He’s Got You!

“He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.” Psalm 91:4 Amplified Bible

“I believed that there was a God because I was told it by my grandmother and later by other adults. But when I found that I knew not only that there was God but that I was a child of God, when I understood that, when I comprehended that, more than that, when I internalized that, ingested that, I became courageous.” Maya Angelou

We can depend on Him. We were made to depend on Him. Everything was made by Him. Just thinking about how the morning always arrives because the Father made the world and sun that way, reminds me of His power, faithfulness and kindness. I cannot do this. I can’t make a flower, puppy or rain. The Father gives me the tools to use, but It’s His power that makes it real.

There are times in my life when I wrap myself in His wings and rest in His faithfulness. I’m doing so now. Every morning I get my coffee, thank Him for another day and then the news shatters my peace and joy. A small voice says, “He’s got this.” The 1929 hymn, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, reminds us of who is in control and who isn’t. This hymn was taken from Psalm 24:1-2.

What are you trying to teach me, Father? What is my role, if any? My sister is ill with shingles, which is a painful virus from the Chickenpox she had as a child. The doctor provides the medicine. I pray for her. I make myself available to talk, help or even if she just wants to sleep. It is the Father who has her in His wings.

She is a child of God. We are children of God. And as children, we rest, trust, pray and ask for help. My sister is dependent on the Father. I am dependent on the Father. The Father made us this way through and because of His beloved Son. Some things will be a mystery on this side of heaven, which is difficult to accept. But He’s got this. He’s got us.

Musings

What is Your purpose in this, Father? Evil always has a purpose: Lie, cheat, kill and destroy. We too have a purpose. The purpose may be getting closer to the Father. Internalizing how very loved we are. It may be going back to school or making an apology to someone. It may be learning to love or volunteering. It may be helping our local communities. It may be rest. The Father is attentive to our questions, needs and purpose especially when we hide in him until we’re strong enough, with His help, to go out again.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for your attentive love and care beneath your wings. It’s so refreshing and encouraging to be there, as we learn just how loved, valued and protected we truly are.

Help us to remember always You’ve got this. You’ve got us.

Amen.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NASB

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither knows victory nor defeat.” Teddy Roosevelt

Life-giving words. By a founder of Christianity and the other, one of our famous presidents. The founders of our country, though flawed, believed in freedom and individual rights to the point of death. Jesus suffered and died for freedom from “slavery to sin.”  The Bible says, “There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.

Remember the phrase “Give me liberty or give me death?” True now and true then and the price is always blood.  “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.… “(1 Peter 1:18)

Our founders, forefathers, ancestors and family members also shed blood. It was precious, but it was not without blemishes or spots. The founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. May God help us to do this in our churches, school boards, communities, and homes.

Musings

Without our Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit, we will never make effectual, positive, freedom-loving, life-giving changes. History proves this over and over. And it’s an inside job first. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, personally, culturally and nationally.  So, let’s remember the blood that was spilled by others and our Lord on Independence Day.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for this country, purchased with the blood of Your Son and our brave military. Help us to appreciate our freedoms without fear. Help us today and every day to celebrate freedom because “It was for freedom that Christ set us free.”

Let us not go back into slavery.

Amen.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8

“Encouragement requires empathy and seeing the world from your spouse’s perspective. We must first learn what is important to our spouse. Only then can we give encouragement. With verbal encouragement, we are trying to communicate, “I know. I care. I am with you. How can I help?” We are trying to show that we believe in him and in his abilities. We are giving credit and praise.”
― Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate

The book, The Five Love Languages, is a wonderful guide for spouses, lovers or parents and friends. Mr. Black Sheep’s love language is doing and fixing. My love language is listening with empathy. Many couples are like this: The guy rushes to fix and the woman wants to vent. Some like receiving gifts and some like alone time, while others like touch.

Are we loving others as they need to be loved? My son loves encouragement. I have worked on this because I love him. If I listen to him, which I do, but don’t find encouraging words in his challenge or achievement, is that love? And for whom?

Sometimes the problem is not love itself but our ideas of how to love others. It can be fun to learn and practice! Jesus himself loved his disciples differently: John was young and loved touch—reclined on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper. Peter had bravado and needed recognition—Peter was applauded by Jesus for knowing and saying who Jesus is: The Christ. Jesus knows exactly how to love us and others, though it may sometimes be a puzzle. Jesus makes us a person of love rather than gritting our teeth and trying to love.

Musings

Last Thanksgiving, our families took the Love Language Quiz. Not only was it eye-opening but it was fun! We had full tummies, football was done, dessert was history and we were thinking of playing games. But that book with the quiz was better than a game and taught us so much about each other without judgment or fear and with lots of insight. We are a little bit better at love and a lot less argumentative. A brush-up is required now and then because we forget and get entangled in arguments, suspicions or pettiness.

Prayer

Dear Father,

It is lovely and fulfilling to love you, our loved ones, ourselves and even a stranger. We never stop learning, growing and living in grace when we learn to love others as they need. As we need.

Thank you for loving us as you designed us.

Amen.

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 ESV

“Life isn’t about finding yourself; it is about discovering who God created you to be.” Unknown

A few days ago, someone asked me,  “What are the five signs one is losing themselves?”

Being a Christian, I answered:

Sometimes you can’t lose what you haven’t found.

It may be because of:

People-pleasing

Living someone else’s idea of who you are and what you do

Denial—refusing to come to terms with challenges or toxic relationships

Patterns— It’s comfortable and known—can be unconscious and requires counseling

Grief—For a time—The old normal is gone and the new normal is foggy

Lack of purpose

Caring too much about what others think of you

Talking to yourself in critical and shaming ways

Addictions with food, spending, drugs, gambling and more— This is a biggie

Not reaching out to others

Isolating and ruminating rather than doing something–Agency

Trying to change the past or control the future

Avoiding or nursing wounds from others — What is this feeling trying to tell me

Thinking life is fair and/or should be easy

Comparing

Control—Most events and persons in our lives are beyond our control

Not taking calculated risks

Lack of gratitude

And again, lack of purpose

Wouldn’t you like to lose the above? I sure do and my Father is helping me to do so one day, one moment, one destructive behavior at a time while keeping the picture of Jesus and his life in front of me. It is a life-long endeavor.

Here is a found life with Jesus:

All sins, past, present and future are forgiven

Loved just as I am—unconditional love

A future and a hope

He cares for me and my needs

My life is hidden in him

Courage

Strength

Joy

Peace – Not as the world gives

Rewards now and future

Like-minded friends—

Acceptance

Belonging

PURPOSE

There are many more and they are limitless like the Universe.

We are a New Creation.

Musings

What other religion has a Father with limitless and unconditional love? What religious figure wants an intimate relationship with us? What religion sacrificed their own child to save us? For me, Christianity is forgiving, loving, accepting and proven. No other faith cares to bless, forgive and love like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for eternity.

Prayer

Dear Father,

As the old hymn said, “I was lost and now I am found.” As Jesus said, “Won’t the shepherd leave the 99 sheep to find the one lost?” There is a celebration in heaven when a lost sinner is saved.

Thank you for finding, lifting, keeping, forgiving, and giving us a New Life with purpose.

Amen.

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 ESV

“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself, and if I find my true self I will find Him.” Thomas Merton

Very good news: The Father gives us the desires of our hearts.  We may think we had the desires first and the Father approved or disapproved our desires. However, when seeking the Father and desiring a relationship with him, all kinds of discoveries will be yours from your youth to old age that you can’t imagine.

Have you wondered how did I get here? I didn’t want this! I didn’t pray for this or work toward this. This is not my desire. I never thought I’d be happy and useful in a rural town. I am. In fact, when my husband and I first moved to our little country town, I cried like a newborn.  Because I became a country bumpkin, I acquired horses with giggling grandchildren riding them, a kind and giving community, space with peace, quiet and furry creatures. I thought I was to be a businesswoman juggling phone calls, presentations and staff. I was that too. My Father knew best, as my husband and I tentatively gave up our city life and moved to the land of farms, animals, crickets and endless colorful sunsets.

When you walk in the Spirit, opportunities for growth and discovery about YOU will be yours. It will be a surprise! The good stuff! And lifelong achievements will follow with rewards you can’t imagine. Remember, “The Lord rewards those who seek Him.” The Father will reveal slowly and gently the things to squeeze out from your life and will make room for something much better. Just keep looking up toward Him.

Musings

Achievements are a byproduct and a very good byproduct to gauge our progress. But intimacy with the Father is better because He knows us best and knows where we will be most fruitful now and in eternity “With great joy.” Remember when the Father sees us he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Prayer

Dear Father,

How incredible it is to worship You and have an intimate relationship with You that is beyond words! It is by seeking you, knowing you and having a relationship with you that we come to know ourselves. We become authentic, compassionate and joyful servants because of what you reveal in us. We become a bit closer to being like Your Son, Jesus.

Amen.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV

“What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Testing. We are encouraged to test. We do as children, adolescents and adults. We discover, sometimes painfully, what works and what doesn’t. If we don’t test and aren’t tested we become tossed around by what is popular, easy or shiny. Mentors, teachers, counselors and friends can help, but the tests are ours. Some painful lessons are the price. Even Jesus “learned obedience.”

Changes will happen when you let the Spirit guide you. The Spirit helps us focus on what is true.  And you’ll be surprised by the changes within you! Others will probably notice positive changes in you before you do. Changes happen as we learn to focus on what is true, honorable, lovely and praiseworthy – not behaviors alone. Focus on the potato chips and guess what will happen. Focus on the drink…

Have you ever daydreamed or envisioned the end of something you want? Since I was a five-year-old, I envisioned having a horse and so I read about horses, watched every horse movie, talked to horse people, went to horse shows and asked around for a gentle horse and presto! A horse! I didn’t dwell on being a beginner, untrained, “it’ll never happen” or finances. Somehow the changes I needed came. Somehow the people to help showed up and became real “horse blessings.” It’s the same with becoming more like Jesus. The change happens because we focus on him, learn about Him, learn from Him and share with others about him. Transformation.

Transformers. Think about Paul’s transformation! He thought he had it made as a Pharisee snarling at and killing Christians with delight. Paul was focused on climbing up the ladder of his faith envisioning all the Earthly rewards and recognition that comes with it. He sure wasn’t focused on what is true, lovely or praise-worthy. However, Light struck him!  No one would have guessed he would become the beloved apostle and famous writer of love, mercy and grace. It is a powerful example of transformation. It is happening in us, for us and for the Father.  It may not happen as quickly as it did for Paul, but it is happening. We just need to surrender to receive it.

Musings

Emerson is right: What lies within us is the important thing—transformation through the Holy Spirit. Self-improvement is focused on self and has a place in our lives: what can we do, think or create to improve? This is not a bad thing because the Father gave us unique talents while transforming those unique talents for his glory. Think of the people who have been transformed and done many good things; not just the famous but those in your households or communities. The Father is doing this for you and for Him too “beyond all we could ask or think.” We don’t do it alone.

Prayer

Dear Father,

With the Holy Spirit and your Son, we become more than is possible. We can change our clothes, change our minds and change the channel but transformation is impossible without You. Thank you for this “indescribable gift.”

Amen.

“He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.” Berean Standard Bible

“We need to be able to deal with doubt lovingly, helpfully, and especially without ever scolding or shaming anyone for doubting. We must allow people to be who they are and then be able to meet them where they are.”

― from “The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus”

A man, a neurosurgeon I respect said, “Anger brings company.” Oh! How true! Pausing to ask myself what this anger is trying to tell me is challenging because I’m all emotional when angry with little rational thought. Remember the phrase, “count to ten when angry and if very angry count to 100?” So wise. Because here are some of the companions to anger:

Defensiveness. Protecting our ego, caught in something troublesome, still working on shame issues—what is this anger trying to tell me?

Unfairness. Life will always be unfair. The perfect man was sent to the cross. Many good people have died helping and rescuing others. Diseases still annihilate even the good or young. This could be righteous anger that motivates us to action or giving.

Irresponsibility. Avoiding or denying my part. Even bad relationships are not entirely one person’s fault.

Doubt. Everyone has times of doubt. Atheists have doubts. Doctors have doubts. Parents have doubts. We are tested so that doubt may shrink and trust in the Father grows.

Denial. This is another convenient behavior that will leave us stranded. Most people in recovery grapple and, hopefully, overcome through their willingness to let go to a Higher Power.

Envy. Comparing ourselves to others will always bring us up short. There will always be someone smarter, richer or more attractive. Those aren’t the things that get us to be like Jesus. I believe the Pharisees envied Jesus, who had no advantage at all, all the way to the cross and resurrection.

Past real or perceived wounds. They need attention. Pray, talk to a wise friend or counselor and let go. Make a list of progress and talents.

Illness. My husband would get very angry during his last couple of years fighting Lewy body dementia and it could not be controlled and it was not his fault. Many times it was directed at me. Boy! Did I learn to practice gentleness? I lost a few times. This brings me to…

Compassion. For yourself. For others. With lots of prayer and self-reflection without ruminating. It’s funny how compassion works. When I am compassionate toward myself, there is room for compassion for others. It’s “what flows out of the heart…” It’s gentle. It’s forgiving. It’s empathetic. It real. It’s active love. It dismisses Anger’s devilish companions.

Musings

We need to pause, pray quickly and ask ourselves, “What is this anger trying to tell me?” Sometimes it’s nothing except to walk away. Sometimes it is motivation to right a wrong like hunger, suicide or addiction. Sometimes it’s a warning light on some unconscious need, trauma or falsehood. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are always available to help.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Paul reminds us, “We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” It’s a challenge we often forget, which is why prayer is so crucial.

Help us to pause when angry and pause longer when very angry and let the Spirit take the lead. We ask and thank You for your constant counsel and help.

Amen.

“And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”’ Acts 21:14 NASB

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Teddy Roosevelt

Since the beginning of time, intimidation, bullying, threats and war have existed, from which we don’t seem to learn. Jesus counseled, “By their fruit, you will know them.” I use that phrase often to make decisions from dating to whom to vote for. Most of the news is filled with threats of war, fires, showboating politicians and higher taxes hurting poor and working-class families. When the protesters in France threw soup on a Van Gogh painting, Mr. Black Sheep and I said to each other, “How is this persuading us to their cause?”

Do we do the same with others in our life? When Jesus started the Sermon on the Mount, he fed them first. He knew a full tummy is more receptive to the truth than an empty tummy. He then revealed to the crowd their prized and heavenly attributes, before giving any other messages. Jesus counseled us to feed our enemy, pray for them and leave the results with the Father. No force. Even useful when instructing and disciplining our children. Do our children know how much we care? Undisciplined parents can harm more than we can imagine.

Motives. What’s the real agenda here? Some are obvious: Attention, money or favors. It reminds me of Jesus’ story of the worker who was embezzling from his boss and about to be fired. But the worker went out to his clients and wrote off some of their debt so he’d have them in debt to him when the boss fired him. Jesus called him shrewd.  The children of this world are shrewder than the children of light. True then. True now. Check the fruit.

Godly persuasion takes much more work, honesty and research. How does this benefit them? Every good salesperson or therapist knows how to find the client’s problem and assist in coming up with solutions to the client’s problem. And it takes work. It takes active listening. It takes empathizing. It takes putting my own ego aside. It takes tons of patience as people usually aren’t persuaded the first time. Think about the changes you have made in your own lives: Was it one and done? Probably not. Were the changes forced? An arrest or ultimatum may start the process but it will not last without care. Not even something so wonderful as becoming a Christian. Two steps forward…

Musings

“What can I do for you?” “Would you like to get well?” “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Persuasion. No demands, attention-seeking, emotional outbursts, ultimatums, no rule-making but serving with love.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Persuasion is difficult, especially when our focus is on ourselves and not on You. But loving persuasion becomes life-changing with joy one person at a time. Help us to ask others, “What do you want me to do for you?” when faced with the problems of today. Help us to pause, self-reflect, pray, research, and most importantly, follow through.

Thank you for persuading us to be in your family through your Son.

Amen.

Anxiety

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” — Aristotle

If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. This jewel of a statement says it all. However, it’s difficult! Some may need professional help for an anxiety disorder, the disorder of today. It is one of my most difficult challenges and the answer is simple but so tough to implement.

Slow down. Talk to yourself as a dear friend. Identify the judgmental parent, teacher, neighbor or boss in your head. They need to go! It’s very eye-opening to learn the voice in our head is the problem much more often than a person.

Back to this moment. Live in today. If you need help, seek it.  Slowing down and praying is an excellent way to find an empathetic and wise person.  We need support to release the tension with affection and understanding.

Pray. Ask. Thank. But the heart beats so fast and the mind is shooting static! Our emotions explode. Sometimes anger is involved, guilt for a perceived wrong, and anxiety over the possible outcomes. Our Father is in the future and in the moment.

Self-compassion. The Father knows our limits and is eager to help and stretch them. If he is compassionate toward us, shouldn’t we be? Is the voice in my head shutting out the voice of His Spirit who prays with groanings too deep for words? Take a bit of heat off yourself. This world is challenging, yet His Son took this world as it is so he can help us. The Psalms teach us self-compassion with hope. 1 John demonstrates the full love of the Father, which eases the anxiety. Loved people are anxious at times, but not as often or as intensely because they have a Helper.

Musings

As long as we’re on planet Earth, anxiety will visit and pour doubt all over us. The Accuser loves to use discouragement, anxiety, guilt, shame, fear and hopelessness. He is the Father of Lies using a speck of truth within lies to bring condemnation to our life. When anxious, remember the Father of Lies knows the Word better than we do and perverts it to keep us imprisoned. Jesus has freed us from prison. “And it came to pass…”

Prayer

Dear Father,

We know anxiety has been troubling people since Adam and Eve. It paralyzes and lies to us like a whirlwind! But the still, small voice that cuts through the whirlwind is Your way of helping and rescuing us. We’ve experienced this many times without condemnation or abandonment. Thank you.

Amen.

Love is a Person

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1^st John 4:16

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”–Victor Hugo

Have you had a child or student ask you what is love? We know our Father is love, though mystifying.

“It starts with the end in mind.” All parents imagine wonderful things for their newborns. Will they be a doctor? Pilot? Cure cancer? They make a big deal about their first step, first “potty” and first day of school. And they do everything possible in the present to love this new one to good things. They save for college. They make sure to feed their loved ones the very best. They encourage, discipline, praise, teach and touch. And our Father does the same for us, His children, and more too. Think about when you became a brand new Christian. Did the Father delight with your most basic accomplishments? Did He not celebrate when you were baptized or took your first communion? The angels celebrate when someone becomes a Christian. They celebrated over you! We were babies in the faith and look how far we’ve come, even if it was only yesterday. He knows the end result that is perfect.

Love is a person. He’s active. He serves. He has fruit for those who hunger. He comforts the grieving. He counsels – “Wisdom from above.” He never ever leaves you. He never gives up. Jesus said, “If you being evil know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give to those who ask Him.” We receive from a person. We have a relationship with a real person.

He’s got this. He’s got you. No matter the challenges, situations or griefs we experience, Jesus prayed and said, “Not one will be snatched from his hand.” It’s hard to grasp this when we’re drowning in turmoil, but he truly has us in his hand. No matter what you’ve done, did not do or won’t do, He’s got you because He loves you. This is how we learn to love each other.

Musings

This is why we are grateful IN ALL THINGS. No, we’re not grateful FOR all things. But we have Someone that loves us more than we can understand, for now. Some things will be clear and some things will not be until we’re with the Father in Paradise, but we can be sure Someone who is Love is with us always and forever.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Love is a Person: Jesus. Perfect love. Love that casts out fear. Love that never leaves us. Love that has a vision for us now and forever.

With a grace that knows no bounds.

Thank you.

Amen.