Author: restoreroflostvoices

Wisdom’s Way

restoreroflostvoices

 

 

 

Wisdom’s Way

 

King Solomon also built a fleet of ships . . . and Hiram sent his servants with the fleet, sailors who knew the sea, along with the servants of Solomon.
I Kings 9: 26, 27 NASB

 

A screen door creaks shut.
Sheer curtains billow with the breeze.
Sun-bleached towels dry on peeling evergreen.
Mismatched dishes hand-washed and set “just so!”
The rhythm of the clock matches the singer.
Watercolor gems mesh with metallic memories.
Lakeside path, rickety stairway and abandoned tree house . . .
The gateway to songs, stories, history lessons, and decisions.
A door of hope opens. 

Wisdom is found—
It can’t be bought, sold or bartered.
Solomon cultivated knowledge, trade, and peace by the sea.
His men were taught to sail.
Face the wind! Tighten the tackle.
Move forward at an angle.
Trust the one who knows the seas.
Ride the waves. No fear! 
God’s love is victorious.
Let your freedom flag fly!  

Isolated treks tested my courage.
Still, I prayed, “Show me your protection.”
And I walked . . . then ran!
Daily banter with an elderly Canadian quieted my internal wrestling.
He remembered me from last year. He teased, “I’m sweating just watching you.”
I replied, “I’m running for us both. I’m burning extra calories looking out for the bear.”
He reassured, “The bear is dead!”
“Wait. What??? There is a bear?”
“Yes. Indeed. But it is dead!”

It took me a minute to understand the Canadian’s trauma. The bear was killed in the campground the afternoon my husband and I chose to hike the nearby Chutes. The bear surprised the camper when it went after his crockpot of simmering soup. 

The day before, not realizing the bear was harassing the neighbors, campers, and staff, and making the dogs skittish, I walked eight miles guarded and unscathed. The German shepherd and small mutt met me every time on the dusty road and isolated, rocky beach. They were on edge and bumped me, time and time again, nearly knocking me over. They tried to move me out of harm’s way! They were as concerned as the owner’s young son who drove his four-wheeler up and down the road in a furious frenzy. In hindsight, he looked pale. But I knew nothing! 

Fear is a poor chisel with which to carve out tomorrow. ~Anne Frank’s Papa 

Dreams and nightmares scuffled with soup.

Don’t mess with my soup. One cannot mix healthy with unhealthy. I make my bone-broth from scratch. It’s time consuming. Ken de-bones the chicken, and I make the nutritious broth and soup. The one who knows my husband best is dismayed, “What are you doing?” Another parent wants to combine my vegetarian, black bean and bone-broth soup with creamy Italian sausage, tortellini soup and sell it at a T-ball game. They both look tasty. But clearly, they shouldn’t be mixed. Don’t mess with my soup!

I stroll along the quarter mile beach and consider the nuggets of the week.  

Brennan Harbor’s treasured finds—white, brown, green, purple slivers and slabs
of glass . . .  and broken porcelain pottery, a navy canon and green ivy pattern . . .
A Gettysburg battle was won because one unlikely man chose to charge!
And the Lord overcame my walls and defenses with His love.
Slavery ends. A penny is held. Seen. Understood.
The least of these has purpose.
Set the table. Pass the Daily Bread. Open the door and serve.
Smile . . . I choose to smile.
Breakthrough happens. I like my smile.
The power of who I am is displayed when I smile. (The Traveler’s Gift)
And I say, “Mine is wrought with Holy Spirit power!”  

Yes, I’m the crazy foreigner who runs where the bears lurk.
(But they won’t bother you!)
The gal who unearths trash and searches for glimmers of light along the shoreline. Yes. That’s me! I’m gathering up my ruins, and the Lord is making beauty.

 “Are you leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes! Yes, I am!”
“Will you be back next year, eh?”
“I believe so, God willing!”
“Well, I hope to see you then!”

He remembers me.
And my Lord re-members me.
Waves lull me to sleep.
Did I say “sleep?”
Yes! I slept soundly. 
I am home.
Martha Mae

I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45: 2-4 NASB

 

 

Salted With Fire

restoreroflostvoices

 

 

   

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
Mark 9:50 NASB

Salt IS good; it adds flavor, preserves food, and has healing benefits. Gargling with salt helps heal a sore throat, and soaking sore muscles in a bath of Epsom salts reduces inflammation.

In biblical times, salt was also used in religious sacrifices and ceremonies. The Lord required that every grain offering be seasoned with salt. It symbolized permanence and faithfulness to the Lord’s covenant. Likewise, we are salted with fire; our love and loyalty to Jesus tested and tried. For fire purifies and refines.

If we walk back the scriptures, God gives us a window seat to His heart and purpose for this verse. In Mark 9:14-48, a father asked for healing of his demon-possessed son. Jesus’ disciples doubted and couldn’t cast it out. Jesus says, “All things are possible to him who believes.”

Then the disciples debated who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus overheard and taught, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” Jesus encouraged them to start with a child. If you receive a child, you receive me.

The disciples also looked sideways . . . someone else was doing miracles in Jesus’ name. Should we stop him? Jesus commanded His disciples to follow Him. Don’t look at the crowds; and don’t compare yourselves to others. You have different callings; but you’re working for the same good. And anyone who is not against you, is for you. Whoever offers a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name will be rewarded. Therefore, receive the gift and opportunity to work together!

Then Jesus warns about hell—whoever causes a child to stumble, it would be better to be cast into the deep sea with a heavy millstone tied around their neck. If your hand causes you to sin, you’re better off without it. If your feet cause you to stumble, it’s better to be lame.

Sin has serious consequences! It’s a heart issue . . . the Lord wants our whole heart.

Like the disciples, we doubt, covet, quarrel, and people please. We strive for the best seats. And we relinquish them only when it benefits us. The widow, child, stranger, and outcast are dismissed, forgotten, and/or abandoned. Will we be part of the solution—a conduit of healing?

We are salted with fire, purified and refined through tests and trials. But salt is not flammable. We are not consumed! We become representatives of Jesus’ love, His kind character and Way. His mercy, grace, compassion, gentleness, generosity, and loyalty transform hearts and homes. Cities and nations. His example is trustworthy. May we become more like Him!

Finally, peace is not the absence of conflict. Struggles are a guarantee. However, the choices we make determine whether we will be part of the cure and help the gospel message endure.

Have salt in yourselves; choose holiness and be at peace with one another.

Offer what is ripe . . . what has been tested and refined . . . and grits of new growth!

And anticipate God’s goodness. He is faithful!

Lily Mae

 

     Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt . . . Also, if you bring a grain offering of early ripened things to the Lord, you shall bring fresh heads of grain roasted in the fire, grits of new growth, for the grain offering of your early ripened things. Leviticus 2: 12-14 NASB

 

Here I Am

restoreroflostvoices

 

And the Lord called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” I Samuel 3: 4 NASB

 

     Here I am. 

     This phrase was repeated throughout Samuel’s life as he obeyed God and served people. 

     Samuel was the babe Hannah had desperately prayed for when she made her annual trek to Jerusalem. When God remembered her, and opened her womb, she dedicated him back to the Lord and left him with Eli, the priest. Hannah trusted the Lord.

     Twelve years passed. God was silent; a word from the Lord uncommon in those days. Also, no visions were seen or spoken of. However, the lamp of the Lord was not yet extinguished. 

     The Lord called Samuel, but he didn’t know Him yet. When Samuel finally realized it was the Lord, and not Eli, he responded immediately in faith, “Speak, for your servant is listening!” (I Samuel 3: 10) 

     God was about to do something in Israel that would cause all to pay attention.

     We too are living in wilderness times. Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes. Truth is scarce. How is God calling you to respond? 

     A boy shared his lunch, 5 barley loaves and 2 fish, and a miracle occurred. Five thousand were fed! Everyone ate and was satisfied. They gathered leftovers; and no piece was wasted. (John 6:9) Then a sinful woman bravely entered a room uninvited and showed hospitality to Jesus. She broke her alabaster jar of expensive perfume and washed and anointed Jesus’ feet. She loved much. (Luke 7: 36-39) David was a lunch carrier for his brothers before he fought Goliath and was anointed king. (I Samuel 16 &17) Likewise, Jonathan’s armor bearer committed to him and the battle, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.” (I Samuel 14:7)

     Here I am. 

     Three words. Total trust and commitment exemplified. Are you all in? Present and available?

     A call for obedience and service may be what lands next at your door . . . an unexpected intrusion or invitation, a costly sacrifice and expression of hospitality, a cup of cold water, meal, or a unified front to fight the enemy of all enemies. 

     Do you love much or love little? The Lord is witness to our response. 

     Fear the Lord alone and serve Him in Truth; listen to His voice and obey all His commands. And it will go well with you and your family.  A promise to live by . . . Eternity’s hope!

  Here I am.

Lily Mae 

Here I am; bear witness against me before the Lord and His anointed. 

I Samuel 12: 3 NASB

 

 

 

Woman, you are Freed!

restoreroflostvoices

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13: 5 NASB

     My daughter has teased me on more than one occasion that I need to attend “Dusting Anonymous” classes. However, frequent dusting is the least of my culpabilities!
     The Lord convicted me of a greater problem when I bent to dust my dining room table legs, and I whacked my forehead on the corner edge. I was mad-cleaning, cycling with past hurts; and yet, I lead a class that helps attendees work through loss and teaches how to process similar dirt and chaos. The ugly, camouflage bump that swelled and spread matched my heart wound.   
     Although, I don’t want to dismiss my hurt and feelings, I realized I had an unforgiving spirit!
     Whether we’re sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-six, or sixty, we may strive to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God; yet, we sin and fall short of His will, time and time again.
      Whether we commit a great evil, or we bare a bruise on our forehead from our “swamp sludge,” the Lord calls us to repent; and He intercedes on our behalf with grace and mercy.
     In Luke chapter 13, Jesus tells a parable between a passage on the consequences of sin, a guarded aqueduct and collapsed tower, and a healed woman. A vineyard owner planted a fig tree; and for three years he waited for fruit. He was ready to cut the worthless tree down! But the vineyard keeper stayed his hand—He wanted to give the tree more time. He offered to break up the hard ground and feed the soil.
     Likewise, Jesus doesn’t give up on us. He has utmost patience to make our heart like His.
     The crippled woman was bent double. Her sickness caused by an evil spirit. Satan had bound her for eighteen years; and it wasn’t just a physical condition. Jesus raised eyebrows and protests by healing on the Sabbath. But the woman was set free; she stood straight and gave glory to God.
  Forgiveness is not of us. It is not natural or even possible in our own doing, for it is of God.
  The crippled woman didn’t petition the Lord’s help. Instead, Jesus invited her to come unto Him. Sometimes, God requires faith in order to heal; but in other instances, He invites the sick one to draw near. And His presence is enough. 
      Curiously, only two people questioned me about the bruise on my temple, my daughter and a close friend. How much more do we miss heart wounds? Words often leave a lasting mark, especially when they cut to the core of our identity, while my bruise disappeared in a little over a week. Lysa Terkeurst writes, “Relationships often die not because of conversations that were had, but rather conversations that were needed but never had.” Nevertheless, there are times it isn’t safe to address the infractions.
 Whatever your wound or ailment today, anger, betrayal, rejection, unforgiveness, bitterness, or else, you’re hoping I start a “Dusting Anonymous” class. . . God calls us to repentance with His love, mercy, and compassion. Towers of self-provision and self-protection must fall! Like the vineyard keeper, the Lord intercedes and warns that judgment is coming.
  I’m praising God for His patience and perseverance, for being the attentive Gardener who sees and knows our hurts and hearts. Yet, He expects growth and beauty to bloom. He digs through our dirt, fertilizes the soil, prunes the branches, and waters our dry, hard ground. And He helps us to forgive.
  What keeps you in bondage? Draw near to Jesus. Freedom is found in Him.
 

Be blessed,
 

Lily Mae

  

“Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” Luke 13: 12 NASB

Door of Salvation

restoreroflostvoices

  So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.”  
John 10:7 NASB

     Paul was afflicted and in despair; he’d lost hope and was burdened with a death sentence within himself. He was desperate for rest and a door of escape. He wasn’t sure if his ministry would survive and if he would see his friend, Titus, again. But God! Paul’s heart was bent toward gratitude, and he acknowledged God’s presence and help. When Paul submitted to the Lord’s guidance, his life became a sweet aroma of Christ to God. (2 Corinthians 1: 8-10)
  And a door was opened for Paul in the Lord . . . an opportunity to share the gospel.
  Paul commands us to stay alert and devote ourselves to prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving, imploring God to open a door for His Word, an opportunity to share the gospel. (Colossians 4:2) We’re challenged to make the most of every opportunity; our speech grace-filled as if seasoned with salt; and our deeds exemplifying Jesus’ heart, character, and Way. He is gentle, truthful, merciful, compassionate, and loving. Likewise, He forgives sinners!
  Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (John 10: 2, 14) He knows and calls His sheep, and we recognize His voice. He provides for and tends to our daily needs; and He carries, protects, and defends us. Jesus lays down His life for His own. Furthermore, Jesus is the Door of the Sheep! Anyone trying to climb into the fold another way is a thief. His motives unclear and deceitful.
     Jesus is also the Door to fertile pastures. We will eat and be satisfied!    
  My prayer is that the Lord will provide a door for His Word in the New Year, in our mundane moments and Mondays, daily grind and Sabbath rest, and unexpected, grace-denied and grace-starved encounters. May we understand more fully—our Lord is the Door!
  Cyndy Sherwood states, “Our choices can either be a door or a wall for God’s will and purpose.”
  May we follow Jesus’ example and be a door for His gospel message and ministry.        
     Are you in need of a “door of escape?” Do addictions and past failures keep you in bondage?  Are you carrying a death sentence within your soul? Fears, doubts, and self-injury plague you? Awake! Choose gratitude and prayer. Acknowledge God’s presence, His love, care, and help. Praise Him for His faithfulness.
  Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the Door of the Sheep, the Door of Opportunity and Ministry. However, it swings wide and personal; He is our Door of Salvation.
  If anyone enters through Jesus, he will be saved.

  Do you know the Good Shepherd?

  He is the Door of Salvation.

  He invites you to enter through Him.

  So, come!

  Lily Mae

I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John : 9,10 NASB

    
    

    

A Bruised Reed

restoreroflostvoices

A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth. Isaiah 42: 3,4 NASB

 

Jesus is God’s Servant; the chosen One in whom He delights. God favors Him and is pleased with Him. Jesus has satisfied our debt. God also upholds Him. (Isaiah 42: 1,2) In Hebrew, uphold means to “hold fast.” God will not let go of His Son; He has put His Spirit in Him. His conduct and demeanor are gentle. He does not cry out or raise His voice; nor does He demand His own way. He’s quiet and submissive to His Father’s will. Furthermore, He will bring forth justice.

The world toils with pride and self-sufficiency; darkness prevails and oppresses. However, believers fall into the same swamp of self-provision, protection, and empowerment. We cling to our notion of power and deceive ourselves. God alone is in control. We’re but bruised reeds and smoking flax. We’re not mighty oaks, but reeds. Not unblemished, but bruised. And bruising is necessary.

Church pews are filled with many enslaved by addictions, anger, self-injury, regret and hopelessness. Weary and wounded, we long for community; but because of our hurt, we distrust its possibility. Bruising brings us to our knees. Leaders and congregants alike must bow. We see ourselves rightly and despair over our sin. We all fall short of the glory of God. He alone is holy. 

We’re all indebted to our Savior. The gospel is indeed the gospel. Grace upon grace . . . gift after gift, God’s plenty is bestowed upon us; and we are healed.

 After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks. Even reeds need bruising, by reason of the remainder of pride in our nature, and to let us see that we live by mercy . . . Nothing in the world is of so good use as the least grain of grace.
~ The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

The Lord won’t break the bruised reed; and a dimly lit wick He won’t extinguish. He is most familiar with troubled souls. Our shepherd tends the weak and wounded. He feeds the hungry, seeks the lost, and binds the injured and heart sick. He carries His lambs close and defends them against their enemies. Are you feeling small? Invisible? Weak? And Weary? The Lord values you and me, not as we are, but what we shall be!

The Lord fans our faint flame with grace as we consider the mighty oak rises from an acorn. Peter became the rock. Although, he denied Jesus, Jesus did not deny his small flicker of light. Jesus came from the tribe of Jesse; and David was a shepherd boy and lunch bearer before he became king. Furthermore, he was born in Bethlehem, the least of cities and “House of Bread.” 

We are called to be holy and blameless; but our strength isn’t the strength of iron and rods. We minister to the bruised, and we are the bruised. However, our Lord upholds us. He never lets go! Light infiltrates the wetland. There is smoke—sin, doubt, fear, and weariness. But God! The little spark of grace is cherished. It is gifted from heaven above and kindled by the Holy Spirit.

Blessings abound from His flame.

Be encouraged,

Lily Mae

       For who has despised the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10 NASB

Bear Much Fruit

restoreroflostvoices

  

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12: 24 NASB

 

Seasons change.

I’m down to one shadow who follows me through the garden to inspect our onions, basil, and mint. Without fail, the little tyke bites into a grape tomato and spits it out, then chews on chives as if it’s a caramel cow tail. Though the garden is small, its crop gifts lessons.

 Unless a seed die, it will not bear fruit. 

My grandson and I painted rocks for the farmer; and so, he marked the rows where he buried the seeds.

Weekly, we meandered through the raised beds with coffee in hand. We waited. Examined. Anticipated. Looked up recipes, methods, and such. We gathered supplies, measured first green sprouts and growth, and delighted in unexpected blooms. However, there were disappointments. The spinach was planted late and only produced one cut; and the deer stomped on our beans.

Nevertheless, we gathered our harvest and feasted on summer salads—lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. They were pre-washed and washed, dirt and bugs removed. Some made ready to can and freeze.

Unless a seed die . . . it cannot take on a new form.

My husband has taken on the responsibilities of the garden in his retirement. He also planted okra, beets, and jalapeño peppers and is learning how to pickle and can; even so, he won’t eat them. However, he married a southern gal who delights in all things spicy. The hotter the better! 

The garden is work. Hands get dirty. Pests attempt to destroy. Crops fail. Hearts grow tired and lonely. I miss our older grandsons. I miss my dad. His garden was four times the size of ours, and his beets, beans, okra, and corn were his work of art, and oddly enough, his rest and peace.   

The garden unearths struggle; and so, I pray for light. Rain. Patience. Time to finish the task! 

Ministry is marked by the same. We die to self. Our wants and needs are secondary. Jesus offered Himself up to save many.

If you want to serve Jesus, follow His way. He is gentle, gracious, merciful, and trustworthy. He is clothed with humility and loves without limits and conditions. Therefore, walk in His footsteps. 

 Like Him, you’ll be prepared to serve at a moment’s notice and bear much fruit.      

Seasons change . . . and I’m looking up!

Lily Mae

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12: 26 NASB

 

 

 

 

 

No Regrets!

restoreroflostvoices

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5: 22, 23 NASB

We will not regret: 

Small acts of kindness

Gathering wildflower bouquets

Gifting garden tulips, daisies, and peonies

Listening long and longingly, to know and understand

Offering a tissue, blanket, or cold glass of water

Sharing a panini sandwich and homemade chips

Meatloaf dinners passed at the door

Gentleness—a soft-spoken word, light touch and embrace 

Windows of compassion 

Reading to a child

Speaking Truth

Saying “I’m sorry”

Bearing another’s burden

Holding a hand and heart

A well-guarded secret

Expressing gratitude

Calls to grandparents

Morning walks

Candlelight dinners (phone turned off)

Sunset waltzes

Rest

Beholding God’s demure beauty

Studying His word 

Forgiving others

Forgiving yourself

Choosing to smile

Singing our song

Saying “I love you”

Humble prayers

Trusting God

A slow exhale

 

Bearing fruit,

Lily Mae

 

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6: 8 NIV

 

 

 

Challenge of Generosity

restoreroflostvoices

Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night. Ecclesiastes 11: 1-2 MSG

Spring beckons us to bow, to behold new grits of growth. But what do we do with the new growth? Winter’s gray, decay, and bitter cold had purpose; we learned a thing or two; Truth and wisdom were revealed. However, do we keep it to ourselves?

Spring challenges generosity—to not only clean up debris, but to dig in dirt, fertilize soil, plant seeds, and split our herbs and flowers. We share the fruit of our harvest.

God convicted me of hoarding this year; but not like what is seen on TV reality shows. Since I was an MK, missionary kid, and grew up with little, I struggled to let go of everything . . . “because I just may use or wear it one day.”

Nevertheless, I emptied more than closets!

Timothy gave instructions to those who serve, specifically those who have been blessed with much. He warned not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but to mass the gem of a good foundation. We’re called to ministry—to share our earthly possessions, time, work, and faith . . . that we may take hold of life. We will one day be rewarded for our eternal investments.

We live in a thirsty and hangry-starved world.

People crave Truth and intimacy; yet, they’re left parched and depleted. Social media doesn’t provide true intimacy and friendship. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are a snare that drag us deep into a pit of people pleasing and comparison thinking. We don’t know how much it influences our thought life, distracts and wastes our time, until we fast from it. Consider restricting your usage, or fasting from all on occasion, to regulate its control over you. I also dare you to limit your time on news programs, podcasts, and You-Tube. Even Christian music and sound teaching can become an idol of sorts if we’re not studying the Bible, meditating on God’s Word, and obeying the Holy Spirit’s counsel and direction.  We don’t need a multitude of voices speaking into our life. We need Jesus! 

Please don’t misunderstand! I’m all for having mentors and/or counselors to help process life. Likewise, I occasionally listen to a trustworthy sermon or podcast online to help me prepare to speak. But they are not my crutch. God’s Word, Jesus’ example, and the Holy Spirit’s leadership are what we need.

Again, consider Spring’s bounty and be generous. If you are a person of faith, share your testimony. Tell your story, your love, loss, fears, doubts, and hope. Share your struggles and growth . . . what helped and hindered your healing. Tell how you coped, what worked and/or caused you to cycle, stumble, and get worse.

Absolutely! Clean your closets and wash your windows; open your curtains and let the light of Jesus in. Swing wide your door and plant gospel seeds.

Do good—be generous and ready to share!

Be a blessing,

Lily Mae

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
I Timothy 6:18 NASB

Grits of Growth

restoreroflostvoices

 

 

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8, 9 (NASB)

 Spring beckons humility. We bow to gather new ‘grits of growth’ that God spoke through winter’s isolation, loneliness, and frozen fields and forests. Winter had purpose. We had intimacy with God. Now, what have we learned? What is our new perspective? How will we view others and serve? What are we struggling with? Forgiveness? Bitterness? Perhaps it has been for a season, or else, decades. Finally, are we building hedges, walls, or healthy boundaries?

We each have a story. Many have experienced loss, rejection, betrayal, and/or bullying. We may have been called names, ignored, or else, uninvited. So, we feel alone. Invisible. Unseen. We may struggle with our body shape, size, and looks. We believe the lies that we’re told—we’re too fat/thin, ugly, teeth too crooked, and knees too knobby. We feel like a failure, worthless and no good, like we’re never going to succeed. Nevertheless, this is not God’s view!

Spring beckons us to bow and re-frame the enemy’s lies.

Ponder what you’ve endured; consider how it’s impacted your life. What are your feelings about it? We don’t want to be led by our feelings; but our feelings matter! They’re the window to our wound. They reveal what’s hurt or broken. Fear and anger are secondary emotions; they’re the tip of the iceberg; a lot is going on below the surface. Consider what the primary feeling is that you’re experiencing. When you’re angry, rejection and betrayal are common, or else, guilt and shame. Whatever it is . . . name it!

I’d studied the book of Philippians during a challenging season when I tried to make sense of the loss of a friendship. My thoughts cycled daily with my run because I didn’t understand what had happened. Feeling betrayed and confused with God’s purpose, I lost self-worth and confidence. Since I couldn’t defend myself, I chose to remain silent.

My outlook spiraled downward as I fought depression, and I listened to my self-criticism. I bore the hurt and rejection until God tripped me in my tracks one morn. I fell and scuffed my knees on gravel, but I had a breakthrough. . .  the woman could say good or bad; however, those who were closest knew my heart and character. I couldn’t control her, but I could change my response.

I was determined to take hold of my negative attitude and thoughts as Paul had taught. To overcome my insecurities, doubts, and despair, I had to change my thinking. I had to take every thought captive. God healed me as I re-framed each lie and false belief with truth. But I had to put it into practice! 

I wrote the verses of Philippians 4 on index cards and taped them on the dashboard of my car, refrigerator, and mirror. They were a reminder to substitute my harmful rationale with thoughts of what was true, honorable, right, and lovely. Whenever a negative thought crept in, I quickly re-framed it with God’s Word. It took time for God to adjust my heart, thoughts, and outlook. Healing was a process—not a destination. Change was possible if I persevered.

Spring beckons us to bow and take hold of new ‘grits of growth.’

The trails are opening; and we can’t help but see God’s handiwork in the glorious green, magenta, and dazzling yellow. All creation is coming alive; the trees clap their hands; and the birds sing their morning song. God does the same work in us!

Choosing God’s excellence,

Lily Mae

And we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB