Wobble if you Must

The world presses down heavy. The fog of uncertainty lingers as arms carry burdens too heavy to bear. The autopilot numbness you are so familiar with takes an unknown toll. You've reminded yourself of the truth time and time again, yet that heart of determination quickly forgets... those burdens are not yours to carry, you get to leave them at the cross.

Jesus waits with arms wide open saying, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV).

Jesus takes on the burdens of the whole world, not because he has to, not because we deserve it, but because He wants to - because He loves us. He loves us so much He died for us - brutally, selflessly, died for us. He stands ready - invitation to eternity extended, asking only that we stand faithful in our love to Him.

So stand. In all of your hardships, stand. With tattered knees and banged up shins, stand. Plant those tired feed on the rock of salvation and stand. Stand weak because He is strong. Wobble if you must, just stand.

This life can be hard, but there is a God who loves you. He holds a promise to eternity. He has our names inscribed in the powerful palms of His hands. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will walk with you through hard times. He will give you strength when it feels like you have nothing left. You can trust Him. He gave His life for yours.

If you want to have a personal relationship with Jesus, pray this prayer. Lord,

I've tried doing this life on my own, my way, and it doesn't work. I have gotten it wrong time and time again. I try, but cannot do what is necessary in my own strength. I am sorry for the wrongs I have done. Please come into my life. Be my Lord and savior. Show me how to walk in your ways and cover me with your light. Thank you for your love for me. I love you and want to have a relationship with you. Please forgive me of my sins. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How do I Remember to Forget? What if I Forget to Remember

The weight of time slips through windows making shadows bounce in already darkened places. Its silent approach emerges from deep, like winds through twisted vines and gnarled-up branches.

Thoughts roll in like a storm without warning. LIFE IS FLEETING, you know this full well.

You're reminded when the day has passed and your best intentions fall apart. You remember from your wakened sleep how a stressful day interfered with family dinner. You cringe to knots when the call comes in - someone was rushed to the hospital.

A mind once captured by distractions remembers the day's misplaced importance.

It has been said loss creates appreciation. Death defines the importance of life. Lost time illuminates the hope of second chances. Grief ignites a craving for love gone by. We can't live stuck in moments of loss, yet we must remember what we have learned.

We have MOMENTS. Make them count.

It's good to remember that today may be all we have. Relish in your moments and make good use of your time. But aren't we also supposed to be wise and plan for tomorrow? The Lord does have plans for our future, after all. It tells us this in Jeremiah 29:11.

So how can we know where to place our importance each day?

Isaiah 30:21 NIV says "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'this is the way; walk in it.'" Philippians 4:6 NIV tell us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

How do we keep straight our path?

We ask.

We seek.

We remember the THRONE.

Lord, I ask that you guide us in all things... in all moments... through all of our days.

Thank you for your loving guidance.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Child-like Faith

Matthew 18:2-4 NIV "He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

God changed and became a little child. He took on the lowly position of the baby, Jesus - born in a manger. He chose Mary to be His mother. He went from having it all, to having nothing. But what was the one thing he made certain He would have here on earth?

...Love

The world may have hated Him, but Jesus had earthly parents and a Father in Heaven who loved Him. He found friends who loved Him. Love, after all, was the reason He came.

He came and experienced it ALL. Every hardship you could name; He felt it. He put himself, willingly, through pain and torment so he could relate to us, so He could show us love.

Experiencing difficult situations gives us an empathy for others who have similar hardships. I've felt the ache of what it takes to rebuild after a spouse dies, thus have developed a compassion and understanding for those who must also weather that storm. I have spent the majority of my life and career standing guard over the vulnerable. I've walked the road of palliative care for a child's incurable illness. I know what it feels like to buy life's time in hopes for medical advancements and miraculous interventions. This gives me a warm sense of protection over others who face the same. BUT, I've also experienced the comfort of God's love, the undeniable intervention of his perfect touch - the miracle that is HIM. These experiences develop relationships and healthy relationships develop people.

Jesus came to have a relationship with us. He doesn't force us to do what he wants, but he does tell us the way we should go. He knows what's best and wants us to choose it. He doesn't want us to develop a love of self or money. He wants us to develop a love for Him and through that relationship with Him, we can learn and know how best to love others.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NIV "If I speak in the tongue of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Jesus came. He went through all of it for us. He went through all of it for love.

Then why must we lower ourselves to the place of a child? Because it is there, we find innocence. It is there, we let go of pride. It is there, we can allow God to do his job and remain in control. It is there, we are vulnerable. It is there, we can trust and believe in faith the wonder and majesty that is our Lord. It is there, our love is pure.

Lord, I pray we take our place as your children, knowing you are in control, that you love us and know what is best. I am so thankful that even when no one on this planet may be able to understand something we may be experiencing, you, Lord, understand. Thank you for your love, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.