My Little Thinker

We wrap up our evenings by reading to our children.  One particular evening, I read and began looking at a teaching pamphlet my son received at Wednesday night church.  The teacher hands out this pamphlet for the children to learn and memorize a Scripture.  A section, entitled 'Finish the Phrase', contained the quote, "Blessed are those who have _______ seen and yet believed."  I read this aloud and waited for my son to answer.  Quickly, he shouted, "NOT". 

I stopped there and elaborated on the phrase (see more in John 20:24-29).  I explained, though we do not physically see God in human form, we believe.  We CAN see His great works, feel His mighty hand and know He will do what His Word promises.  We believe, though we have not seen!

My son came up with the PERFECT analogy, all on his own.  He said, "Okay, so it is like wind.  We cannot see wind, but we know what it does, see the affects and feel its presence."  I grinned from ear to ear.  This analogy was awesome.  I loved the explanation and it makes total sense.  That little man of mine is a thinker.

So, let me elaborate even further and throw in a few more analogies. . .

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
   who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
   they celebrate your righteousness."  (Psalm 89:15-16)

We cannot see heat, but feel comfort from a warm house on a cold day!
We cannot see air, but must breathe it to remain alive!
We cannot see energy, but do see the affects of its power!

I think you get it by now.  So, let us put this all in perspective.  We do not see God in physical form, BUT He comforts us always, keeps us alive and we feel the affects of His might power every day.  Not a moment goes by that He is not present.  He opens the eyes of the blind to see His might hand in every situation. 

Books exist to explain heat, wind, air and energy.  We gain wisdom to realize when these things are present, the impact each has on our lives and know each are real.  Well, God provided the Bible for all to read and learn more about Him and recognize His presence.  Inside those pages, wonderful news, wisdom and insight can be found.  Pick one up today and see for yourself.  He will fill your heart with love, comfort and unexplainable peace.

Believe in the unseen, for He is Eternal life!  Believe in the unseen, for you will be blessed!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for using my son to teach me so much about You.  Continue to work in his heart and fill him with You.  Help me never cease in seeking Your Truth and recognizing Your presence.  Thank You for being the great God that You are in my life.  Thank You for being omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig      

My son and His Son

Eight years ago, today, a child was born in Dearborn County.  He came into this world with a purpose, unknown to him at the time.  An 8 pound 5 ounce child came that day at 5:54pm as a gift from our God.  He knew not of the plans ahead.  He knew not of the joy brought from the simple presence of his face.  He was something special.

Although I did not attend this miraculous event; this young baby changed everything in my life.  I knew of his birth, but not of his purpose.  I failed to clearly see the plans set for this child to impact my life. 

Eight months after his birth, I experienced unexplainable joy from the simple presence of his face.  I knew he was something special.  The place he would hold in my heart became obvious from the start.  He began to fulfill his purpose on that day.  He filled the heart of a lost and empty young woman with love beyond compare.  His plan intertwined with mine.  I thank God for crossing our paths.

This little boy is my son.  God creates families according to His plan and purpose.  Sometimes families come along and bind together in a different way than what man sees fit.  Man believes the baby born ought to live with the one giving birth and the other half of the equation.  Well, God views things differently sometimes and He turns all things to work for the good of those who love Him.  Eight years ago, minus eight months, God turned a situation to coincide with His plan. 

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12)

My son brings so much to my life.  He teaches me daily about love, laughter, patience, responsibility and motivation.  He displays artistic ability, observation, quick learning, a desire for God and a love for sports.  He may not see his purpose or plan, but I see clearly why God blessed me with him.  Without my son, I would be lost, empty and walking down the wrong path.  My son changed my life and I thank God everyday for this gift.

Our God not only gave me a son to enjoy and love here on Earth, He also gave His only Son to die for me as a gift.  The birth and death of His Son changed my life completely.  Without His only Son, given as a free gift, I would be lost, empty and walking down the wrong path. 

Although I did not attend the miraculous birth of Jesus, this young boy changed everything.  I knew of His birth, but did not see the clear purpose until a few years ago.  My eyes were blind to the impact of this birth.  Thank you God for this gift and opening my eyes to His purpose. 

Join me today in celebrating my son's life.  He has lived eight fabulous years.  Also, join me today, and every day following, in celebrating His Son's life.  Open your hearts and let the joy of Him fill you.  Let His face shine upon you and bring unexplainable joy.  Accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for sending me a son here to love, comfort, enjoy and raise to follow You.  Guide me each day to teach Truth and set the example for my son to follow.  Thank You for sending Your only Son to live, set an example and die for my sins.  My words cannot express the gratitude I have for these gifts given.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig   

Nagging gets us Nowhere

"We cannot change people by pressuring them or by nagging them.  Only prayer and God's love will work." ~Joyce Meyer

I am one that nags.  In the presence of stress, I seek others to take the load off or pull me out from between a rock and a hard place.  I bring burdens upon myself by saying yes to all kinds of 'stuff' in my life.  I like to be a part of 'things' in life.  I don't want to miss out on a gathering, a Bible study, EVERY activity my children take part in or taking care of my family's needs.  I place these standards for my life and everyone around me should comply to help me accomplish and fulfill them, right?  Life must play out a certain way so MY ideas come out perfectly, right?  If others get in the way, refuse to live as I think they ought or behave in a way which disagrees with my plan; then I should confront them or speak my opinion boldly, right?

WRONG on all accounts.  I am not to nag another to change in the way I believe.  I must avoid pressuring them with my worries and standards to live according to ME.  When life seems out of control and I want the help of others, the best answer is prayer.  As I pray, I see that my situation really ain't all that bad!  God reveals a way to handle my schedule, clean up the busyness in life and focus on Him.  As I focus on Him and pray, He takes care of all the other details.  I find that I really was not wedged between a rock and a hard place; but, I was between my Rock and a hard place.  There is no other place I'd rather be!  My Rock will see me through my hard place.

"They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." (Matthew 23:4)

"Better to live in a desert
   than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife." (Proverbs 21:19)

Nagging brings rebellion.  As I nag for others to help and change their schedule to fit with mine, I only push them further away.  Why should they help a person who continually tries to control their every move?  Why listen to a person whose words continually preach and not love? 

As Christians, loving others as God loves them speaks louder than the critical approach.  We cannot change people, but we can pray for them.  God will consume the hearts of those names He hears and soften one step at a time.  He will place on their hearts the way they should go.  Pressuring another with Scriptures to try and change their wrongs, continually telling them how to change for good or trying to coax them into the plan and timing God placed on your life will push them further from God.  We all have an inner child that does not like to be told what, how, when and where to do things.  God is the only way to healing and changed hearts.

Believe me on this one.  I was, and still can be when pressures become high, a nagger.  It got me nowhere but misery.  I must remind myself to avoid nagging and begin praying!  I am here to live according to His will and follow His timing.  Only He knows the perfect time for each of us to take a certain step, change our path or surrender fully to Him.  He holds the plans for our lives.  I am not to control others to make my journey easier or pressure them to change according to my thoughts.  I must not push them or drag them to where I want for their lives.  God has this one! 

Go to Him with all your worries, thoughts, concerns and struggles.  You may find that you need to change, not others.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for loving me through hard times, busy schedules and my concerns.  Help me to avoid nagging and run to You in prayer.  Keep my mouth quiet and my heart open to Your ways.  I give my days to You.  Show me how to move, what to say and how to love others as You would love.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

He is Such a Good Friend

Do you ever feel like your world moves way too fast?  How can you keep up with everything, be everywhere and still remain sane?  How can you fulfill all the roles you play; parent, child, in-law, employee, boss, leader, coach, player, teacher, student, etc.? 

At the age of 14, I had it all.  I had a boyfriend, played basketball, friends, married parents, active lifestyle and good grades.  My world went smoothly, at just the perfect pace each day.  I did not struggle with any emotions, yet handled them well.  I felt confident in fulfilling the roles assigned. 

Slowly, life crept up on my and before I realized, I drowned.  By the age of 15, my life flipped upside down.  My mom and I lived in one place, while my dad moved for his career, four hours away.  I did not make the basketball team.  My group of friends diminished.  My spirit crushed a little more each day.  I did keep my grades up and remained with my boyfriend; but, inside I felt unsure of my fulfillment in those roles.  I never felt good enough.  Nothing stayed constant, everything changed out of my control.

I grabbed on to my eating disorder for the first time that year.  I loved it.  No one could force food in my mouth or take away my exercise.  I did this pretty well.  I felt confident again, fulfilling the role of Anorexic.  Okay, so mom and I moved with dad at age 16, I lost my boyfriend, began a new school and all of life changed again.  But, my Anorexia stayed.  Such a great friend, never changing, never leaving.  Throughout those years, I never knew what came next.  My parents divorced and life continued crazy.  Anorexia knew just how to help me cope and bring me comfort.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

Wow, did I have it all wrong.  This life will bring constant change, mostly out of our control.  We cannot control the decisions of others or the trials we will face here.  We CAN cling to God, though.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Fear nothing, for God is by your side.  If you believe in Him, trust His guidance and faithfully follow; nothing will be too great for you to bear.  He will provide strength, comfort and love.  He is such a great friend, never changing, never leaving.

My fear of the unknown brought me to the worst of places and into bondage I could not control.  Again, I lost control.  Praise God, Who saved me!  He broke the chains and removed the links, one at a time.  He held me in His arms and comforted me through each lie, feeding me with Truth.  I now see the One to cling at ALL times.  Things can change, God stays the same. 

I still find myself stressing when life gets complicated, busy or out of control.  Instead of grabbing my eating disorder and running for comfort; I grab His hand and instantly feel comforted.  I know He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him.  Thank You God for loving me and showing me freedom.  Thank You for lighting my way.

Cling to Him at all times and avoid the temporary fixes that the devil would love for us to grab a hold of!  These only lead to bondage, destruction and further away from Truth.  Seek Him!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the health You restored in my life.  I will cling to You always and know You will comfort me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Obedience in Action

The Parable of the Two Sons

    “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

   “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

   “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

   “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

   “The first,” they answered.

   Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.  For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)

Did you catch that?  The first son denied his father initially, but changed his heart and obeyed.  The second son complied to his father's wishes initially, but did not obey or live up to his promise. 

We must be careful to not fall in the category with the second son.  We may tell our Father we will do what He asks or follow Him anywhere, only to find ourselves later doing the complete opposite.  God asks us to give our mind, body and souls to Him.  Doing so displays a wholehearted servant.  There are no if's or but's.  He wants our word, our faith and our belief to be solid.  He wants to see these through our actions.

Do you preach the Word, spreading Truth to others you meet, but do not live it when no one else is looking?  Let us live up to the words we speak at all times.  Let us serve our Father as the first son did his father in the parable above.  Yes, he denied his father first and said no, BUT he changed his heart and did what was right in the end.  Let us continue to check our actions and assure they line up with His Will.  It is then, through our actions, that we spread His Truth wholeheartedly!

Repent of old ways and see the light that God so desperately wants for you.  Humble yourselves before our God and follow His path for your life.  His path leads to Heaven.  Through Him all things are possible.  Seek His Word, believe and follow.  Obey the commands given and promise to serve Him daily. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thanks for the forgiveness of my sins through the blood of Your Son.  I am here to serve You through my actions and in my words.  May I be Your hands and feet at all times, for I know You are watching and guiding me.  Though I may stumble and lose strength, falling short of Your glory each day; I know You are there to lift me up, provide strength and forgive all my weaknesses.  I come to You with all my heart.  I believe in You and trust You.  Show me what I must do for You and where I must go for You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

  

Bring Order to Chaos

God began with an empty, chaotic and darkened earth.  What needs done first?  Well, He needed light to see.  He separated the darkness from the light to create day and night on the first day.  The second day begins and He completes the next task, separating water above from water below, a sky. 

The third day comes and He decides to let dry ground be revealed by gathering the waters in specific areas, the sea.  The land needed vegetation, so He brought forth seed-bearing plants and trees to cover it.  Day three completed.  The fourth and fifth day consisted of filling the night sky with stars and a moon, the morning sky with sun, creatures filled the seas and birds flew in the air.  The days and nights will mark sacred times, days and years.  The earth looked good in God's eyes.  His image of creation arose.  But, wait; something was missing. 

He saved the best for last - mankind.  He created mankind in His image.  He planned mankind to rule over the earth.  He gave every green plant for food.  He provided for all our needs, leaving no detail out and then presented it to mankind.  

Wow, this is a lot of work to complete in six days.  Our God is dedicated, precise, a planner, patient and a God of order.  He put forth all creation from His image and it all came together perfectly.  Without a piece in its proper place, creation would not work effectively.  Without all performing as He planned, creation would lose its purpose.  God is perfect and assures all He does is good.  God is the Lord over all creation.  He oversees everything and works all things out for the good of those who love Him. 

So, I have one question for us to ponder; who manages your life?  

Unfortunately, on most days, I would say, "I do."  I planned out the itinerary for the day, made the appointments, prepared the items needed to accomplish my tasks, placed the tasks in order by time and began checking off the list the moment I woke up.  Well, I have it all wrong.  No wonder I am filled with anxiety due to all the running I do from here to there and the pressure I feel to have everything in its place.  Though I write out a "to do" list on pretty little paper and check off items as I go; I am out of control. 

Each day we begin with a blank paper, with 24 hours lying ahead.  How will we spend them?  Running around in utter chaos, needing a list to remember if we completed everything?  Packing so much in the 24 hours that we lose our true purpose here?  Speeding through the hours, only to find out that we forgot the most important thing we set out to do that day? 

How about we place our blank paper and every hour of the day in God's hands?  He is the best manager of time and knows exactly how to bring order to chaos (proof in Genesis 1:1-27).  He knows the plans for each of us.  We do not know of these plans; but, we do know they are for prosperity and good, not harm!  Wake up, look up, give it up and reach up!  He will provide all you need to fulfill HIS PLAN for the next 24 hours.  Trust Him, for He knows what He is doing.  Join me, from this point forward, to seek Him for answers on how to live out our lives here.  Place Him in the center of the day, and all the details will fall into place. 

God, thank you for another 24 hours to serve you.  I am at a loss today and know not what my plans consist of for this day.  I give my blank paper to You.  I give my every minute to You.  Guide me and move me down Your path for my life.  I am not here to clean a house, get a degree, receive a check, be a certain size or manage my life.  I am here only to serve You with all my heart, mind and soul.  I come to You today with open arms and I reach for Your hand.  Walk with me today and teach me the way to go!  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig           

Choosing the Correct Base

At a church function we split into groups of eight and received an empty paper towel roll, a straw, newspaper, masking tape, one wire hanger one poster board and scissors.  The instructions required each group to construct a tower, standing without assistance and able to hold one index card flat on top.  The time limit restricted us to ten minutes.  Our group consisted of three or more engineers and creative women.  For each inch our tower stood, we received that many points.  The winner got a gift certificate to a local food chain.  We wanted to win, since we lost the other games that evening.  It was our time to shine.  Ready, set, go. . .

We began instantly, constructing a base from the poster board and rolling newspapers to stack on top.  One guy created a stand for the tower out of the wire hanger.  It was coming together nicely.  Time dwindled and we heard, "One minute left."  Our hands moved a bit quicker and then, "Thirty seconds left."  We put the final touches on and gazed at the other groups.  One used the chairs to anchor their extremely tall tower.  Another used skinny rolls of poster board and newspaper to lengthen the height.  One used the paper towel roll as their stand for support and another used a beam in the ceiling to tape up the top.  Very creative ideas filled this room.  Time was up!

Two fell immediately, one lost due to touching the tower after allotted time and the one with chairs for support was destroyed by a member of another group (yes, we are Christians, BUT, we also don't like to lose!).  So, ours was the last one standing, without any support, other than the floor, and could easily hold an index card.  Unfortunately, the one that was destroyed exceeded our height.  They won because of height and, honestly, it was not their fault it fell.  Of course, we put up an argument that ours remained and stood stronger.  Our pleas did not convince the judges.  We lost!

Every feel like you are given all the right equipment and skills in life, you organize all dreams and visions just so and build a fantastic tower of life; only to see it crumble or not withstand any difficult times and trials?

"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." (Hebrews 3:4)

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:25-27)

God provides us with Truth, physical bodies, free will, skills, opportunities and forgiveness.  Our instructions of life include taking the Truth, using our physical bodies with the skills given to further His Kingdom and taking every opportunity given to build each other up with Truth.  We must choose to follow His way, not ours.  We know not of the time limit given to each of us here.  Our prize waits in Heaven, a room created by Jesus just for YOU!  It is time to shine His Glory!  Ready, set, go. . .

Take every season given, gather your equipment and begin building the plan to use this time for Him.  Stand firm on Truth and seek His advice before making each decision.  He will help you see clearly and teach the way to go.  As you continue on with life, your "tower" of decisions and actions increases in height.  Take a look at it, step away for a minute; will it still stand tall?  Will it withstand trials in this world?  Will it stand when the devil comes up with tricky schemes?

Remember, God is the builder of all things.  He knows the best way to construct the life He gave to each of His children.  It does not matter the height of the tower, only the base which it stands.  Stand your tower on His Truth and allow Him to build a life which serves Him best.  I guarantee you, it will not fall.  If we shy away and follow our ideas and desires, the tower will not stand.  But, don't become discouraged - this is where forgiveness comes in - He will pick up the pieces and put it back together, HIS WAY!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for loving me and providing the tools needed to serve You.  Thank You for Truth to stand on in life.  I have crumbled a few towers, but each one taught me how to better build.  I learned the only base with which to begin.  Thank You for those lessons.  Thank You for new mercies every morning.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig