Will you Allow It?

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12)

His Word remains alive and active. . .Truth holds power to breakdown walls built around hearts.  Truth holds power to demolish lies consuming the mind.  Truth holds power to find a lost soul and redirect.

His Word remains powerful.  Once believed, followed and read daily; His Word will forever change a person.  The path once taken will be left behind for one of greater purpose.  The world will no longer be a guide for living. . .only His Word! 

Unfortunately, there is another word which holds major power – IF WE ALLOW IT!  This word can breakdown the protection God provides – IF WE ALLOW IT!  This word can demolish Truth which guides our thoughts – IF WE ALLOW IT!  This word can take a soul far away to be lost and all alone – IF WE ALLOW IT!

Allowing this word to hold power in our lives leads to hidden hearts; for each word believed places a brick to begin building a wall of shame surrounding our hearts.  Once surrounding our hearts, these words travel to the mind; each word sits comfortably in our mind to remain and control.  After destroying our thoughts, these words take over each movement made, sending our souls into the land of lost.

All we can do to survive is run away from these words.  The problem is that these words are so tightly connected to us that wherever we should run, they show up there too.  As we dwell on these words now defining our worth, we see no way out!

So why not sit at home, Bibles open and only fill our thoughts with Truth in order to avoid these other words?  We must live in this world.  In doing so, these words surround daily life.  They can come through a co-worker, loved one, employer, stranger, etc.  And they hurt.  We allow these words to define our worth.  If the other one sees such a description from their point of view, it must be correct.  Their opinion really makes sense when measured against society’s view of living. 

The weight of the world’s opinions, descriptions of character and direction heavily sits on our backs.  We travel down the path directed by society in hopes to lighten that load and avoid more words.  We please others to minimize comments. 

“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)

My dear friend, the time is NOW to take a stand.  The statements, comments, opinions or descriptions of others do not define worth.  The world did not create us, weave us together in the womb or bring life in order to fulfill a specific plan.  The world has no idea the strength, wisdom and power we possess when taking Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  The world does not even know who they are; how can they define us? 

The world loves to pick the splinter out of our eye while holding up the plank in their eye.  We have a God Who is bigger than all of this.  He knows our inner most being, can account for every hair on our head and provides Truth about our character.  He never leaves, never forsakes.  He is all knowing and always present.  We cannot say any of that for this world. 

So, what word shall we believe this day – His or theirs?  Take a stand against the lies that breakdown, demolish and leave our soul lost.  Rebuild your life with Truth.  Form a life consistent with Truth.  Come back to the cross.  Find hope and love in His Truth.  Remain in the Word and the Word will remain in you! 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Avoid the Trash Talk

I popped in an older CD of mine in the car the other day.  Garth Brooks began singing to me (love him!).  I listened intently to the words of each song.  One in particular touched me deeper than the others.  The title of the song is “Unanswered Prayers”.  Remember that one?

I thought deeply as the song played and I belted out right along with it (yeah, wasn’t pretty).  Basically, a married man returns home and attends an old high school football game.  As he and his wife navigate through the crowds, they run into a woman.  Not just any woman; the woman that his heart desired back in the day.  Remember that “one”?  The “one” you wanted to marry, who stole your heart and held ever so tightly to it (I was fortunate to marry mine).  Well, he introduced his now wife with this old flame (why?  I have no idea – I would have politely said hi and kept walking).  As he did, memories flooded his mind, consuming every thought.  I picture Satan having a field day on this man, filling him with lies such as, ‘remember your attraction to this woman’, ‘think about what could have been’, ‘don’t you wish you could go back and change some things’, ‘the grass looks greener on that side’, etc. 

Satan works hard to fill us with regrets of choices made in our past.  Triggers fly at us daily to flood our thoughts with lies and deceit.  We begin to hate what our past looks like or the decisions made prior to now.  The ball continues to roll, leading to unforgiveness towards ourselves and infestation of unworthy feelings.  Satan wins the battle of our minds when we bury ourselves in these thoughts and remain. . .

Well, the story ends positively.  The man realizes that the past occurred for a reason.  The paths once taken led him to the wonderful wife he now walks through life with hand in hand.  God knew exactly what He was doing in NOT answering this man’s prayer.

And He knows just what He is doing in our lives as well.  The past may break us, but God takes all those pieces and builds us the way He desires.  Then, He uses every story for the good of His Kingdom.  Without those unanswered prayers, our ministries would not exist.  Think of the many prayers spoken throughout your life. . .

God does not answer each one according to YOUR plan; He answers according to HIS WILL.  He holds the plans for your life in the palm of His Hand and is guiding you through, one step at a time.  Lies from the enemy create barriers which detour you from His mighty plan. 

In the flesh, we may not comprehend reasoning of His work.  Our faith must remain strong and believe His promises.  Anytime the enemy comes in with his trash talk, run to Truth.  God’s promises clearly say He already won the battle.  He holds fabulous plans in the future for us.  He will not harm.  Demand the enemy to get behind and let God do His work within.

So, lift up prayer and petition to God and trust that He will answer them accordingly.  Wait, should the answer not come immediately.  Go, should the answer appear at that moment.  Trust, should the answer never come.  Reasons exist beyond our imagination as to why the paths turn, split, travel uphill or speed downhill.  Believe in Him as your guide. 

“Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”  

      

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Remain Connected

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”  (Matthew 4:8-11)

All right, All right, the food card did not work nor did the Scripture test.  Now the enemy decides to try one more tactic; third time is a charm, right?  The enemy leads Jesus to a mountaintop with a killer view.  All kingdoms reveal beauty to the eye.  To own such land would bring glory to one’s pride.  To have authority over many kingdoms would raise the pedestal on which one stood.  Jesus could really get others to pay attention to Him and get to know Him if all had to answer to Him, right?

At what cost?  The enemy explained that Jesus would turn over His soul in order to own such property and earn prestige.  The enemy reminds me of Ursula in The Little Mermaid (one of my favs!).  Poor little Ariel desired legs.  She dreamed of walking the Earth and meeting people, especially the handsome man she saved.  The ‘grass seemed greener on the other side’ and Ariel succumbed to the pressures of Ursula.  She received legs at the cost of her voice.  The only connection for the handsome prince to recognize Ariel was her voice.  She gave away the one piece that kept a bond between her and the love of her life. 

How often do we succumb to pressures of this world?  At what cost?  The enemy comes in whatever form will entice us to let go of God’s hand.  We lose the only connection for God to know us.  The bond we hold to our Father breaks as our feet shift to the right of a straight path.  The ‘grass seems greener on a different path’.

Guess what, my friend; you have to mow that grass as well.  Each path holds its own trials and tribulations.  No amount of money, prestige, relationship, possession, etc. is worth losing the connection with God.  Without Him bound by our side, the path will destroy us.      

“Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.” (Deuteronomy 28:14)

 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

Ariel found it useless without a voice.  The prince did not recognize nor care to know her.  The path chosen at the cost of her voice appeared too hard to handle.  All came to a crashing halt and guess who came to rescue – her father.  Guess Who will come to rescue should life come crashing down – your Father. 

It may take some time to get back on the straight path.  Lessons will be learned along the way.  In the end, you will realize how glorious, peaceful and comforting to be walking the straight path.  God will lead to places beyond imagination.  He will use you in mighty ways.  Let Him rescue you today.  Come to Him and reconnect by falling at the cross.  Lay all the decisions down and worship only our Father.

Jesus got it right all three times and demanded that Satan move over and take these weak attempts elsewhere.  As he left, Jesus gained even more strength and closer bond with his Father.  We cannot serve two masters – serve only God.  Is anything in life pushing its way above your worship for God?  What competes with the attention given to God?  Give it up, readjust thoughts and demand Satan to get behind you.  Keep your connection.  His hand remains open at all times to come back. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

Trust NOT Test

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.   “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Okay, so the food enticement did not work for the enemy.  The enemy decided to play another card.  He used Scripture connected to an ultimatum.  The enemy asked Jesus to prove Himself by testing Scripture.  If results showed different, then the enemy had Him, right?

Angels could come to rescue Jesus, but that was not in God’s plan.  Jesus knew this for His bond to His Father stood strong.  He knew God had a plan and it did not include succumbing to the enemy in such a way.  Putting God to a test is polar opposite of faith. . .

We can all be guilty of testing God.  Often times it appears through prayer.  ‘God, if only you would provide a job, then my faith would grow deeply and believe the Truth.’  ‘God, please bring health to my dying family member; for it is written that health can be restored.’  ‘God, get me home safely so I can affirm your presence.’  ‘God, settle this storm; for it is written that you can calm the seas.’

God loves to hear from you.  Prayers provide a direct line of communication between us and God.  Faith can diminish when requests connect with ultimatums; other known as tests for God to pass so we can affirm His presence, love or wisdom.  Throwing these up in prayer opens a door for the devil to begin sneaking in on our spirit.

The enemy waits for the weakest moment, when we sit before God desiring an instant miracle or rescue, and begins whispering false words.  The enemy leads us to believe if God can’t fix, heal, provide, rescue or remove the concern then He must not care.  How could Love fail in a moment of need?  How can bad things occur to Christians?  For it is written that God provides protection, security, direction and cares for all His Children, right?

It is also written that we live in a fallen world.  There will be trials and tribulations here on Earth.  God cannot force anyone to believe in Him, follow His Ways and seek counsel from Him.  Therefore, people will continue to choose wrongly and act against His Word.  The results may harm only themselves or cause a ripple effect and include numerous individuals in the harmful effects.  We only have control over our decisions.  We only have control over our relationship with God. 

I cannot guarantee you ‘easy’ living once accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  I cannot guarantee that no matter your actions, God will rescue.  And I cannot guarantee you complete physical health and safety. 

I can guarantee you peace which surpasses all understanding.  I can guarantee you that though discipline hurts; it will create a strong faith which the devil cannot break.  I can guarantee you spiritual health and safety.  For it is written. . .

Seek His Truth in order to strengthen your spirit.  The Promises will remain and He never fails to follow through.  All things work out for good as we love and believe in Him through EVERY situation.  It is in His timing, not ours.  Pray today, send up requests; but, stop short of connecting an ultimatum or testing out God’s promises.  Let Him finish the work He began by following His Will placed upon your life. 

He will never lead you where grace cannot cover.  He led Jesus into the wilderness as an example and to show the devil Who will win the battle.  We may be led to the wilderness, but pray harder than the devil can work; therefore, your faith will not falter and God can use you in mighty ways! 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

Faith NOT Flesh

‘Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Matthew 4:1-4

Fasting forty days and forty nights would lead to loud growls from the belly.  If I fast for more than four hours emotions run rampant and the belly gets to growling.  Beginning a healthy eating plan may cause the same reactions.  It seems the belly grows a mind of its own and dominates the body.  Thoughts revolve around food.  Giving into temptations leads to a spiral of guilt and shame.  All day long, all you think about is this new plan and how maybe you made a mistake to choose such a path.

How many times did Jesus feel the trip into the wilderness and the whole fast may be a mistake?  He came to this world in human form; therefore, required nutrients just like you and I.  He felt hunger.  But, with every hunger pang, every mention of food and every thought of fleshly need – Jesus prayed.  He replaced thoughts with Truth.  He worshiped rather than worried about worldly needs. 

Just nearing the finish line of the fast, the enemy arrived.  The enemy prowled around until just the right moment of weakness in hopes to bring Jesus down.  Temptation included food – how brilliant.  Of course Jesus wanted food; remember He felt hungry.  But, over the forty days and nights of fasting He came to the realization of the true Nourishment required for survival.  He could turn stones into bread had it been God’s Will; but, the enemy was asking for such a miracle, not His Father.  Jesus knew bread would satisfy His hunger, but at what cost?

I am NOT suggesting a forty day fast.  I am suggesting a forty day focus on Truth.  Try it.  Each time any worldly desire dominates your thoughts, be it food, money, approval, drugs, alcohol, soda, perfection, etc.; turn to His Word instead for satisfaction.

It seems anytime we strive for a ‘better’ lifestyle through change or redirecting a failing path, all we think about is the desire to return to the old.  Satan knows this very well about us and comes in at just the right moment of weakness in hopes to take us down.  Satan loves for us to give in to flesh and avoid faith.  By the power of the Holy Spirit you can live by faith NOT flesh.

“Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  

Isaiah 40:28-31

We cannot do this alone.  We don’t need to do this alone.  Our weak flesh cannot withstand temptations to overeat, choose unhealthy meals, avoid food, purge, take a hit, buy that item, conform to another’s desires, feed pride, etc.  We only exhaust and fall into the wrong arms.  Have you not heard?  Our God waits with open arms.  He created your inmost being and knows every hair on your head.  He provides the strength to overcome the enemy and fulfill the plan laid for your life. 

God does not tire out, His vision does not blur due to working overtime and He will not run out of empathy.  He loves you.  He desires a relationship.  He wants to hear from you.  Without Him providing true Nourishment for survival, we will crumble, fail, tire and never be satisfied.  Properly nourish yourself today before heading out in this world.  When weakness strikes, refuel with Truth so that God will renew your strength and put the enemy in his place!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Don’t Mess with Me

Another child enters the Kingdom of God. . .

The waters of the baptistery provided a COLD welcome as my daughter and I stepped inside.  I wore waders over clothing and still felt the cold temperature through the layers.  My daughter wore bathing suit shorts and a t-shirt.  The shirt worn was one of her favorites.  It was red with the statement: don’t mess with me, my dad is the referee.  My husband officiates and she sports (no pun intended) the shirt in support him. 

Baptism remained the hot topic for weeks leading to this event.  My daughter grew in excitement with each conversation pertaining to spiritual growth and decision to join His Family.  We explained the meaning behind such a decision, read through Scripture, asked questions concerning faith and just loved on this little girl for quite some time before planning the actual Baptism. 

The day came and she filled with excitement.  Family gathered around in support, her dad prayed, her brother ran video and I had the privilege of baptizing her.  Once she rose from the water, the excitement to get warm, dry clothes back on almost exceeded the emotions prior to the event. 

Welcome to His Family my dear daughter. . .

Then, the day after arrived and times seemed tough for this little girl.  The day just did not go as planned and emotions were anything but happy.  Blame it on tiredness from a busy day prior, a girl just being a girl or her brother pushing past the point of toleration; but, I see it as one piece of the puzzle we failed to educate on pertaining to Baptism.

‘After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:2-3)

Following Baptism, Jesus traveled into the wilderness, fasted and the devil moved in to destroy.  The enemy planned to destroy the connection Jesus received upon Baptism, the power now residing within and halt any work done for God.  Three times, the devil worked at reverting such a decision and confession of faith.

The enemy hates losing another person to God’s Kingdom.  Satan will fight with any weapon available and do/say anything to try and win you back.  Satan asked Jesus to perform tasks to reveal the power within; but, God was not asking for Jesus to do so, therefore the task need not be done. . . ‘Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

The enemy proceeded to ask Jesus to jump and rely on angels to save him since now in connection with God.  ‘Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7)

Then, the enemy tempted Jesus with material items to come back to his team.  ‘Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10)

The devil realized Who already won this battle and he stood no chance of survival.  Jesus held the power of the Holy Spirit and the weaponry He fought with now, no man could withstand.  Satan left Jesus alone.

As we enter His Kingdom, Satan realizes he lost.  He will work diligently on your spirit to bring you down and run away from the decision just made.  Take Jesus’ example and demand that Satan get behind you so the steps now taken will align with Truth.  I informed my daughter of this information we failed to explain prior to the decision. 

Looking back, I see that the shirt worn for her Baptism was quite fitting: don’t mess with me, my Dad is the referee.  I am thinking Jesus would have liked to worn such a shirt so the devil would have known right away there is no chance of winning.  Our Father will be our referee and bring awareness to troubled situations, call off those who come to harm us, help us to remain in possession of His Holy Spirit and keep us in the game.  Remember as you take Jesus as Lord and Savior, the battle is already won.  Let Him protect you from the evil one who will prowl in to steal/destroy your love for Jesus.  Tell Satan to get behind thee!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig  

Falling Through the Cracks

From head to toe my son dresses in Air Jordan.  He even displays a life sized cardboard cutout (handed down from his dad) in his room.  No surprise when he decided to design his birthday cake with Air Jordan.

Out I went to purchase a chocolate cake mix and ingredients to create the icing.  The week quickly filled with places to be and things to do.  I did not get around to baking the cake until the day planned to decorate.  Baked early in the morning, the cake sat out to dry enough to withstand the icing. 

Hours passed and into the evening I whipped up the icing.  Being homemade, the consistency remained creamy.  I proceeded to icing the cake, now on a big platter rather than the spring form pan used in baking.  It looked delicious and smelled even better.  The finishing touches came after my husband arrived.  His steady hand outlined and filled the image of Air Jordan spanning across the cake.  Then, he placed the number 23 near the bottom.  It looked great.  My son was impressed. 

Our work here is done, time to sleep.  Alarm rings and I head to the kitchen to admire the creation.  Uh-Oh!  Due to the moist cake, creamy icing and heavy colored icing creating the image; Jordan fell through the cracks – LITERALLY!  Sitting on a huge platter with lots of room around the cake to move, it moved indeed. 

Luckily, I rise before anyone else in the house.  Luckily, I hung on to the leftover icing.  Luckily, I did not freak out and give up on the matter.  I will not lie, at first I was thinking of how I could break it to my son that his party will have no cake.  But, plan B needed to come into the picture.  Wait, there was no plan B!

I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out the leftover icing and began repair.  I placed the cake back into the spring form pan to press on the sides and connect the cracks back together slightly.  All was going well.  Then I decided to begin covering the cake with more white icing and recreate the design.  Well, the red Air Jordan streaked the white icing too much to cover.  So, I removed the icing, used red food coloring and now we have a red cake!  While working on the repair a skeptic appeared.  My husband became upset at the image due to his hard work the night before now under construction.  I quickly explained plan B and he decided to comply. 

In the freezer the cake went after red icing now covered the cracked cake.  Later, my husband formed a new Air Jordan in black icing and placed his number at the bottom again.  The cake looked better than before and my son was super impressed with this new creation (he wanted a red cake to begin with)!

Funny, how plan B often turns out even greater than the original.  Thankfully, in life a plan B exists.  As a sweet baby created uniquely in our mother’s womb, life begins.  Big plans lay ahead the moment we arrive.  Our Designer holds all the right tools to build a beautiful life.  Not yet in a relationship with Him, we decide the design for life.  We move in directions before the ground can withstand traffic.  We build the path with worldly ‘things’ and design life based on our plan.  We allow the world to place the finishing touches on this plan, sit back and admire the ‘work’ done. 

Years pass living in such a manner until THAT day comes.  Our eyes open.  Uh-Oh!  Due to the inconsistency of this world, disappointment from others and burdens heavily laden on our shoulders; our life fell through the cracks – LITERALLY!  We sit alone on a path filled with potholes, cracks extending in every direction, afraid to move.  Plan B anyone?

We realize what needs to be done.  We run quickly back to the One Who has not given up on us.  Our Creator holds us tightly in His arms, beginning repair of this broken life.  He covers all the sin/brokenness by the blood of His only Son, recreating our life.  Along the way, skeptics come in and try to destroy this construction project, leading in the direction of giving up.  We simply explain to others the transformation and say, “He is not finished with me yet.” 

God takes messy lives and creates a beautiful new creation.  He can and He will do that for you, no matter the circumstances. . .will you meet Him at the cross today? 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig

His Hand Waits

Crazy thing happened as I turned off the annoying bell that consistently ruins my perfect sleep.  I rolled over only to find empty pillows.  I sat up quickly to scan the bed only to find empty space.  Must be ‘take your kids to work day’ and my husband failed to mention that detail. . .NOPE.  It happened.  A night completed without a sleepover occurring in our room.  Now I understand why I feel so rested this morning.  No kick in the back, arms flailing around my neck or talking heard throughout my night.

A range of emotions surged through as my morning routine changed a bit (OCD challenged at 5:00 AM before coffee = difficult beginning).  I began making my bed instead of the kid’s and tip-toed when laying out their clothes.  I felt proud of my children and praised God for this big step both kids made.  Okay, so maybe they were just exhausted and slept solid throughout the night, but hey, as a parent you take what you can get.  Both kids display one step closer toward maturity.  I look at them sleeping and see how fast time lapsed.  I felt sad to know the dependency level decreases each day.  I felt nervous for what’s to come.  I felt excited as I recall the fun times lived thus far and the lessons taught to all of us.  God’s Hand never left our lives from the start and will remain each and every day.  All this before coffee!  Wow, I need a nap already. . .the intensity of this morning is too much!  J

What to do with all the emotions this early?  Write about it.  Come along for the ride if you would like. . .Have you ever experienced the moment when an event, word spoken or person seen triggers a memory?  I often experience such a time.  My mind puts me right back in the moment. . .to the point I even feel the same emotion I did that very moment in time.  Well, seeing my children grow and now both venturing out from under my shelter floods my mind with my past.  I remember the helpless moments following the crowd just to ‘fit in’, the decisions creating lasting effects, the nights returning home filled with regrets, the broken hearts, the hearts I broke, etc.  How can I prevent all this in my children’s lives?  Sad truth is that I cannot.  The world will throw various situations in front of each child.  I cannot be there to guide, help, decide for them or erase any regrets.  I cannot mend a broken heart.  I’m of no use now to my kids, right?  They feed themselves, clothe themselves, soothe themselves to sleep, walk, take care of their own hygiene and talk for themselves.  Is my job done as a mom?

Oh, most certainly, it is NOT!  My role did not decrease in responsibilities. . .it increased.  I now have the privilege of pouring my heart out to God for protection over my child’s day.  He will respond.  I mature daily as I clean up my act so to set an example I wish for my children to follow.  God will continue to change me so He is pleased with my leadership and teaching.  I now provide freedom to my children, increasing independence all while continuing to point them toward God.  He will have all the answers.  Daily, we fill our children with Scripture, taking every opportunity seen to teach and guide them to His Truth.  Nightly, we read devotions with our children and pray the lessons impress deep in their hearts.

Ugliness fills my past.  Some of the same ugliness may creep into my children’s lives.  But, I know that forgiveness exists, beauty arises from ashes, ministry comes through trials and our sins wash away clean when we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  I laid it all at the cross and now ask to be used in any way He desires so others may realize His Hand remains open at all times.  All we (and our children) need to do at any moment is grab His Hand and hold tightly.  He will bring us out of any pit this world tries to dig.  He takes the pieces of a broken heart and mends it stronger than before.  He will guide our steps all while shining His light through us.  He will send His angels to watch over us, discerning right from wrong.  He will wash away any sin as we repent and ask for forgiveness.  I never knew this. . .now I do.  I pray each and every one of you come to know this Truth as well.  No matter the age. . .His Truth stands and His Hand remains open.  Will you grab His Hand today?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig          

Resentment Box

Supermom here decided to clean during school hours.  As the bus pulled away, it was on!  I pulled out the cleaning supplies and began to tackle the upstairs.

I sprayed down the shower and moved all bottles blocking the way.  When picking up my daughter’s body wash, it felt empty.  With thoughts stuck on cleaning – I threw away the bottle.  A replacement bottle of different scent quickly took the empty one’s place.  What a nice mom, right?

I continued throughout the rooms moving furniture to vacuum, adjusting décor to dust and pitching useless items.  Cleaning consumed all morning hours, bringing me to lunchtime!

After lunch, I decided to venture out and tackle the grocery list.  I picked up requested items and those needed to create the nightly menu.  In and out within one hour (funny how quickly shopping occurs without four little hands reaching for nonessentials). 

This supermom deserved a cup of coffee and some quiet time before the kids arrive.  Patting myself on the back, I sat down in my clean house with a cup of coffee and a good book.  #feeling accomplished

As my two little angels arrived home, they ate snacks from the filled cabinet, enjoyed lemonade made while they were away and told about their day.  As my daughter often does, she decided to take a bath immediately after completing homework.  She loves to get relaxed and in her pajamas shortly after arriving home (I have no idea where she gets that ;-)  ;-)

She went on upstairs, grabbed a towel and began running bath water. . .

Then, it happened.  Supermom received a dagger of kryptonite right in the back.  Tears poured down my daughter’s face and anger developed as she realized a different bottle of body wash sat on the shelf.  Fury raged.  I tried to explain the situation; she immediately informed me that the bottle was in fact NOT empty. 

We moved on with empty promises of finding the same scent body wash at the store soon (it was a seasonal scent).  She finished and came downstairs.  Tear stained cheeks revealed the little girl remained hurt, angry and sad.  With a face full of remorse, I looked toward her.  She threw another dagger of kryptonite – she said, “You are mean.”  Wow, supermom quickly turned into an epic failure.  #feeling destroyed 

My response – I said, “No, I am a mother who made a mistake and am very sorry.  I hope you can forgive me.”  Forgive me?  Do I realize what I am asking of a ticked off little six year old?  Her world crumbled the moment she lost a valuable item.  A loved one just threw it away, without even asking permission.  How could she forgive that?  She cannot even think about all the positive things done for her that day (lunch made, clothes laid out, help with homework, cabinets filled with favorites and a supper she loves in the oven). 

Ever feel like my daughter?  A loved one in your life takes a valuable item without permission and just throws it away; be it love, innocence, comfortable life, self-esteem, position or status, monetary item, etc.  How can you forgive that?  After a situation such as this, life crumbles all around.  Wounds develop on every side of your heart.  Tears fall, fury rages and anger develops.  Resentment builds up and you store it away in a little box, ready to release it with any wrong move made by the other.  Failure to see or remember the positive attributes in the other keep a bondage to resentment. 

Forgiveness - stop feeling anger toward; stop blaming; stop requiring payment of (http://www.merriam-webster.com).   ^“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Today is the day!  Let go of the anger, fury and resentment.  Open the box and release it to God.  See the other person through God’s eyes.  The only one hurting from the bondage of resentment is you.  Quit with empty promises to yourself to “get over the hurt” and fill yourself with the true Promises found in His Word.   “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

I am far from supermom; I am simply a mom that makes mistakes and requires forgiveness.  Thankfully, my daughter offers that forgiveness and releases any resentment held due to unfair circumstances.  Let us learn from my six year old – forgive, release the hurt and let God take care of it.  It is then; you will also receive the forgiveness needed for your sins. 

Seek God to release unforgiveness and then follow the prompting of restoration.  He may ask for simple confession and releasing the emotion to Him.  He may ask for action to go and make the situation right between you and the other.  Follow His directions in order that you may live free from the bondage of resentment. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Deficit of Attention

Confession:  When striving to complete one single task, a slight deficit in attention exists.  My mind wanders in all directions.  I like to think of it not in a negative perspective, but that I am a deep thinker!

I often group daily tasks together and finish several at one time.  Keeping focus on one job requires complete concentration, which I do not possess.  I perform best when the radio plays in the backdrop, someone joins me or attention can be spread out to more than one task.  The constant mind movement becomes exhausting most days.  A problem arises while driving. . .

Gorgeous weather lead to daydreaming, monotonous roads lead to multi-tasking while driving and quiet vehicles lead to thinking about anything but the road.  Here comes the big confession. . .more than driving occurs when behind the wheel:  filed nails – guilty, texted – guilty, looked in the mirror to fix hair – guilty, eaten – guilty, read a text – guilty, studied note cards – guilty, I better stop here or I might find myself with a citation!  I am fully aware of the issue at hand and work daily to quit doing such things (I know two sets of eyes watch my every move, one nearing driving age).  I constantly need to pull my focus back at the task at hand.  Oh, yeah and thankfully the handy dandy GPS came about because I have missed turns before due to daydreaming or some other attention grabbing task.  GPS loudly speaks to me, returning attention to prepare for a turn, twist or change in the road ahead.  The monotony of driving does not go well with the liveliness of my mind.  Now you can understand why my husband consistently drives and why I dislike driving so much.

Correlation:  Ever feel like a slight deficit of attention exists in your spiritual life?  Following our One True God, studying His Word daily and keeping Him in your mind at all times requires complete concentration.  Peaceful moments lead to forgetting why such blessings occur, monotonous days lead to a desire for fleshly excitement and quiet minds lead to the devil seeping lies inside our thoughts.  So, have you ever:  chose a rebellious act just to excite the flesh, took a turn when signs clearly said stay straight, left the Bible on the shelf until Sunday during a season of peace, fell asleep in service believing the message is not meant for you or said no because the task seemed lame?  In truth, we all have experienced such times.  Becoming aware of such a deficit in our spiritual attention allows us to continually pull focus back to the path laid for our lives.  As Christians, numerous eyes watch our every move; therefore, we must keep our focus on Him and follow the path laid for us.  One way to keep focus is through studying His Word daily so our minds fill with Truth.  His Word gives direction, clear-cut steps to live here on Earth.  He guides our feet, loudly speaking to our hearts and grabbing our attention to prepare for a turn, twist or change in the path before us.  He paved the way and knows exactly what lay before us.

Ignoring the deficit leads to destruction.  Should I continue to daydream, multi-task or think of everything else but driving I will someday find myself in a ditch or worse.  Should we continue to forget Him, please our flesh or listen to the devil’s lies we will find ourselves in a pit or worse.  Let’s turn up the worship (sing out praise at all times), join together (where two or more gather in His name, so He will be) and spread out to teach His Word to others (The Great Commission).  Volunteer at venues which spread His Word to others, daydream about winning the one true Prize and fill your heart with love for Him to keep the devil at a distance.  Learn the obstacles which increase the deficit in your spiritual attention.  Constantly pull focus back to Him and how you can serve Him, deficit and all.  

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig              

Joyride

You WIN!  Pick your dream vehicle and own it for one year.  No rules apply.  Drive anywhere you like, reimbursement for gas included and any damage will be repaired of no cost to you.  AWESOME!

I choose a ’67 Shelby Mustang, blue, manual with leather interior.  Come with me on a joyride.  Be sure to pack a variety of clothing and necessities for the distance and locations remain unknown.  The fuel is already paid for so it does not matter the miles traveled. 

I have received a FREE gift that cannot be given a price.  Along the way, should another car ding mine in the parking lot or I get a little too close for comfort when parking near a light pole (not that I have ever done that or anything), the damage will be repaired for free.  I need only confess all the damage done so the owner can properly care and restore the vehicle back to original conditions.    

Come with me on a joyride.  I can promise pretty scenery worth pausing and capturing a photo.  I can promise good conversation, laughter until your belly hurts and memories to last a lifetime.  I can also promise some rough terrain, stormy days and ugly scenery.  We will not spend time in those moments though.  We will drive carefully over rough terrain and do the best we can.  We will drive through the storm, not run from it or stop to gawk at the lightning bolts.  We will simply enjoy the rainbow after the storms and then take time for a photo opt.  The ugly scenery will come and if possible we will work together to better the environment (pick up litter, help a stranded sole, pray for another, etc.).  

Overall, this joyride will be the best time of your life!  All the while, we will respect my ’67 Shelby and care for it to our best ability.  We will strive to return the vehicle clean, with little damage and a full tank of gas.

You WIN!  Take Jesus as your Lord and Savior and a FREE gift will be given.  No rules apply to receive the offer except FAITH and BELIEF in our Creator.  He sent His only Son to die for you and for me so we may live.  This life is at no cost to you and any damage along the way will be repaired freely as you lay it at the cross.  You must confess each sin so your Creator can properly care and restore you.

The gift given through Jesus cannot be given a price.  Life after salvation can be viewed as a joyride.  We each receive a new life and a path on which to travel.  The distance travelled remains unknown but rest assured, the path leads to Eternity in Heaven with our Creator. 

Let God drive.  He promises pretty scenery full of the blessings and beauty.  He promises good, sound wisdom.  He promises endless laughter and memories to build faith.  He knows there will also be trials and tribulations.  Storms will move in, sometimes without warning.  The path could become a bit rocky and scenery may become less than desired. 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

No worries, He holds tightly to the wheel and will drive carefully over the rockiest of places.  He provides the strength needed to safely arrive past the bumps, curves and challenges in life.  He will bring you through storms; therefore, do not run from them or stop to dwell in them.  Go through the storms of this life knowing that maturation results and faith builds strength to come out on the other side.  It is then, a rainbow can be enjoyed and the lessons learned shared with others going through the same storm.  He also will provide proper tools to beautify any scenery seen that appears ugly.  Work with perseverance to gain knowledge on your joyride and build His Kingdom along the way.

The joyride will be the best time of your life!  But, His Promise remains that the Eternal life spent in Heaven far outweighs any time spent here.  Our earthly minds cannot fathom the riches and beauty waiting in Heaven.  Strive daily to care for the life given here, respect your Maker, keep life clean and healthy by following His Word daily.  Return to Him with a full tank of FAITH!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig  

Obey the Referee

It proves to be the hardest word to say.  Our mouths just weren’t formed to speak such a word.  Our tongues fight back the motion needed to pronounce each syllable correctly.  Our minds cannot fathom using such a word in a sentence.  The word brings much emotion, giving more reason to avoid it completely.  

It appeared in our lives not too long ago. . .
The kids and I experienced a crazy kind of day.  One minute they got along fantastically and helped complete a task perfectly.  The next minute I wore stripes and raised a whistle to be referee.  The arguments were unnecessary and a complete waste of energy and breath.  Yet, they continued back and forth.  Just when the match ended, a bell rang for the next to begin.

Each child must be first, the best, strongest, smartest, most popular amongst parents and win every game played.  The losing party forms excuses.  The other always cheated, rules weren’t explained, a parent always treats them unfairly, etc.  I finally separate the two, which then causes an argument concerning one child sitting where the other ‘called’ first.  I cannot win as referee and no one cares to listen to my words. . .the thoughts of ‘I must win’ consume their little minds and somehow close off the ears.

Anyways. . .to my point.  This referee grew exhausted with the wrestling match and thought it came to an end by the time my husband arrived home.  So, I hung up my stripes, put away the whistle and put on the apron, grabbing my bowls and utensils.  It was ‘make your own pizza’ night.  My son chose the menu so it was only fair to allow him to make his first, right?  Oh, not in my daughter’s eyes.  I called my son in the kitchen and my daughter trailed quickly behind presenting an argument of why she should go first.  She lost and resorted to watching from afar.  Well, the tortillas were not quite ready to be topped.  I placed all ingredients out, ready for use; including the bowl of pizza sauce I just finished mixing.  I went to get something from the other room, leaving my daughter claiming first dibs next time we make pizzas. . .then it happened!

The event which created a ripple effect amongst the whole Craig family occurred.  Amongst their arguments ‘SOMEONE’ knocked the bowl of sauce all over the kitchen floor and each other.  It looked as though a bomb of red sauce exploded (side note: just spent the day before cleaning the whole house. . .just sayin’).  Being in my apron, not my stripes, I held my breath and ventured to get my husband.  Both kids went straight to the shower and threats of early bed time flew out of our mouths.  I began to wipe it up good enough to finish supper and the kids completed their showers.

I heard a sincere little voice say it. . .his tongue rolled perfectly to pronounce it, “Sorry mom.”  There it was, all it took to completely erase the whole situation.  My daughter followed with the same words.  I thought it was over. . .but, then the ripple effect began.  I became short with my husband concerning all the mess I still had to clean up and kept barricading them from where a rag needed to clean.  Voices rose in decibel, ending with me running out of the room to avoid saying anymore.

In came the Referee.  He quickly informed me of all my faulty moves and sent me to my corner to sit for a while.  I cried out to Him for guidance on what to do upon entering the ring again.  He asked me to do something unimaginable. . .something foreign to me.  He asked for humility and use of that word.  My kids just presented the example and I must follow.  So, I began playing out how this would go before approaching my husband.  I could say sorry and then argue my case a little bit, right?  Well, God said no, just say sorry.  But, I. . .no just say sorry.  Well, he. . .no just say sorry.  Next time, he better. . .no just say sorry.  Despite my strongest efforts to present my side, God asked me to simply say sorry and let Him take care of the rest.  He will fairly call the match and end it with a tie.  Trust Him.

I did.  And it happened.  The whole situation wiped clean as if it never occurred.  Why must we win, be first or the best in arguments.  God asks us to simply give it to Him, follow His ways, and shine His light to others.  We cannot do any of that when ‘I must win’ consumes our minds.  Running from Him creates a storm, escalating the effects of a situation that means nothing in the long run.  We must run to Him, remove ourselves from the situation and sit quietly with Him.  He will clearly tell us what to do and which way to go.  Once we say yes, pushing aside our stubborn thoughts. . .we see His mighty work of mending and healing.  He shines brightly, setting the example for all to learn for the next time such an event occurs.

Seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and love Him. . .He will use you in mighty ways each time you humble yourself and avoid fleshly stubborn ways.  Trust Him.  He knows the big picture.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Question of the Day

At an interview an open ended question left me stumped.  “Can you tell us a little about yourself?”  I could tell you a lot about myself; could you be more specific please?

Well, here goes nothing; I am a wife, mother and can place the letters RN behind my signature.  No, that describes titles held.  Okay, I know; I clean, run errands, cook and try to instill positive thoughts in my children.  No, that describes tasks completed.  “Can you tell us a little about yourself?”

Oh, I get it; I am entering my 6^th year in recovery of an eating disorder.  I pushed through nursing school surviving countless triggers trying to pull me down along the way.  I lived in various cities and dealt with plenty hardships along the way.  I married the love of my life nine years ago.  No, that describes past situations and circumstances. 

Alright, I guess I just don’t understand the question.  There must be nothing to tell about; nothing worth anything to provide a description of Sheree.  Next question please!

You may have never experienced the difficulty in answering this question.  But, let us take a look at it now.  “Can you tell us a little about yourself?”  Define you.  If I never met you before and wanted a brief summary before meeting in person, what words would be used?

Of course, we all want to jump to the titles held or the many hats worn daily.  Then, we like to list all tasks completed to describe worth and value.  These bring purpose to our life, right?  Going on, we place emphasis on the challenges and situations overcame in the past.  These pump up our pride and help others see a hero, right?

I would tell you that not too many years ago, I would have believed all described above.  My worth depended on my title.  My value came through doing ‘things’ for everyone and keeping everything in perfect order.  My credibility relied on all the hurdles overcame in the past.  Guess what my friends, I was so wrong!

 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

(John 1:12) 

My worth – child of God. 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

My value – making disciples.

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

My credibility – faith in Christ, a new creation.

Seeking worth, value and credibility in the world will forever be disappointing.  Relying on God will bring Truth to who you are, where you need to go and the purpose of each step taken.

“Can you tell us a little about yourself?”

My answer – saved, given the grace to begin anew each day and finish the work laid before me.  I am beautifully and wonderfully made for a purpose.  I am a child of the one True King.  And so are you my dear friend.  Will you accept Him today?  Will you find your worth in Him, not this world?  Go to Him.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work. 

Sheree Craig

Are You Ready?

Death surrounds each day.  Either we know someone who passed, hear a story on the news, read a post on Facebook of an impending death due to illness/cancer, etc.  The heavy question of the day. . .Are we ever ready for death?

I want to celebrate 10 years of marriage.  My first cruise is scheduled in the Fall.  A book filled with my daily devotions is still in the works of being published.  I want to sign and gift one to each of my children.  I want to see my children play baseball this year, go to their first prom, graduate high school, dance with my son on his wedding day, help my daughter get dressed on her wedding day. . .the list is endless.  The passion burning inside to help others and turn the past into purpose still remains.  God is not done with me yet, right?

Let’s face the thought we would rather sweep under the rug.  Death is inevitable.  Our physical body wastes away a little more each day.  If placed in a situation of illness, cancer or disease, the process may occur faster than desired.  The body given, the time lived and the path created belongs to God, our Creator.  We simply borrow it all! 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 

The two Scriptures above speak volumes to me and maybe not in the same way they speak to you.  That is one awesome feature of our God; He created Scripture to speak directly to each situation.  Truth comes in your thoughts and works with the Holy Spirit to guide, guard and direct.  Let His Truth come into your daily lives to assure the steps taken lead further down the path He planned for you. 

Okay, little off topic there, sorry.  Let’s discuss the two Scriptures for a moment.  I remember the day death knocked at my door like it was yesterday.  I began opening that door, but God sent angels to grab my hand, pray over me and demand that Satan step aside.  The doctor told me to trust him by taking his hand or continue holding tightly to my eating disorder which would kill me within months.  I remember looking in the mirror and not recognizing the reflection.  Outwardly, I was wasting away at an aggressive speed (not intended for my life), but I took my first step that day toward inward renewal. 

The physical health maintained enough for survival for years, but spiritually I stopped.  I hit a Y in the road and stood at a standstill unsure which way to walk.  Then, more angels came into the scene and directed me to Scripture.  I began meditating on the second Scripture and understood this body is borrowed, given as a gift to become a temple for the Holy Spirit. Truth spoke directly to the core of my situation.  I failed this body in many ways in hopes to control life, numb emotionally, be accepted and seek happiness.  All this came at a cost. . .my life.  Again, I faced death’s door.  This time differed from the first.  See, the first time I simply shut the door and backed away just enough so only my fingertips touched the doorknob.  This time, I allowed God to answer the door and stand between me and my eating disorder. 

Throughout recovery there have been moments I believed the damage done over the years of starvation were irreparable.  Four years ago, one of those moments spurred me to begin writing.  I chose to write about lessons learned to pass on to my children if life ended before they reached an age able to remember their mother.  I wanted them to have something as a reminder and learn from my mistakes.  Well, four years down the road and I am still writing. 

I have hopes and dreams for the future.  But, ultimately, the future does not lie in my hands.  We have no clue of our last hour.  The doctor’s may try to estimate the time due to circumstances based on their best knowledge. . .but, just as the hour of our birth cannot be determined exactly, neither can the hour of death.  Live each day as it were your last.  Seek His guidance daily.  It is then; you will be ready for death.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig

Ready to Climb?

Two men set out to complete the impossible (or so it seemed).  Friends came together, conjured up a dream and decided to conquer that dream.  They stood in the face of a 3,000 foot ascend with only their strength to see them through.  The journey began.  No idea of how long it would take to reach the top, victory, passion kept their hearts filled to the brim.  Determination drove their bodies to climb despite cuts, bruises and other injuries incurred along the way.

The feat took weeks.  These free-climbers used only hands, feet and body strength to inch their way up.  They used only the formation of the rock to grab and progress.  No chisels assisted to break out handholds.  Each day presented falls, injury, hunger, pain and the unknown.  At one point one of the men approached a point on the wall that took 11 attempts over a course of seven days.  His response, “As disappointing as this is, I’m learning new levels of patience, perseverance and desire,” Mr. Jorgeson posted online. “I’m not giving up. I will rest. I will try again. I will succeed.” (The Wall Street Journal. http://www.wsj.com.)

Wow, these men provide such inspiration.  They could have given up at any moment.  But day by day, they focused on the end result.  The option of quitting did not exist.  Spectators, family, news and friends came to support, encourage and love on these men.  Looking back over the weeks it took to complete this dream, I believe it took a one day at a time attitude.  Focus must remain on the current moment to conquer that point in the journey.  Taking eyes off the moment could lead to imbalance and ultimately a fall. 

Although they faced this without assistance, ropes did provide a safety net for the falls.  Falling did not fit into their equation toward victory, but it happened.  Thankfully, the ropes caught them and placed them back on the path. 

What cliff stands in front of you today; debt, addiction, divorce, depression, obesity, eating disorder, spiritual death, etc.?  My dear friend, grab the ropes and conjure up a dream.  Take that first step to conquer the dream.  Those on the outside may scoff and think your feat impossible.  Don’t listen!  Set your mind to victory. 

The feat will not be completed overnight.  It may take weeks, months or years.  It will not be easy, but oh so worth it!  Begin the journey.  Climb each day with determination.  Injuries and pain may arise throughout, but don’t give up.  Each day consists of falls and the unknown.  Fear not my friend, this does not equal failure.  Just as the climber states above, falls and faith to face the unknown grow patience, perseverance and desire to conquer.  You could fall the same fall numerous times. . .keep standing back up.  (See Romans 5)

One Day at a Time is the title of my passion turned into a career.  It takes one day at a time to reach healing.  Do not worry about tomorrow, for it has enough to deal with. . .focus on the current moment and conquer this before moving on to that!  Placing sight on ten steps ahead will lead to imbalance and ultimately a fall.  Triggers surround your day and work diligently to break down motivation.  Sharp edges appear in hopes to prevent progress.  Uneven ground develops along the journey increasing risks for a fall.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

You can and you will reach victory.  Break the bondage depriving you of the life promised.  God only wants you, no baggage.  Leave the yo-yo diets, laxatives, food deprivation, over or under exercise, drugs, alcohol, painful past, bills, etc. at the cross.  He will then grab your hand and hold on tightly.  He will walk with you daily, creating a safety net should a fall occur.  His Word will build motivation not break you down.  His love will protect to ensure progress.  His steady hand will be present to catch you when you fall. 

Along the way, He will send His servants to support, encourage and love you through each moment.  Utilize this gift and reach out in times of need.  Others have sat in the same position and can guide you through the next steps.  “. . .who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (1 Corinthians 1:4)

We all have a cliff to face.  Will you climb or simply remain?

One Day at a Time . . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work. 

Sheree Craig

No More Thumb Sucking!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  (James 4:7-10)


I drive past parks and see mothers exiting vehicles with a little hand holding tightly, excited to embark on the adventure of playing on the equipment.  I recall the times I experienced this scenario.  I park and prepare to enter a store when across the way I see a woman hopping out of the vehicle with a boisterous little girl by her side.  I take a look at my back seat and it is empty.  Let us take a moment and shed a few tears at this pity party I invited you to!

Then, I think of how much growth each child of mine accomplished thus far.  The years fly by as children enter the picture.  Each milestone creates an indelible mark in my heart.  Each tear cried builds strength.  Each step taken produces learning and requires faith.  Each day spent with my children fills with blessings (even the times when they are at each other’s throats and want to disown the whole family).  Neither child could do anything that will lessen or increase the love my heart holds.  Though it saddens me to see their independence, growth and maturity; I also fill with joy as I stand back and watch them make the right decision, take that leap in faith and lean on God for guidance or comfort.  They still need me. . .but in different ways.

I realized, while watching my daughter at swim lessons the other night, she no longer uses her thumb for comfort.  Before the first day of Kindergarten, her thumb instantly popped in her mouth at any sign of fear, sadness or frustration.  That first step into the unknown of school matured her in various ways, one being loss of the need to suck her thumb.  I believe she understood a different way to comfort herself.  Her prayer life deepened over the summer.  Her father and I continually pointed her to our One True Comforter and reminded her that His Promises say He will see us through anywhere He takes us.  He will never leave nor forsake His children.  I smiled as I realized this change in my daughter and thanked God for all He has brought her through thus far.  And though I don’t get to hold her hand tightly while approaching a playground adventure or keep her by my side through each day; I know she is in great Hands and now clings tightly to His Hand while approaching the adventure of life and stays by His side through each day.

Maturing in Christ can happen in a similar way.  Before that fist day as a believer and follower, we instantly turned to this world at any sign of fear, sadness or frustration.  We picked up the bottle, opened up the cabinets, cranked up the speed of a treadmill, rolled another, threw money on the table, scanned through dangerous sites on the internet, etc.  Our comfort came from this world.  Then, one day, it clicked.  Either we hit rock bottom in the pit we created or a situation opened our eyes.  We took that first step into the unknown, leaving the temporary comforts behind.  We discovered the Way to receive everlasting comfort.  Prayer life deepened and mentors surrounded that continually pointed us toward our One True God.  We explored His Word and found Promises that stood true every day.  Never left alone, comforted through any situation, overflowing with joy, loved, worth it, created for a plan and a purpose. . .the list is endless.  We discovered our One True Father – we understood that we are His child, not the world’s.

The years fly by as followers of God.  He takes you places beyond imagination and always sees you through them.  Every tear cried builds strength.  Each step taken down His path produces learning and requires faith.  Every day brings blessings.  As we look to Him, believe in Him and trust Him – we cannot do anything that will lessen or increase the love He has for us.  We need Him at all times.  He is a proud ‘Poppa’ as He watches us mature, grow and believe in Him.

This life is FREE to anyone who chooses.  He created each of us with a desire for Him.  In order to feel complete and fulfill the plan placed in our lives, we need Him.  Without Him, temporary comfort exists, decisions lead down destructive paths and the devil holds your hand tightly (producing all kinds of playground for him to enjoy in your life).  Let go of the enemy, put away the instant gratification, say no to the addictions and say YES to the One who comforts at all times and leads you to a life everlasting.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig        

Support – Safety – Strength

I experienced a moment every momma dreads.  After school one day, my daughter tried to stop them, but the tears weighed too heavy.  She came to me with arms open wide.  The story revealed a child on the bus chose my daughter to pick on and falsely described her character.  I then caught her wadding up any papers receiving a grade less than 100%.  She carried the descriptions given on the bus as if to be true.

This momma burned inside, but reached upward for help to remain calm.  I wiped the tears and loved this child back to truth.  We examined each paper and revealed the brilliant work completed.  I promised to talk with the bus driver to assure separation between the accuser and my daughter.  She felt supported and loved.

Time passed and yet another episode arose when false description of character was spoken toward her.  She shared the news with the whole family before dinner one evening.  We assured her the word spoken did not even come close to describing her character.  Her brother took up for her and confirmed our words.  She felt safe and loved.

Oh, my friends, I wish I could tell you this was the end of it.  Nope, one day my daughter said a statement which scared the living day lights out of this momma!  She said, “I want to walk on our treadmill to lose weight.”  WHAT!?!  Where would such a thought come to surface?  She sees me walk on the treadmill sporadically and we do not discuss needs of weight loss amongst ourselves.  We do not own a scale.

I quickly explained that workouts keep our hearts healthy, bones strong and muscles functioning correctly.  She was created beautifully and wonderfully in just the perfect shape to complete the work laid out by her Creator.  Her size will not determine her worth.  She is healthy, beautiful and cherished.  She felt strengthened and loved.

Combining these three scenarios (all occurring within weeks) together in my thoughts leads to a heart overflowing with emotions.  How do I process these emotions?  Anger could send me straight to the school and demand someone do something about the environment and place a protective bubble around my daughter.  This pushes blame on the school and no longer my problem, right?  Frustration could lead me to pull both kids out of the school system and home school.  This implies that I would better fill the shoes of the staff at school, right?  Sadness could create a depression and sense of failure to parent well enough for my daughter to dismiss these false thoughts/words.  This sets a false description in my own mind that my kids should be perfect and unharmed by society, right?

Any of these solutions sound productive?  NOPE!  My daughter attends a great school filled with loving individuals.  I could not come close to filling the shoes of the experienced teachers and well educated individuals employed in the school corporation.  Also, my kids cannot reach perfection nor can their mother.  We do the best we can each day, giving our weakness to God to be used for His good.

Okay, so what is a momma to do?

The only Source to turn toward for productive solution lay in one place.  The Source remains in us at all times.  The Source never falsely describes character.  The Source provides support, safety, strength and LOVE.  Actually, the Source is Love!

We cannot avoid trials and tribulations in this world.  We cannot control the actions of others.  We cannot stop society from portraying a false sense of beauty or worth.  
 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Turning to the right Source to find worth will support a solid foundation for living.  Using the right Source daily will create a safety net for which to fall.  And relying on the right Source to see us through will strengthen us beyond what can be imagined.

Starting at home, our children can begin to look to the right Source for worth and love.  Looking to Him and His promises, they will not be disappointed.  Their worth lay in God and God speaks only Truth.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig