so much bigger than "us" and our needs. But it takes you making that choice. Make it today.

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He Praises Her

Proverbs 31:2 8Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her.  

Two years ago, my husband and his friend both made a commitment to each other to honor God, be fathers who would take a stand and raise their children to honor God and his ways.  And one of those ways is how he treats me.

Many men who are dealing with a life of addiction often talk about how they wished they had a father figure in their lives growing up. Some just didn't have a dad and were raised by a single mom and some just had a father who while present in body had checked out in so many ways.  And so, these young boys grew into men not knowing how to treat women, their moms, their wives, girlfriends and someday little daughters. These young men grew up not knowing how to be men.

Men, the Bible is filled with lessons on how to treat women. Until Jesus came, women were really treated as second class. Yes, there were a few exceptions, but for the most part women were to serve. But Jesus came and changed ALL of that. Jesus came and honored women. The Bible talks in numerous places about how the church is His bride and He loves her.

Our children learn what we teach them. If you praise your wife and lavish her with love, and help her when you see she needs it, your children will learn that. Perhaps you were not taught that, but it doesn't have to stay that way.  So men, today, find a way to praise your wife. Perhaps take a 10 day challenge and find a way to praise her for 10 days straight. If you don't have a wife, perhaps praise your daughter, or call your mother. We must honor the women in our lives and not just one day a year. let us follow the example that Jesus lived.

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Musical Devotionals - Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

Seems like all I could see was the struggle

Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past

Bound up in shackles of all my failures

Wondering how long is this gonna last

Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son

Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"

I am redeemed, You set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be

I am redeemed, I'm redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy

Named by the voice of my shame and regret

But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"

I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me

'Cause his day is long dead and gone

Because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same

And a hope that will carry me home

I am redeemed, You set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain, 'cause I'm not who I used to be

I am redeemed, You set me free

So I'll shake off these heavy chains

Wipe away every stain, yeah, I'm not who I used to be

Oh, God, I'm not who I used to be

Jesus, I'm not who I used to be

'Cause I am redeemed

Thank God, redeemed.

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Last Day of School Faith

2 Timothy 1:5 ESV I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 

This morning was an emotional one here at our household. My oldest son (the one with special needs) was sad because of his friends leaving and going on to Junior High- that he thought he would not see them again ever - my youngest son was happy because it's the last day of school.  And me? Well, I'm oscillating between sadness because our elementary school years are over, and I no longer get to walk my youngest to school holding his hand-- to I can't wait to see what the next school has in store for our family.

Change is hard! Let's face it!!!  Little changes in our routines can create turmoil and large changes can be downright emotional if not damaging if we are not grounded. And I was thinking about what I was going to do today to keep myself grounded emotionally,  I searched scripture for comfort (yes, the Bible is my comfort food).

I found this verse in 2nd Timothy that gave me comfort because it speaks to faith that transcends generations - and with generations comes obvious changes during different periods of our lives. But the one thing that doesn't change and will never change is Jesus Christ. I can rely on knowing that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow - and therefore whatever scary new things get thrown into the path of our lives I can look up and know He is there, the same as always.

This verse also gives me hope that if I teach my children well about Jesus, that they in turn will teach their children as in this verse. And that creates such joy in me knowing that I can leave a legacy of something so wonderful during times of such change.

And so today, I will allow myself to have all these emotions but ultimately have peace in my Rock!

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