The One Piece to Living

Think about the following question for a minute before continuing to read.  What does it mean to live?

Some may correlate the word with alive.  In that case, the answer arrives simply by checking the function of lungs/heart.  Is that it?  As long as breath enters and blood pumps throughout the body, we are living?  No, no, no, go back to the original question:  What does it mean to live?

I can tell you that the body given, organs placed strategically by a Mighty Physician, features aligned just so to provide a unique and beautiful vessel and all this working together daily does not sum up living.  That equates being alive.  I want to talk about living.  See, I spent 6+ days alive (at times I was not so sure), but not living.  My lungs worked (the continuous hacking confirmed that), the heart continued to beat (at times boiling blood confirmed by the thermometer displaying triple digits) and each system kept trucking along fighting off such a terrible virus.  But, no part of those 6+ days I would consider living.  I existed, as a lump on the couch whose presence was known by random moaning and hacking so loud the neighbors could hear. 

I sat and watched the other members of the home live.  The scenes were difficult to watch as I knew I could not play a part.  The laughter beautiful, but brought jealousy due to lack of energy to join.  The peace filled home continued just as is without any contribution from me.  The sad part about the whole situation: had I not been down with the virus, I am not sure I would be taking part in such fun, laughter and peace anyway. 

See, I have been alive for 30+ years, heart beating and lungs breathing; but, I can count on one hand how many of those years I actually spent living.  I have been too caught up in society to live. 

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  Galatians 1:10

Yep, win the approval of human beings hijacked each day.  Therefore, I worked diligently to clean the house spotless daily (endless job with kids), place exercise as a requirement in order to eat, spent time nitpicking in front of the liar of a mirror, put everything in its place and worked with all effort to look perfect on the outside.  Meanwhile, my children wanted to play Legos, show mom their newest skill, color together, watch their favorite movie together and just get a hug.  My husband wanted attention, to talk about his day, a kiss from his wife and to relax in our home.  I had this living thing all wrong.

Coming down with the virus is not something people desire.  But, I will say I am thankful for every lesson learned while caught up in this storm of pain, weakness and suffering.  It brought humility, reality check and a stronger faith.

Humility in the form of allowing others to do something for me due to the fact I could not even make it to the restroom without crawling (slowly at that).  Reality check in the form of watching what goes on in the home whilst I would have been cleaning, organizing and stressing about preparation for the following day.  Stronger faith in the form of feeling the arms of God hold me tightly through each moment of healing.  God and I held many conversations pertaining to the steps required for healing.  He provided encouragement, strength and hope while providing many lessons along the way.  God is good ALL the time!

So, back to the original question. . . What does it mean to live?

Are you living or just alive?  Take a moment and check on that answer.  Living involves loved ones surrounding, embracing, laughing, helping and loving as God intended.  Living involves purpose, focus on serving and caring for the body provided.  The Mighty Physician provided all needed to be alive in the womb; but, left one piece open which is required for living.  The Holy Spirit fits perfectly into position and living can begin.  We must invite the Holy Spirit into our lives.  And. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig

He Understands

40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.  Luke 2:40

As you come up from the waters of baptism, you rise cleansed, refreshed and renewed.  No more sin, difficulties, temptations, sadness, anger, harsh words or unclean hearts, right?  All is good, the flesh is dead and the Holy Spirit awakened.  True; but, the world did not make the same decision that day.  The world will bring trial and tribulation upon flesh.  The flesh will fail; but, take heart God is strength.  The Holy Spirit activated within provides guidance, sustenance and joy.  

Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing.  Scripture tells of His growing time in order to become strong, filled with wisdom and receiving the grace of His Father.  Why would the situation be any different for us?  Arising from the waters of baptism, life here on Earth continues.  We must grow in wisdom in order to be strong and courageous Christians.  God’s grace is present and offered to each of us; but, we must persevere in a relationship with our Father.  

52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.  Luke 2:52

Jesus, born a child in flesh, required growing.  Scripture tells of His growing time in order to receive more wisdom, respect, a voice amongst man and recognition as Son of God.  Why would the situation be any different for us?  We must continue growing daily in His Word to receive more wisdom.  Learning to shine His Light to others by becoming a vessel requires gentle boldness.  We need not beat others over the head with Scriptures; yet, walk as Jesus did in love for all.  It is then, we will be heard, respected and the recognition will reveal as being a child of God.  

21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.
Luke 3:21-23a

Did you catch that?  Jesus was baptized.  Why would Jesus require baptism?  He is the Son of God, directly from Him.  My dear friends, the account of Jesus sets the example for our lives.  He knew no sin; yet, received every temptation, grew in wisdom, drew strength from God, went to the waters of baptism, received the Holy Spirit and found favor with God and man.  It took Jesus thirty years to begin His ministry.  He understands patience, difficulty, rejection, perseverance, pain, sadness, etc.  He understands what YOU are going through right now.  So, why not turn to Him for guidance, love, support, comfort and joy?

My dear friends, take this time of year as opportunity to learn about Him.  Watch throughout the Bible as His story unfolds, from birth on that cold, scary night until death on the cross.  He began life in rejection and left the same way; yet, remained focused on His mission.  He kept His eyes pointing to our Father.  He lived daily with the Scripture ringing loudly in His mind: 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Emmanuel!  Emmanuel!  Emmanuel!  

If God is for and with us daily, who can be against us?  
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

Stain Guard Your Spirit

Each day goes by involving a new outfit.  Not sure about you, but my favorite part of the day includes changing into pajamas and comfy socks.  Dependent on the hours and activity, the first outfit lands in the dirty clothes hamper.  

My children bring in even more dirty clothes to the mix.  My husband drops quite a few as well into the hamper.  Amongst all these clothes, each piece tells a mighty story.  The red marking on my daughter’s pant leg reveals the secret that lunch landed in her lap.  The ink line across my son’s shirt exposes the mistake of not clicking the pen in while putting away other items.  The stench (God love him) from my husband’s workout clothes displays the hardship of such intense work done earlier that day.  The mystery stains appearing on my pants explains the lack of patience to reach/find paper towels.

All this exemplifies life experienced each day.  The difficulty/frustration comes into play when clothes run through the washer without treatment.  Stains can easily be missed, especially when little ones tend to throw clothes in hamper inside out and wadded up like a basketball.  Yes, they are still young and I cannot place full blame on them for missing such stains.  But, really, how am I supposed to keep nice clothes in presentable order if I cannot see stains or have no idea they exist?  -Rant over-

As I dwell on such thoughts, a correlation to my spiritual life surfaces.  See, each day involves new mercies; but, that does not erase sinful actions hidden in the day prior.  Every circumstance, word, action or thought tells a mighty story.  Days come and go that my spiritual life looks like a pile of stained up, filthy clothing.  The word spoken through a frustrated mouth reveals lack of peace.  The drawn mouth displayed for all to see exposes failure to experience joy.  The blank stare displays the absence of love.  The slamming of items, stomping of feet and tensing of muscles due to ‘stress’ explains the lack of maturity in my Christian journey.

The struggle is real.  The battle occurs daily.  The stains appear before I can catch/prevent them.  Be whatever the trigger, temptation or trial; we all experience the moments when a stain clings tight to our spirit.    

Thankfully, God offers grace.  God reminds us to daily clothe ourselves in clean spirit, remembering the new creation has come.  Leave the old, tattered and stained up spirit behind.  Pray fervently and God will reveal the sin binding your life.  One sin at a time, God provides strength to overcome sinful nature.  He knows just the most perfect time for cleansing to take place.  He carefully exposes the words preventing peace.  He peels back the hidden memories stealing joy.  He lathers each moment in love and matures our spirit each day.  He keeps us clean and looking snazzy!  

No stain scares Him.  No stench prevents Him from drawing near.  He will bring peace, joy and love into every moment.  Daily clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.    

 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Colossians 3:5-14

Dressing for the occasion keeps stains at bay.  Be ready my dear friends, for the enemy prowls around looking to overtake a situation God has planned to benefit His Kingdom.  Stain guard your spirit by living out Truth, keeping your eyes on things above.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

One Question

That time of year rolls around again.  You know, full bellies, empty bank accounts, increase in travel while decrease in relaxation.  Stress builds when family gatherings fail in expectation.  Frustration enters the scene when that one special gift sells out.  Depression can seep into the season as darkness sets in earlier and thoughts of loved one’s absence due to various causes.  The holidays do not always bring joy, laughter and peace to everyone.

For some, the struggle is real.  Whether it be loss of a loved one, loneliness, eating disorders, depression, alcoholism, etc.; the holidays can trigger so much pain, difficulty and anxiety.  How can we overcome such inevitable triggers?

One question rings loudly in my ears.  It was asked at church during the children’s Thanksgiving celebration.  The question takes focus off self and destructive thinking.  The question begins the season on the right foot.  The question is deep; yet, one heard every year. . .

What are you most thankful for?

Seems pretty trivial, huh?  But, what if we took this question into account EVERY day?  Before stepping foot on the floor, we answered this question and praised the One that provides. 

I found it difficult to answer such a question that day.  Again, the question arises every year and I can easily ask others for an answer; but, I could not narrow it down. . .

My job – I cannot describe in words the thanks felt for the current position held.  It provides all I ever desired in a career and I look forward to going each day.  My family – well, that is a given.  The three individuals that put up with me daily are amazing.  My health – definitely.  I never imagined such healing that has taken place over the last year. 

All these items rank highly on the list.  To be honest, I hid my true answer due to fear of judgement.  My true answer to the above question may seem cheesy or basic to most.  Over the years I have come to realize what really matters most in life.  I have quite a bit to go in maturity; but, here are a few points to keep in mind when observing thanks.

In the morning, take a moment to look at the sky.  Go ahead, look at it!  Beauty is available to us at any moment of the day.  Thank You God for such a peaceful picture.  Before getting out of bed, take a moment to breathe.  I mean it, take a full complete breath!  Life is given freely and another moment available to impact others.  Thank You God for such an opportunity as this.  While driving to a destination, turn the radio off and prepare yourself.  Though we know not the exact details which lay ahead, the place holds purpose in our story.  Thank You God for trusting us to serve in such a mighty way.  At the next meal, take a moment to chew and allow every taste bud to participate in the activity.  Seriously, enjoy the food!  Thank You God for such nourishment provided daily.  Then, when lying down at night, close your eyes and breathe deeply.  Another day written down in your story; whether success or failure fill the pages, purpose exists.  Thank You God for working all this stuff here on Earth out for good for those loving You!

Now, had I answered the question as such, the kids would have looked at me as though I had three heads.  But, I can tell you that remaining focused on these things keeps the devil at bay.  The triggers of this season hold no power against a thankful heart.  Filling thoughts with Truth guards and protects the mind from toxicity.  Adjusting the eyesight from worldly things to Eternal treasures keeps purpose in the center of every scene. 

Triggers hold the ability to come full force blindside.  I promise you, beginning the day in thanksgiving and praise will provide a solid ground with which to stand and strength to overcome those sneaky triggers.  Will the pain, difficulty and anxiety appear?  Yes; but, with solid ground, clean hearts, protected mind and clear eyesight, processing through and healing from such moments comes quickly.  The Holy Spirit, activated within, arrives just in time to wield off the enemy and his schemes. 

Will you join me and begin today living in thanksgiving?  It need not be just one time a year.  Let us focus on one thing every day and be in continual praise to God for such a beautiful life.  Remember, we are not Home yet and do not belong here.  Keep focused on Eternity – our true Home.

AND. . .Keep praying harder than the devil can work. 

Sheree Craig          

Just a Phase. . .Really?

Typical day:  my son wakes, gets ready, cleans up from breakfast, gathers needed items and waits by the door.  His routine leaves room to play on device and take a breather before beginning a busy day.  Sounds wonderful, right?  Well, my son is not the only child in the home required to get up, get ready and get out the door.  Not mentioning names or pointing fingers; but, there is this precious little angel living in my home lacking sense of time, care or focus.  Typical day:  numerous prompts given to said child to wake up, said child finally comes downstairs and sits with blanket in hand staring off in space.  Said child lacks the skill of decision making when choosing breakfast.  Daily, I spout off the menu available (which does not change) and patiently (okay, not so patiently) wait for an answer.  Once decided, hair still needs brushed, teeth cleaned, outfit changed, shoes on, backpack gathered up and glasses wiped off. 

Oh, the growing moments in this momma’s life does not end when the bell rings for first period.  After school, everything brought home ends up scattered throughout the kitchen floor.  After a shower at night, dirty clothes remain where removed (inside out at that)!  Hair soaking wet, said child receives numerous prompts to brush the tangled mess to prevent drying into a rat’s nest.  Bedtime includes the same kind of process involving said child’s ears failing to function and requests left unmet. 

Just a phase?  I hope.  Some days I feel like all I have accomplished includes various arguments with my child.  Some days I feel like no enjoyment came to my child due to mom spouting out commands.  Around 8PM each night, the remnants of my child’s presence exist in about every room. 

All this is simply an exhausted mom venting. . .I love this child with all my heart and know full well that I will miss this one day.  The cool part about this vent is that an eye opening lesson follows. 

My husband and I observed said child at supper one evening.  This particular evening’s supper had a time limit.  We needed to leave very soon in order to arrive on time to church service.  Our child talks about a mile a minute on various topics as though we have not come together in days.  Then, child realizes a drink is needed with the meal, meanwhile only one tiny bite had been taken.  I watch the child carelessly clean out a cup, dry it off with a paper towel, fill with ice, then water, then put the lid on it and adjust the straw just perfectly.  All the while, talking continuously.  Not a care in the world. 

Ten minutes pass of a twenty minute time limit.  The rest of the family near done with food and there sits a plate still 75% full.  Hair still needs brushed, socks changed and shoes picked out.  A constant reminder that we need to leave spouts out of my husband and I.  Not a care in the world.

We finally get out the door.  Said child sits in the back seat, blanket in hand and eyes gazed out the window.  Words still flow a mile a minute.  Not a care in the world.

See, I have this whole thing wrong.  My heart has been focusing on what time said child takes away that I could be doing something else.  What would that something else be?  For that, I do not have an answer.  My eyes see that the presence of this child reveals in every room every evening.  Why is that a bad thing?  Said child takes time, relaxes, and enjoys every minute of the day, all while trying to have a conversation with me.  Yet, my thoughts remain five minutes ahead, focusing on what needs done and where we need to be soon.  How much do I miss by acting in such a manner?

The lesson here: serve with a loving heart, see the beauty in the presence of loved ones and live in the present.  God commands these things.  Our purpose here is evident in this eye opening lesson from my lovely child.  Wake up each morning and ask God how can I serve today with a loving heart?  Pray diligently for eyes to remain open and see His presence everywhere I look.  And live this day as if it were my last (because we have no idea when that time will come). 

Just a phase?  I hope NOT.  Each day that passes with my children, I learn lessons and grow in relationship with God.  These little people in my home reveal leadership skills greater than any person holding office in our country.  These little people lead me closer to God daily by displaying example of serving, seeing and savoring each moment. 

I love these children and thank God for the two beautiful blessings (even though on most days I feel less than competent to complete such a job as parenting).

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig  

Ugh, Shopping Stinks!

Confession:  I hate shopping!  Now, before you go thinking I totally do not fit the feminine mold, hear me out.  I hate shopping for me AND I despise shopping for clothes for me.  I love to browse around, gaze at all the newest items, pick up gifts for others and mosey on home.  But, when the shopping trip involves buying clothes for me, dread develops and I postpone the trip.

One exception exists among all the dread/hate. . .purchase of scrubs or workout gear.  If I could wear elastic band shorts/pants along with T-shirt and hoody every day; I would remain one happy girl (may be why I chose nursing as a career).  I love the latest style of stretchy pants with a long shirt and cute boots.  COMFORT!  

My husband recently purchased a gift card to a rather popular department store for me to spend on clothes.  TORTURE!  When walking into the store, I ventured to the ladies section and browsed through the latest styles.  Picking up a few items, I pictured wearing them and to what occasion it would fit.  Remaining in the ‘safe zone’, I stuck with picking out a variety of shirts.  By the time my husband returned, all the items were placed neatly back on the shelf.  His eyes revealed the obvious question, “What have you been doing this whole time?” 

Remember the show on TLC, “What not to wear”?  Well, I would be a perfect candidate for the show.  I lack the whole fashion, well put together, know what matches gene.  Again, the outfits created for ladies holds no comfort in comparison to workout gear.  The other factor which miffs me about the whole shopping for clothes experience; manufacturers cannot get their act together when it comes to that little number (which holds lots of power if we allow it) placed on the tag of pants.  One store reveals a specific size fitting just perfectly; while, venturing to another store only to find that same size will not make it past my thighs.  FRUSTRATING! 

Meanwhile, men can go from store to store and pick up the same size without trying on and walk away with a successful purchase.  Why do ladies have it so difficult when shopping for clothes?  Why make it torture trying on outfit after outfit?  I don’t think I am alone in these feelings.  The whole experience opens the door wide for the enemy to plant lies, working diligently to overpower Truth.

Comparison breeds FRUSTRATION!  Envy breeds TORTURE!  With these emotions stirring around, the enemy plays in our thoughts in hopes we turn to the world for COMFORT!

It all starts with the first comparison.  Our eyes see another lady in an outfit and she is sporting it quite well.  Thought #1 – I could never pull that off.  Thought #2 – My body would not fit well into that outfit.  Those thoughts sit for a while.  They sink into our everyday thinking, growing one negative thought after another.  Pretty soon, we detest looking in the mirror due to constant pointing out of flaws in the reflection. 

The negative thinking grows wildly into envy.  Envy towards others outward appearance consumes our day.  Words appear in speech: “I wish I looked like her”, “I need to change so I can catch the eye of the one I love”, “I desire a better me.”  In order to quiet such thoughts, we run for something to find relief. 

The world offers numerous regimens, temporary fixes and plans that fit everyone’s ‘needs’.  The world provides enticing advertisements hitting the nail on the head for your situation.  The world gives relief. . .temporarily.  The world can bury those thoughts, hiding all the pain.  The world, the world, the world. . .

LIES!  All these things in this world will not provide the comfort, peace, joy and love God plans for our lives.  God does not intend for our eyes to hold envy, our thoughts to build standards with which to compare or for our spirit to find comfort in the world.  In this world, troubles and trials arise; but do not fear, He has overcome this world. 

He created you beautifully and wonderfully.  He touched every fiber in the womb, placing all just perfectly in His Image.  He sees a glorious reflection each time you stand in front of the mirror.  The number written on the tag of your clothing DOES NOT define you.  The number revealed on the scale as you wait (even sending up a prayer to see a specific number) DOES NOT define you.  The number of candles placed on the cake DOES NOT define you.  You are not a number.  You are His daughter.  You are His cherished child. 

Healthy appears differently on each individual.  A number cannot be set as a standard for every individual to attain.  Outward appearance does not reveal our beauty.  Shine His Spirit, wear His Truths proudly and walk in His Love.  Truth breeds PLEASURE!  Love breeds PEACE!  Faith breeds PURPOSE!                                  

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

No More Deals

When mom and I were roommates for quite a few years, Saturdays grew to be the greatest day of the week.  Each one consisted of waking before the sun and grabbing the rolled up guide for our morning – the newspaper.  We could care less about results of Friday night football, what concert occurred that evening or who got married.  All we cared about was the lovely section titled Yard Sales. 

I played the navigating role, hitting the hot spots we circled just a few minutes ago; yet, the best yard sales seem to come when we simply followed the blaring orange signs.  Oh, the memories are etched into my heart and each time they surface I smile. 

The typical routine would go as follows: find address of yard sale, do a drive by looking closely to see if any particular item(s) caught our eye, turn around when possible and park if appealing to our needs.  We walked many miles around Owensboro, Kentucky, met wonderful people, built an imagination when discovering how one person’s junk could become our treasure and laughed all along the way.  Of course, a pit stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast typically existed in the itinerary. 

I do not share such a story without a twist to reveal a greater meaning.  What I did not share is the bargaining, trading and haggling that took place as well.  Most Saturdays resembled the show, “Let’s Make a Deal.”  Price tag says $2, but if you play it right could end up walking away with the item and only losing $1.  Trades could even take place; because, remember one person’s junk is another’s treasure.

In life, this process works out great for all involved.  Cleaning out our homes, selling items for next to nothing and blessing another with a treasure deems a successful day.  In our spiritual life, this process does quite the opposite.  Our human nature loves to catch a good deal, come out ahead on a trade or haggle our way to receive our heart’s desire.  In that mode, we think only of self.  Our focus remains on present satisfaction; yet, the enemy convinces that all is well. 

It has been years since I experienced a Saturday as described above; but, unbeknownst to me, I have continued with trading, bargaining and haggling in life. 

The typical routine goes as follows:  sinful action revealed in prayer/sermon speaking to my heart, doing a few drive by readings in the Bible looking closely to see if the commands given seem worth the change, turning off the current path when possible to then travel a new path leading to greater maturity in my Christian walk.  I have walked many a miles down paths leading away from Truth; yet pleasing the flesh moment by moment.  

Unfortunately, I held my treasures here on Earth.  My walk with God looked like a game of “Let’s Make a Deal”.  Okay God, I will lay down my malnourishing habits, purging actions, negative words and attitude and follow the path you laid for my life.  Yet, unbeknownst to me, my flesh held onto treasures of perfection and following law of the land (society’s opinions).  I simply traded one sin for another; while the enemy convinced such a trade was healthy and lead down the straight path. 

While I planned each day out in complete detail, making a to-do list, buying only the most clean foods, exercising a set amount of time, pleasing others and working diligently to be Superwoman; I missed all the signs God revealed leading to the best treasures.  I felt the need to always feel perfect physically and condemn self when feeling imperfect.  I remained in victim mode for far too long. 

Praise God, my eyes were opened.  I approached the Cross with hands full of Earthly treasures, or complete junk when compared to the treasures in Heaven.  Completely exhausted from holding so tightly to these treasures, I collapsed at the Cross, releasing all to the One Who took such junk on Himself and traded it for Eternal Life for us here.  One trade took place at that moment – my Earthly junk for His Treasure.

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

I may not have it all together, but the freedom received by living each day with open hands, refusing to play “Let’s Make a Deal” with God anymore and praying harder than the enemy can work keeps me on the right path.  Thank you God for not giving up on me and continuing to provide signs which lead me to the Cross.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig