The New vs. Old
So…its 20 days into a new year. Supposedly there is something special about being able to start afresh. In the new year we can choose to do things differently, right? We could choose to evoke resolutions that we want to happen in our lives. Let’s just be real, those things never last. Two weeks after I resolve to wake up every morning and run, I stop. If its not a habit, then it probably won’t become one unless I try very hard. I heard on the news that a habit doesn’t fully form until you do it for 6 months consistently. 6 months is a long time!!!! LOL.
So what do I do with it all? All being my life and all of its contents: everything I want to change, every uncomfortable characteristic, every unfulfilled relationship, every heartache, and every deferred hope. How can everything be new if the old still exists?
One thing I am learning about my relationship with Jesus is that He is so willing to wait until I give Him an opportunity to work. I can try, try, try and try until I am blue in the face and black in the feet. 
But something overwhelmingly breaks like a snapped bungee cord and smashes me down to reality when I stop trying and rest. Jesus says: “Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me.” (John 15:4)
When we live in Him, we give Him space to open doors of limitless possibilities for us.
I am reminded of the scripture that says:
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Clearly, God is making a point here. He is going to do something new…fresh..lively..invigorating in the lives of His people. Is this the same God I follow? Yeppers. He can do new things for me too! YAY
I’m finding that there are very few times (maybe never) in my walk with God that He is dependent upon me to accomplish something. The only effort I put forth is to trust Him to make and re-make all that pertains to me.
So… this year, He’ll be my resolution.
I resolve to be open to Christ and to allow Him to… do what He does best. Will you?
There’s Something About a Hug
Have you ever craved a hug? One that speaks to every hurt in your body. A hug like this can only be delivered by someone you trust. A hug so consuming every doubt and fear begins to dissipate. As girls we yearn for hugs from our fathers. Sometimes we find ourselves in the arms of men who are not trustworthy because we so yearn for the comfort of our father’s hug.
Our needs are actually deeper than craving a hug. Girls need to be reassured. It’s part of our DNA. Whatever reason for your parents’ divorce, you may find yourself craving a hug from your father. Or trust in your father may be damaged right now and your father is the last person you want to hug.
Look up sweet lady. Up out of your painful surroundings. Jesus’ arms are open and He’s ready to hold you tight. How can Jesus possibly give you a hug? He hugs and comforts us with His words. Psalm 91 is my hug chapter. Especially verse 4.
“He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Jesus wants to be your safe place to fall. Nestled in His word you will find reassurance again and again. Just like a hug Jesus takes every doubt and fear away.
Encouragement:
Our Heavenly Father sees you and He sees your pain. The same Jesus who cried over Lazarus’ death longs to comfort and reassure you. Find a comfy place and cuddle up with Psalm 91. Jesus will penetrate your heart like the biggest bear hug you’ve ever experienced.
Know I’m praying for You,
Sherry
Don’t You Care?
Are you wondering why Jesus doesn’t do something about the storm you’re going through? We believe Jesus is all-knowing, in control, and loves us enough to die for us. So why doesn’t He do something?
You’re quite normal if you feel this way, even the men who walked with Jesus questioned His best interest for them.
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38
Get the impact of this scripture. The disciples and Jesus were on a boat during a full blown storm. The next wave could bury them at sea and Jesus slept. They didn’t see Jesus doing anything so they assumed He didn’t care.
Are you in a situation where you’re ready to push the panic button? Divorce can feel bigger than any roar of thunder or bolt of lightning you’ve ever experienced. Jesus showed the disciples He was in control of their storm by speaking three words. Quiet. Be Still.
Let Jesus speak to your storm today. He’s bigger than anything or anyone coming against you.
Encouragement:
Jesus cares about you more than you I can describe in words. He knows exactly what’s going on during and after your parents’ divorce. You may be dealing with one or both parents who are not Christians but please know God is in control of them, too.
Don’t doubt for a minute God’s ability to speak peace over your problem. Ask Him then sleep well knowing it will be done.
Know I’m praying for You,
Sherry
For your Playlist: Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns
The Next Bad Thing
Psalm 86:1-7
“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”
Do you ever find yourself waiting on the next bad thing?
When perhaps all you have known the majority of your life is heartache and uncertainty, it becomes so easy to embrace life as a perpetual state of chaos. Maybe you view words such as joy, happiness, and peacefulness as foreign moments that only seemed to have existed when your parents were married; but now that the divorce or separation has really sunk in, you have simply ruled out ever feeling these emotions again. Perhaps you have accepted the fact that life will simply never be better, that things will never be as good as they once were and so from here on out you simply accept life’s chain of events knowing that when things are bad, they most likely will only get worse.
However, at some point in time you are going to come across someone or some experience that will debunk the downward sloping perspective of life which you have embraced for so long. Suddenly, you will find yourself struggling with feelings of guilt and disbelief as you try to swallow life’s sweetness and face the fact that there is another side to the God that we serve- a side that pours out blessings of love and joy upon His faithful servants.
I encourage you to seek joy today and continue to pray for it relentlessly. Stop living your life waiting on the darkness and look to your Heavenly Father for the joy that only He can provide you with. Don’t give up on a brighter tomorrow.
With all my heart,
M
Sweet Spot
Saying goodbye to one thing means saying hello to something else. The finality of your parents’ divorce means hello to a different life. Now you live with only one of your parents. Every other weekend is as normal as going to school. The way you react to your new situation is totally your choice. You’re not expected to put on a smile and pretend the “D” word is not part of your life. The last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself or have anyone pity you. Right? You prefer to have everything click along as normal as possible.
Somehow, some way, in your own style, you must deal with your emotions or thoughts. Jesus’ hand is extended to you 24/7. Tell Him what you’re feeling. Ask for His help. We’re powerless without God. You cannot get through this change in your life alone and there’s no reason to try.
“He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15
Let Jesus be your sweet spot. He promises to answer when you call on Him. Not only will He listen and respond but He will bring people into your life to encourage you through the rough days.
There’s an old hymn we used to sing at my church called “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” Casting Crowns did a remake several years ago. http://youtu.be/eTtBp7ldcyI Very Powerful.
Encouragement:
I don’t believe you found us by accident. There’s a reason you’re here. Please allow us to pray for your specific needs/hurts. You can email me directly in confidence. We will respond to you. Whatever emotions you’re dealing with today, God can turn your pain into joy. You’re not alone.
Know I’m Praying for You,
Sherry