Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Lifeline



A route leading to a place often traveled changes with each trip.  My handy map chooses different roads leading to the same destination.  Granted, I have exhausted all routes, but the map shuffles the options each time.  I have yet to figure out the rhyme and reason in choosing.  Yet still I follow due to being directionally challenged. 

The drive home presents the same scenario described above.  I require voice direction from the map until reaching a particular highway leading to a familiar exit.  One evening the path leading home was one never traveled in previous visits.  I knew the road and that it would lead to my familiar highway.  The chosen path provides a nice view, two lanes, calm traffic and even speeds. 

I liked the path leading me home.  It brought for a calm drive versus the usual 4 lane highway involving everybody and their brother on a mission for home.  At one point I realized the map quit talking.  Lo and behold the battery died, leaving a directionally challenged individual to fend for self.  I plugged in my lifeline to guide me home; but, since dying completely, the device takes a bit to gain enough strength to proceed with tasks. 

Continuing on the path, I saw nothing familiar.  Some fear began to rise creating thoughts of being lost.  In reality, I knew the map would eventually land me home once reactivated.  I kept driving and finally a few familiar landmarks came into view.  I knew I had not seen any signs pointing to that particular highway as of yet; therefore, held some peace knowing it was to come. 

All the sudden an ole familiar, beautiful voice spoke loud and clear.  The voice directed me to the exact mile marker leading home.  Safe on that particular highway, peace, joy and love for my map arose. 

Hang with me here because the symbolism in this event is mind blowing. . .
I just came from a very special person who helped open my eyes to deeply rooted concerns suffocating the joy of each day.  I meet with this person often and together we have pulled numerous emotional roots from my path in life.  With much success, we continue with each visit to release pain, sorrow, guilt and shame that keeps me bound in chains. 

This specific visit revealed one large, deep, strong root.  The root blocked any progress on the path leading to peace.  It would not budge at first.  My thoughts could not imagine the path without it.  I just continued daily on the path, living with an ugly root standing in the way.  Little did I know, a beautiful path full of peace, new adventures and even ground lay on the other side.  The path ahead of this root has been paved by One Who knows the Way leading to my purpose here. 

After leaving, root disengaged, I had that AHA moment!  I no longer required this root in my life.  At one time, I relied on the root for survival, protection and comfort as I hung tightly to it.  I see the new path ahead.  Though never traveled, unfamiliar and a bit scary; I rely on the One leading me each step of the way.  I have spent too long without direction.  God knows I cannot find my way alone.  I hear His voice loud and clear; that ole familiar voice that once was drowned by the chaotic world and suffocated by various roots.  I hear His voice calling me to take another path.  No more old, familiar habits.

Are you in need of new direction?  Tired of taking the same steps daily in hopes for new pathways to open?  What voice directs each turn, decision and step in your life?  Listen closely my friend to the One Who knows the path to an Eternal destination.  Plug in your Lifeline to guide you Home.  He will provide strength, comfort, confidence and purpose!


Live life. . .One Day at a Time
Sheree Craig   


Monday, April 11, 2016

The List



I create a daily list of tasks requiring immediate attention, items need purchased, calls to make and chores left undone from the day before.  The required time of completion does not exceed the hours available in my day.  In other words, completion is doable!  

My list includes the simplest of tasks; for example, you may see anything from pick up kids to make supper.  Seriously. . .who could forget to make supper; yet, that one makes the list often.  I blame lack of memory on pregnancy.  My child took some piece of my brain that eliminated ability to remember.  The struggle is real!  I will go from one room to another and forget what reason I came into that room.  NO, it is not age!  From the day a small heartbeat appeared on a screen revealing new life, post-it notes became a best friend.  

Over the years, numerous lists have come and gone.  Each received an A+ for completion.  Call me Type A personality, perfectionist, predictable, fun-killer, stickler, etc.  I like the label of organized, reliable, prepared, realist, obedient, etc.  Anyone relate?

My lists offers: Comfort, Confidence, Completeness.  

Comfort knowing what to expect for the day based on the list.  No guessing as to what comes next.  I simply look at the list and do what it says.

Confidence in the skills to finish given tasks.  Remaining in my comfort zone increases self-confidence. 

Completeness with each check mark proves purpose of my existence. 

One thing I forgot to mention that each list offers. . .a link.  One link at a time builds the chain which binds me to the lists.  I rely on the list each day to provide a way, a life and the true meaning behind life.  Without a plan in place - anxiety raises.  Lack of ability/skill - shame develops.  Undone projects - worthless thoughts suffocate.  

You see, lists provide organization; but, becomes a yoke when used in such a way just described.  I know that it will all get done in a day’s time, the plans for each day match my God given skills and my worth is reflected from the One Who created my very being.  The Holy Spirit promises to help, guide, guard and protect each hour of each day.  Then, the world comes at me and flesh reaches for things ‘seen’ to survive.  Holding on to the accomplished list provides pride which taints spirit.  Years of such actions effect the physical; causing stomach issues, blood flow abnormalities, emotional roller coasters and much more.  

Crumble the lists.  Rip the itinerary into pieces.  Close the pen.  Open hands wide to offer up mind, body and spirit to the One ultimately in control of each moment.  If we stand in the way, He cannot work to His greatest power.  In Jesus name, I demand the enemy to leave the scene and let God work mightily in this day.

God is the ONLY source of: Comfort, Confidence, Completeness.

Comfort knowing no matter what lay ahead, He has gone before us and provided the way.  Every situation His hand touched prior to us living/surviving it out.  He does not dictate.  He offers a way for peace in every situation here in the broken world.   

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Confidence knowing His power abides within as we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Greater is He living in us than anything in this world.  

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6

Completeness when filling the gap with the Holy Spirit, knowing full well that a specific plan and purpose remains for each of us here.  

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Sheree Craig    Live life. . .One Day at a Time