Obedience, not Ability

My biggest enemy says awful, terrible things to me every single day. Things like…..”You are such a slacker. You are a big fat fraud and a disappointment to everyone around you. The things you are don’t matter. You are a horrible example for the Lord. You are so not equipped to do what God has called you to do. You are absolutely destined to fail. Everyone around you is doing so much more for the Lord. In comparison, you suck. Why do you even bother?”

My biggest enemy is Satan and the things he says in my head. Those words in my head are truly the biggest obstacle to my doing the things God has called me to do. Isn’t that ridiculous? But that’s how the enemy works- he is sneaky and oh so crafty. He makes me question my ability and God’s ability to work through me. He causes me to focus on my lack of ability and makes me think I have to figure it out on my own which is a big fat lie. When he speaks loudly to me (some days it seems like he’s screaming at the top of his lungs) I must turn to God’s word to remind me what a liar he is and be obedient- no matter how I feel. 

Exodus 19:5 reminds me of this truth: Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.

Friends, God has created us for His glory. He has apportioned to each of us our very own assignments. We each have a field- an assignment God has given to us and to us alone. We each have a unique group of people to love and minister to. And if we don’t, they will miss out. How awful would that be? Thankfully we don’t have to fulfill those purposes in our own strength or figure out how to accomplish them on our own, because He promises that He will equip us to fulfill those purposes. We must trust that when He says he will give us the ability to do it- He will.

My prayer today is that we are reminded that we are created uniquely for a purpose ONLY we can fulfill. That God is all powerful and not limited by our current state and weaknesses- praise the Lord! That when we are tempted to listen to the enemy’s lies that we can’t fulfill those purposes, we turn to God’s word and the truth. That although we doubt ourselves, we never doubt Him. That we are reminded that although we are imperfect, He perfectly equips us to do the assignments He has given to us. #notesinmybible

Digging Ditches

Have you ever dug a ditch? I have and I dig them quite often- but probably not the kind you are thinking of. (If you know me, you are probably thinking right now, REALLY? YOU dug a ditch? HA!) I was reading in 2 Kings 3 this week and a story struck me and stayed with me that was all about digging ditches. 

A little back story before we get to the ditches. At this point in 2 Kings, the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom have gathered together and want to fight the Moabites. The problem is that they are stuck in the desert and they have absolutely no water. Zero. No water means they are weak and miserable and not in shape to fight anyone. They send for the prophet Elisha to tell them what they should do. At first, he says no (because he expects they are just like their parents- wicked and don’t believe in God) but finally agrees after they tell him they know his God is THE God. He arrives and tells them that God wants them to dig ditches and that when they do, He (God) would then fill them with water- but NOT from rain. 

Here’s what it says in 2 Kings 3:16-19: 

“This is what the LORD says: I will fill this valley with pools of water.  For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink.  This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones.”

Ok so imagine that for a minute. He’s telling these miserable, thirsty, dying, hot people to dig ditches- in the desert. Can you imagine how they reacted? They were probably like...Are you kidding me? Why in the world would we do that? It’s hot and we are weak and at the end of it, you aren’t even going to make it rain! They had to be thinking, this is completely nuts. Digging ditches anytime is hard work, but digging ditches when you are hot, dying of thirst and completely miserable would be truly horrible!

This story is such a reminder to me that God sometimes wants us to prepare for His blessing and sometimes that preparation is hard and yucky and painful. He wants to bless us, but we must first listen, be obedient and then get to work! Those things He calls us to do, even hard things like digging ditches, will prepare us for what He will do in the future. He is no doubt going to do His part, but we must do our part! 

Thankfully the people listened, dug the ditches and guess what? They filled with water! God is so gracious and doesn’t just give them a little bit of water- he literally fills the land with it! God often moves us to do things that may not make sense- in the moment or to others- but if we trust Him and follow Him, he will bless us abundantly. 

I kept thinking as I read this story, what if they had been lazy and just dug tiny small ditches? I think in their circumstances I’d have been likely to dig the shallowest ditch ever but when you think about it, the bigger the ditch they dug, the bigger the blessing they would receive. Their obedience brought a larger amount of what they needed- water? Of course, the ditches they dug meant nothing without God’s blessing. We must always seek Him, spend time in His word each day in order to know Him truly and hear when He calls us to dig ditches. 

My question for you today is…what ditch is God asking you to dig today? Whatever it is, get digging friends!

2nd Hand is Not How God Wants Us to Experience His Word

I have a confession to make. For many years I got the majority of my knowledge about the Bible second hand. I read devotionals, did Bible studies, read blogs, listened to sermons and podcasts all about the Bible but all from other people. In the last year God clearly and specifically reminded me that His word was written to and for me and I needed to be reading and studying it myself.

I was also convicted last year that I wasn't consistent about studying God's word for an extended period of time each day. Now I read God's word but it was when I had time instead of making it a priority and putting it first. I was getting the majority of my Bible and knowledge of God's word second hand and that is NOT how God intends it. He wrote the Bible for us and our job is to read it and study it and learn it and live it. And if I'm getting it second hand from someone else- that's not ok. If I'm getting it from Bible study leaders, devotional writers, pastors and podcast hosts- even wise ones- it's still second hand and that's not how God intends.

2nd hand is not how God wants us to experience His word

So many times I had been simply reading a devotional each day including the verse listed without cracking my Bible open and considering that time in God's word. Never reading the verses in context and truly studying it- instead just reading the words someone else wrote in a book other than the Bible. I love devotionals and think they have a place but they (nor anything else) should not replace our time in God's word.

Spending time in God's word helps your know Him intimately. You learn His voice. You see His hand. You wouldn't get to know a friend by ONLY hearing about them from someone else would you. NOPE. That's ridiculous. You must experience that for yourself and take time building that relationship. To get close to someone you must spend time with them and cry and laugh and pray and live life with them. Why don't we think of God the same way? Why are we so often content to learn about our precious Lord and Savior solely from other people? It's truly crazy when you think about it.

I  have a suggestion for you. If you do one thing differently in 2020 do this:

Commit to spending time in God's word every single day- just you and Him and your Bible

Make time every day to spend in God's word- whenever and however that looks in your life. For me I get up earlier than normal so that I have 1 1/2 to 2 hours to spend studying God's word using a chronological plan. It's not easy and is something you definitely have to commit to and make a priority. But truthfully friends, we make time for what is important to us. Sometimes it just means cutting out something else in our lives. Spending time in God's word is the best investment you can make. Second hand is NOT how God wants you to experience His word. Learning it first hand can and will radically change your life!

True Contentment

I’m a fixer by nature. When something is broken or not working well, I work hard to find a solution. While reading this verse in 1 Corinthians 7:17 in The Message this morning it made me think about my tendency to want to change or fix circumstances or situations (even people) in my life:

"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. "

Reading this made me think....What if those circumstances that we don’t like, are exactly where God wants us to be- at least for a time?

God created each of us uniquely and calls us to live the life we are given- not to compare ours with our neighbor or friend or FB or IG friend who looks like their life is perfect- because here's a news flash: IT IS NOT. Each of us has a purpose and God has given each of us a unique perspective, value, insight, and set of experiences that no one else in the entire world has. When we live out that God given purpose, IN the circumstances He has given us or allowed to happen to us (even when they are stinky), it gives us the opportunity to point those who look at our lives and wonder how we can manage those situations to Jesus. God can and will use our struggles and challenges for His glory- we just have to allow Him to.

So that’s my prayer for us today friends. That we are reminded to be content in our unique calling. That rather than striving to gain more things, a better position, or a change in our lives, we serve the Lord with thankfulness and gratitude for wherever he has placed us. That we are reminded that true contentment comes only through Jesus Christ, as we faithfully serve him in our present circumstances.

He Fights My Battles

I'm a fixer by nature. If there's a problem and things seem out of control, I want to find a solution. ASAP. Stat. Immediately. And sometimes that can be a good thing. Have a technology issue or task you are trying to accomplish? I'm your girl. Have a party you want to plan and need some creative, inexpensive ideas? I'm your girl. Have a care package you want to send and need some fun theme for it? I'm your girl.

But other times, when the battle is NOT mine? That tendency? It's not so good. (#ugh). This morning as I tried to mentally prepare for my CASA trial this afternoon, God gently reminded me that the battle isn't mine to fight. 

2 Chronicles 20:15 says...

Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Many times I get frustrated trying to fix things (and people!) and fight battles that are not mine to fight. To meddle in things that God is working in and through. To allow Him to work in His mighty and powerful ways. I love this verse so because it's a beautiful reminder that Jesus has already won victory over EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that this life and world can throw at us. He has fought and WON against everything- marriage difficulties, financial struggles, cancer- EVERYTHING.

Today I continued on reading and loved verse 17 which says....

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

Just like the verses above say, all we have to do is trust Him, take our positions, and stand firm in His promises, His plan, His almighty power. And then just stand and watch. The battle is His and my job is to trust and believe in His promises- even in the fact of hopelessness and what seems impossible. Because nothing is impossible for Him! My prayer for us today is that we are able to hold fast to this promise. To trust Him, rest in Him, and reject the lies that Satan tries to get us to believe. To sit still and expectant- knowing He will fight for us.

If He said it, he will do it!

As a child I am embarrassed to admit that I truly believed that when I was an adult I would know all the answers and have everything (money, relationships, work, etc) all figured out. (Come on, didn't you think that too?) I crack up thinking back to that naive little girl (bless her sweet heart for thinking that) because my middle age self knows now that that will NEVER happen. Honestly I spend most of my days feeling like I am failing the many tasks and responsibilities on my plate. I run around trying to juggle everything (work, family, home, ministry, friendships, volunteer work, CASA, Chrissy's Closet, etc) dropping balls and failing oh so very often. As a reforming people pleaser, type A personality I struggle with not having all my ducks in a row and everything figured out. I so often need the reminder that I don't have to be or feel qualified to do what God is calling me to do- just obedient and willing. If He calls me, HE will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 says: 

"The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." NIV

"The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!" The Message

This is one of my favorite of all verses (it's been on my desk for as long as I can remember) and one that I cling to when I feel like I am not equipped or prepared or able to do what God has before me {which is SO VERY OFTEN- today included!}. There is such comfort in the reminder that it's not up to me!

My prayer today is that we are all able to remember that our job is to be obedient to what God calls us to do, to be faithful in that calling, and to leave the rest (and the results) to God. Rest in that truth today friends, HE is faithful and HE will do it.

People are the ENTIRE POINT

This time of year when things are so busy and hectic with summer ending and school starting, it's so easy for me to get caught up in my daily to-do list and forget that the people God puts in my path are NOT distractions but are in fact the entire point! My prayer today is that we all see those people He places in our way today, really see them and that we don't think of them as irritations or things that deter us from checking off the millions of things on our lists. That instead we view them as hand-placed in our lives by God himself for a specific reason and a purpose.

Romans 12:9 in the Message says...

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

God is Faithful in ALL that He Does

Good news this Friday morning: 

He is always with us...if anyone leaves, it's us, not Him.
He will bless us...just not always in the ways we think.
He will provide for us...always. Seriously- ALWAYS.
He will give us rest...if we will be still. (If being the key word).
He will go before us...and WITH us.
He will guide us...we just have to seek Him.
He will answer us...if and when we shut up long enough to listen.
He will strengthen us...He IS our strength.
He will always love us...NOTHING can separate us from His love.
He is faithful...in ALL that He does. It's impossible for Him to not be faithful.


Psalm 33:4 says: 

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

I am Imperfect

My biggest enemy says awful things to me every single day. Things like…..”You are such a slacker. You are a big fat fraud and a disappointment to everyone around you. The things you are don’t matter. You are a horrible example for the Lord. You are so not equipped to do what God has called you to do. You are absolutely destined to fail. Everyone around you is doing so much more for the Lord. In comparison, you suck. Why do you even bother?”

My biggest enemy is Satan and the things he says in my head. Those words in my head are truly the biggest obstacle to my doing the things God has called me to do. Isn’t that ridiculous? But that’s how the enemy works- he is sneaky and oh so crafty. He makes me question my ability and God’s ability to work through me. He causes me to focus on my lack of ability and makes me think I have to figure it out on my own which is a big fat lie. When he speaks loudly to me (some days it seems like he’s screaming at the top of his lungs) I have to turn to God’s word to remind me what a liar he is.

Exodus 4:10-12 reminds me….

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

God has created us for His glory. He has apportioned to each of us our own assignments. We each have a field- an assignment God has give to us and to us alone. We each have a unique group of people to love and minister to. And if we don’t, they will miss out. Thankfully we don’t have to fulfill those purposes in our own strength or figure out how to accomplish them on our own, He promises that He will equip us to fulfill those purposes. We must trust that when He says he will give us the ability to do it- He will.

My prayer today is that we are reminded that we are created uniquely for a purpose only we can fulfill. That God is all powerful and not limited by our current state and weaknesses. That when we are tempted to listen to the enemy’s lies that we can’t fulfill those purposes, we turn to God’s word and the truth. That although we doubt ourselves, we never doubt Him. That we are reminded that although we are imperfect, He perfectly equips us to do the assignments He has given to us. #notesinmybible

I see Hard. He sees How.

In this broken, hard world it’s easy to think that things are irreparable and simply can’t be fixed. But that’s NOT what God promises and not what His word says.


Revelation 21:5 says…..

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Romans 8:28 says…

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.

That marriage in shambles that seems unfixable? He can use it for His good. That severed relationship that seems irreparable? He can use it for His good. That situation that is so heartbreaking you don't think you can stand it? He can use it for His good.

Maybe not in the way that we think or hope but we can count on the fact that He will make something new and glorious out of the yuck in our lives. He will use it for His good. Even in the difficult and hard times He is working for good. When all we see is HARD, all He sees is HOW. My prayer today is that if all you can see if brokenness and heartbreak, that you are reminded that He is always working things, even the hard and overwhelming things, together for good. I pray that if all you can see if the hard today, you are reminded He indeed works all things together for good.

You are God's Masterpiece

I’ve got news for you. You know that girl? The one who you look at and think “Man, I wish I could be more like her. She has a great life, a beautiful home, a perfect family, a full bank account, the best job, tons of friends and seems to have it all together.” The one you compare your life with and think “I want to be like her when I grow up. Everything in her life is so great and if my life were like hers I’d be happy.” (We all have a girl like that in our lives- I know I sure do!) That girl doesn’t have it all together and her life is far from perfect- no matter what it looks like on the outside.. Seriously she DOES NOT. She has struggles and pain and daily feels like she is a big giant mess. She’s lonely and feels left out and often thinks she’s a huge fat failure. She’s flawed and anxious and worries about her marriage and her family. She fails at things daily, loses her temper (no matter how nice she seems on social media) and often lays awake at night on the regular worrying that she’s not smart enough or strong enough or spiritual enough and just not plain enough. She fears rejection and embarrassment and struggles with her weight and her bank account. She yells at her kids, is rude to her husband, and cries over broken relationships. That girl? She’s just like you and you have to stop comparing yourself to her and wishing that you had her life. Why? Because that’s exactly what Satan wants you to do.

Did you know that comparison is one of Satan’s greatest tools? It is. He loves to have us compare ourselves with others like “that girl” so that he can sabotage God’s plans for our lives. He encourages us to compare because that comparison can cause us to give up on what God is calling US to do. He wants us to compare our weaknesses to someone else’s strengths and that’s just plain not fair. We must never forget what Satan is trying to do. John 10:10 tells us exactly what he’s doing: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;”. Not just mess with us and our lives- he is out to kill, steal, and destroy us. He’s not playing- he is serious and we must remember that always.

Each of us is created uniquely and specifically by God. YOU were created uniquely and specifically by God. When we compare ourselves to others we are saying that we are not satisfied with how God created us which is actually an insult to our creator. We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to others- but instead to compare ourselves to the word of God and our obedience to it. God made me and you exactly as we are- on purpose. We each have a purpose that NO one else can fulfill.

He reminds us of this in Psalm 139: 13-18 says:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

How amazing is that? Every single one of us was formed by God in our mother’s womb- hand knit in the exact way that our creator desired. He created us and y’all...He doesn’t make mistakes. Ever.

My prayer today is that we are reminded that God created each of us specifically and uniquely and for a purpose. That we remember that He made only one of us and He did so to fulfill something that only we could do. That we stop comparing ourselves with others, wishing to be “that girl” because God hand picked each of our abilities- every single one (and also, "that girl"'s life is far from perfect- I promise). That we stop looking at others and what they are and have, and instead focus on God’s word and what He says. He created us, He loves us, and He put us in this world for a purpose- we are His masterpiece.

Satan's Lies

Satan is a murderer, a liar, a deceiver, a destroyer. And he is sneaky- super sneaky and gosh he is crafty. He knows that we love and believe God’s word and so what does he often do? He doesn’t just whisper lies to us, he studies and distorts God’s word and tries to get us to believe some misinterpretation of it.

God reminded us of this in His word. In John 8:44 it says: 

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

I recently shared over on Instagram (If you don’t follow me there, you should- I often share in Instagram stories my morning devotions- plus lots of random things like views from my porch, bargain finds, our new house, and my super cute dogs! Link to my Instagram at the bottom of this post.) some of the lies that Satan whispers in my ears.

He likes to tell me things like:
-You are a terrible wife.
-Your friends don’t really like you.
-You are an awful mother.
-If people really knew you, they wouldn’t like you.
-You are a big fat fake.
-You are useless and don’t make a difference to anybody.
-God will never forgive you for________
-You don't do enough and the things you do don't make a difference.

I then shared how I use scripture to combat those lies. I am a firm believer that knowing God’s word, truly knowing it- is the only way to combat Satan’s lies. Over on Instagram I asked for folks to share the lies that Satan whispers to them and shared some truths from the Bible for folks to focus on instead of those stinky lies. What was so interesting to me was how many of those lies Satan whispers are the exact same for many of us. Over and over and over again I got messages with things Satan was whispering to them. Things like…....”I am not enough. My mistakes will always define me. The things I’ve done are unforgivable. I am not worthy.”

My prayer today is that you are reminded Satan is a destroyer, his target is your mind and heart, and his weapons are LIES. I pray that when he whispers in your ear (because he will) that you are able to turn to God’s word which is the TRUTH and remind yourself of how very wrong he is.

I plan to spend the next few weeks sharing some of these lies and a truth or two to combat each one but would love to hear the lies that Satan whispers specifically to YOU. Would you please leave a comment below or message me with any of those lies that sneaky Satan whispers in your ear for me to add to my list? 

Link to my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swtblessshan/

Darkness and Light

I always say that “May IS CRAY!” because for those of us in education (and those with children in school) it truly seems to be the busiest and craziest month of the year. In May there are so many things that need to be completed before school lets out for the summer and so many special activities (field days and award assemblies and recitals OH MY!) that many of us are crazy busy, over extended, and just plain old tuckered out (how’s that for a Texan word y’all?). Because of this it seems like in May I often run into lots of cranky pants people who are really short with others, impatient and not always very kind. When I run into those type of people I often wonder, am I being that way too? Am I letting my tiredness, or the circumstances of my day dictate my attitude? 

I have been reading scriptures about light this month and I love Matthew 5:14-16 in the Message which says…

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

We are called to be a light-bearer for Him, regardless of the circumstances going on in our lives. We are called to share God with those around us by being a light. The only way to get rid of darkness is to add more light. I think sometimes we all (I know I do!) make excuses for not being a light for him.

I must remind myself each day that I am called to be a light-bearer, regardless of...

• how many things are on my to-do list (no matter how long it is)
• how many cranky pants people I encounter (no matter how rude they are)
• how many struggles & problems I have currently in my life
• how I feel emotionally or physically
• how many things don't go my way today (because things WILL go wrong, we can count on it!)
• how tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed I am
• how many things/people I am worried about right now

My prayer today is that we shine brightly for Him to everyone we encounter, because He is the ONLY hope we have in this dark , dark world. I pray that we make it a priority to spend time with Him so that His light pours out of us in powerful, brilliant ways- so brightly that others can’t help but notice. I pray that when it seems darkness is everywhere around us, that we point others to you- the only light that will never fade and never burn out. 

God of Second Chances

Forgiveness is hard y'all. Super stinky hard.

Sometimes I think even harder than forgiving others-it's harder even to forgive ourselves. To forgive ourselves the way God repeatedly forgives us over and over and over again. To give ourselves grace and mercy just as we give grace and mercy to those we love.

We torment ourselves thinking about what we could have done, should have done and although we know God forgives us, we can't (or won't) forgive ourselves. I think for me it often boils down to the fact that it's the unrealistic expectations I have of myself and put on myself that is at the root of this inability to forgive myself. I want to believe that I am better than I am- but the reality is, I'm not. I am a sinful, imperfect mess that is saved only by the grace and mercy of Christ.

God calls us to forgive- no matter how hard it is.

Isaiah 44:22 says...

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

 Psalm 103:12 says...

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

We all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Thankfully He will pick us up when we call out to Him and repent. There is no wrong- seriously NONE- that can keep God from redeeming you. His word is full of reminders of people who made mistakes and were given a new start by God and He will do the same for you and for me. How awesome is that? My prayer today is that you are able to let go of any guilt  you are clinging to and trust Him to work out whatever went wrong. I pray that you are reminded that God is the god of second chances (and 3rd and 4th and…) and His mercy endures FOREVER and EVER. 

God Can Make a Way Where There Is No Way

Have you ever been in a difficult time or situtation and there seems to literally be NO way out? Some situations seem (and are) completely impossible. Situations where there truly is no way. No way- outside of the almighty and all powerful God. 

When diagnosed with a brain tumor in the summer of 2013, I met with two neurosurgeons- one in Temple & one at MD Anderson in Houston. After those meetings & after the extensive research I did, I knew I absolutely wanted my surgery done by the incredible, expert surgeons at MDA but ...my insurance denied saying the surgeon in Temple was perfectly fine & in my insurance network so I would have to have surgery performed there. But in true God fashion, through a series of events that were clearly orchestrated only by and through Him, God allowed me to change insurance companies AFTER my brain tumor diagnosis so that MD Anderson was in my insurance network. My new insurance took effect on 9-1-13 and I had a 12 hour super successful brain surgery on 9-13-13 at MDA. God CAN make a way where there is no way. God WILL make a way where there is no way. 

In Genesis 22:9-14 Abraham found himself in a situation that seemed hopeless when he took his beloved son Isaac, his only son, up to the mountain to sacrifice him before God. And in this situation- where there seemed to be NO way out of it- God made a way. 

Isaiah 43:16-21 says….
This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen,  the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. NIV

Think of all the times in the bible that God made a way where there seemed to be no way….

• He split the seat
• He moved mountains
• He walked on water
• He tore the veil
• He healed the sick
• He conquered giants
• He closed the mouths of lions
• He opened prison doors
• He calmed the raging seas

God is a God of miracles. He can make a way where there is no way. He works in ways that we cannot see or begin to understand. My prayer today is that no matter what the problem or mountain or difficulty you are facing- you are reminded….there is NOTHING too big or scary or impossible for God. NOTHING. God can make a way where there is no way. #notesinmybible 

Who God is

Several weeks ago I started a list in my Bible Study notebook of things I know about God. Not a list of God's names (which is also a great list to keep) but a list of things I know to be true about Him according to His word. I've so enjoyed adding to the list as I read my Bible. For each item I list a Bible verse to reference. Here's what I have so far:

Jesus is:

• Way-making
• Me-loving
• Promise-keeping
• Battle-winning
• Grace-giving
• Sin-forgiving
• Miracle-performing
• Million chance-giving
• Water-walking
• Body-healing
• Storm-stilling
• Comfort-giving
• Counsel-speaking
• Mercy Extending

I think a list like this is such a sweet reminder when we are going through something difficult or when we are struggling to remember God's goodness and faithfulness. Psalm 103:2 which says...Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." NLT This little list is helping me do just that?

So, what would you add to the list?

God is sovereign, even in our disappointments

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we hope or envision. Sometimes we have to grieve a different ending to something in our life than the one we hoped for, dreamed for, prayed for. And it’s perfectly okay to grieve that unexpected ending that didn’t turn out the way we wanted. God understands our disappointment. I’m so thankful that a different ending than the one I had planned in my head or prayed for DOES NOT mean that God has changed His character or His mind about me. I’m reminded of this in Psalm 147:5 which says…

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

My prayer for us today is that when we have a difficult time understanding God’s plan, we are reminded that instead of asking “Where is God in all of this?” we just need to ask God to help us see His work in the situation. That we are reminded that God’s fingerprints are all over His handiwork-even when bad, scary things happen. He can take those terrible things and redeem them until we can’t even recognize them. God is mighty and sovereign, even in my disappointments.

And if not...He is still good!

Life can be be just plain hard y’all. I seem to be in a season of life when so many around me are hurting & struggling. Friends with children and parents battling cancer, friends with serious relationship issues with those they love, friends battling addiction and big work issues, friends fighting for custody of their children and dealing with abusive and dangerous ex spouses, friends with broken and bruised hearts, friends with serious financial issues. No doubt you too can name many folks dealing with heartache and heartbreak and struggle.

I feel like I spend much of my day praying to God to comfort and care for those friends- praying that they would feel His mighty arms around them. And as I pray God draws me over and over again to my favorite verse- Daniel 3:18. Daniel 3 tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. If you don't know the story, basically King Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden statue that he requires everyone to bow down to. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are respectful to Nebuchadnezzar but refuse to bow before his statue. In verses 17-18 they say..

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Basically they are saying….God CAN save us from this but if he does not, we will still love Him and He is still good. Needless to say King Neb is NOT happy. The three are thrown into a fiery furnace, but they emerge unscathed- without a single hair on their head burnt. Nebuchadnezzar is impressed and he promotes the three to important public positions and emphatically praises their God.

I love this story because sometimes, the answers we get when we pray are hard to swallow and the road we must travel is not an easy one. Sometimes we may feel we are being dropped in a fiery furnace. BUT, regardless of the things of this world we must go through, He IS still good- even when our circumstances are not. Our circumstances are not going to change what Christ has done for us. He is still my hope, because of what He has already done, not what the circumstances are doing to me.


And if not…..He is still the King Most High.
And if not…..He still loves us more than we can ever imagine.
And if not…..He is still good.

The Lifter of My Head

I noticed recently that most of the time that I see people walking alone, they are doing so with their heads hanging down low- as if they are weighed down by the burdens they are carrying on their shoulders. In a school, on the sidewalk, at the grocery store- head down. They don’t make eye-contact and seem to be cautious and guarded. It is as if they don’t want to be seen. Fixing their eyes on the floor appears to be their way of avoiding being noticed. After noticing this I have caught myself several times lately doing the exact same thing- usually when I am deep in thought or worried or discouraged. You may be in that place today-head down, feeling like your situation is hopeless, that everything is going wrong and you simply can’t get your head above water. You may feel alone and discouraged. If that is you today, I have some good news!

I recently read Psalm 3:3 and loved it so. It says... 

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (ESV)

It is important to know that David wrote this beautiful Psalm during the absolute worst time in his life. His son, Absalom, wanted his father’s crown and had launched a plot to assassinate him. Those closest to him (not strangers- his closest friends), those who he trusted and placed his confidence in, were now those who against him and were actually trying to kill him. Poor David was betrayed, crushed and heartbroken and forced to flee his palace and Jerusalem in fear for his life. Psalm 3 was his written plea to God.

In this verse he reminds himself (and us) of three things he knows to be true about God. One, God is a shield. Now a shield doesn’t mean that you won’t have arrows shot at you- just that you’ll have protection from those arrows. Two, God is his glory since he has no glory of his own. Third, God is the one who lifts his head. He is defeated and depressed and his head is hung in shame. He is confident though that God will lift his head and restore his hope.

When we are looking down, our eyes are only fixed on a small area of the ground below us. What we see is a very limited space. But when God lifts our head and we look up- we see the whole horizon before us and all that God has created and has in store for us. My sweet friend Gina is from Kentucky and I remember the first time she visited us in Texas. She kept mentioning the “big sky”. Finally I asked her what she meant, because the sky was the same in Texas that it was in Kentucky. She explained that because of the mountains in KY, the view of the sky was limited. But since Texas is so flat, the horizon is huge. In other words, BIG SKY. I like to think of God lifting my head and me noticing that big, huge sky- and all the other things He has created.

Is your head down today? Look up sweet friend. God is with you in the dark places. He sees you there. He is a shield around you. He is the glory. He is the lifter of your head. He loves you so. My prayer for you today is that you would call on His mighty name and ask him for help now- allow Him to lift your head.

Surrender

As we remodeled our current house to get it ready to sell we did a lot of packing and a LOT of moving furniture. And many times as we prepared to pick up a piece of heavy furniture, my husband (who is 6 feet tall and 250+ lbs and way larger than I am at 5ft 2ish) would give me a little pep talk because I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to lift and carry my side of the load. I would usually start saying things like…."I don’t know if I can carry this. I don’t think I can carry this. What if I drop my side? What if I throw my back out?" And because he’s incredibly patient and awesome (and was probably tired of listening to my worries and concerns), he came up with some things to help me. He purchased some moving straps (they are awesome!) and a flat dolly to stick under my side of the furniture. He would often carry the heavier part of the load and sometimes place a chair so that I could set the furniture down on it when I needed to rest for a minute. These were all things he put in place to support me, to help me, to keep me from harm. But he only did those things because I shared my fears with him and was willing and open to accept his help.

I think that’s how God is with us- He is there, always- ready to take on the many burdens we have on our shoulders. He’s there ready and willing to help it’s just that we just have to turn to Him because we aren’t meant to carry those burdens alone. We must deliberately place them on God’s shoulders and share our burdens- all of them- with Him. Sometimes I think we don’t feel God is with us, because we simply haven’t reached Him to help us, we simply don’t surrender to Him. Sometimes it’s out of pride, sometimes out of fear, and sometimes out of ignorance- but no matter the cause, we just don’t go to Him and share our burdens with Him. We just keeping trying to operate in our strength, are overwhelmed and fail, miserably. 

He reminds us of this many times in the bible including in Psalm 55:22-23 which says…

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. NIV

Today if your burdens feel too heavy to bear, my prayer is that you are reminded that God is there, ready to help you carry them. I pray that if you are feeling overwhelmed today, that you pour out your heart in prayer to our Heavenly Father —holding absolutely nothing back. Lean on and into Him. Surrender to Him. And that when you feel that burden lightening even the slightest bit, that you remember to thank Him for His goodness and His faithfulness. He’s there waiting to help you. Lean on and into Him. Surrender.