Miracles?

Miracles. . .do you believe in them?  Tricky question if you ask me.  It appeared in a discussion amongst my family the other day.  We just finished reading about the Resurrection.  Jesus endured a torturous death (beating, stabbing, spitting, berating, etc.) for each of us.  He died so we could live.  God desired for each of His children to come and live with Him; therefore, sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins.  He received the sentence, beating and then carried His own cross to His death.  The scene leaves me speechless and filled with various emotions.

My daughter asked me why this happened.  Why would they kill Jesus?  My answer: He died so we could live.  He loves us so very much and desires a relationship with us.  As He endured the punishment for us, a place in Heaven could now be prepared for us.  Thing is, we must acknowledge this, believe in Him, activate the Holy Spirit in our lives, repent of our sins and follow our God each day.  It did not stop that day on the cross.  Three days later, something happened. . .

And so our lesson continued with the Resurrection.  Witnesses thought Him to be a ghost.  But, Jesus returned from Heaven with a specific task in mind. . .to build faith in others.  Had He not returned, the story would remain incomplete.  He provided proof that He was indeed alive.  He promised to return at a later date. . .He promised for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. . .He promised to make a way in Heaven for us.  He holds true to His promises.  Going back to the previous paragraph. . .we then must acknowledge Him, believe in His promises, repent of our wrongdoings, follow God each day as we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit keeps us on track and remains at all times.  This gift cannot be matched and supercedes the value of anything you will ever receive – a miraculous gift.

Okay, so back to my original question. . .do you believe in miracles?  Well, in 2013 the word miracle takes on various forms.  It could be said that a miracle occurs if I go 4 months without locking myself out of my house or car.  Another miracle may occur if the kids go a complete 24 hours without one argument.  Yet another appears when the local baseball team wins the World Series.  The word miracle diminishes in value as the world uses it loosely.  (My opinion), God performs miracles and none involve sports, AAA rescues or peace amongst children.  I believe a fine line exists between miracle and answered prayer.  God answers prayers daily, but qualifications for a miracle go a little deeper.  Defined by Merriam-Webster. . . an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs; an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment.  Divine intervention in human affairs, again in my opinion, would be an event with which no explanation appears but for God to have put forth His power.  So, let us look at just a few of His characteristics to understand – Healer, Counselor, Father, and Redeemer. 

Jesus performed countless miracles in His day.  Read up on some by diving into His Word.  Clearly, these events live up to the qualifications required of a miracle.  I described one above.  What about today?  Do we experience true miracles?  I believe so. . .think about the times when He shines brightly, proving His characteristics.  A patient returns from the doctor cancer free, a baby is born, a person comes to know Christ after spending years in rebellion, a heart mends after the loss of loved one or a person survives a fatal crash.  Countless miracles appear in our day as well.  Let us acknowledge His miracles, praise Him and spread the news to others.  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. . .” (Matthew 28).  Let us also acknowledge answered prayers and avoid loosely using the word miracle. 

Keep praying harder than the devil work.

Sheree Craig        

Eye of True Our Beholder

 Beauty, defined by Merriam-Webster, means a quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit.  One question. . .who determines the quality or qualities which create pleasure to the senses or exalt the mind or spirit?  Who holds this power?  Some might say beauty exists in the eye of the beholder.  So, we keep in check which beholder we will face and continually change to meet the qualities that bring pleasure to their eye.  What one might call beautiful, the other might deem ugly.  Striving to be beautiful IN this world leaves a person confused, frustrated, depressed and angry.  Beauty IN this world steals time which could be used for God. . .

I love getting dressed up, curling my hair, wearing jewelry and dabbing on some makeup.  The process takes about one hour.  It feels great to put on outward adornment and anticipate a reaction from my husband.  Every woman strives for that reaction from time to time.  But, let’s put this scenario into reality.  I cannot count the times I completed the described process only to step outside and the wind pickup to about 50 mph, rain to begin falling, humidity raise to hideous amounts or clumsy me gets something on my outfit.  Beauty is fleeting. . .but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

It lasts but a moment and then is gone.  Or is it?  Just because the wind flattens my hair, humidity clumps my makeup, rain creates a wet dog look or a stain appears on my outfit; the eye of the beholder still sees beauty.  Regardless of the circumstances affecting my outward appearance, my husband still loves to look my way.  Sometimes I question if his Lasix surgery really worked?  But then I realize his vision is perfect, looking at the heart for beauty NOT outward appearance.  When we first met, outward appearance was not what caught his eye.  We grew to know one another through long, late night conversations and taking part in activities we both enjoyed.  Our love grew from the inside out.  Therefore, I feel confident that no matter how wrinkly my skin gets, gray my hair grows or the distance I am from the fashion train. . .my beholder will continue to see beauty.

The problem occurs when I place too much emphasis on outward appearance and begin judging myself based upon society’s eye.  Society can be cruel.  Allowing them to become my beholder slowly digs a pit with which I fall deep into.  Swimsuit season seems the hardest.  You shop and shop to find a suit to cover important areas (which is difficult to find in stores nowadays) and also stay in fashion and be comfortable.  Once I hit the pool scene, comparisons begin.  They increase when my husband tags along with me.  I make myself the beholder and see ugly.  My eyes veer away from the Truth I know in my heart and shift towards the lies whispered in my ear.  My husband tries to convince me that outwardly he still sees beauty. . .but lies speak louder.  Choosing him as my true beholder does not always make me feel beautiful. 

Solution: remember the true Beholder and see through His eyes.  No matter the scene, company or clothing; He looks at the heart.  He created you wonderfully and beautifully.  Did you catch that?  Read all about it in Psalm 139. . .He created you beautifully.  Your Beholder will never speak the degrading four letter word (u-g-l-y) about you.  NO. . .He loves every ounce of you.  Nothing you do physically can make Him love you any more or any less!  He loves you (PERIOD)! 

Challenge: take a look around you.  Look at the beauty in all of His creation – the sky, animals, children, etc.  All of these remain in natural form; no operation, no makeup, no curling/straightening, no jewelry. . .Beautiful just as He created it/them to be.  Same goes for you and me.  Let’s go one day without makeup, jewelry or styling our hair just so. . .wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  Let’s go into this world in natural form, just as He created.  Guess what?   Our beauty remains the same regardless of outward appearance because our true Beholder says so!  Carry His Truth on your hearts, shine His light to all you meet and walk confidently in the body He blessed you with.  Every part of your body was created as such for a reason and purpose.  He uses your body as a vessel each day - allow the Holy Spirit to work within.  Beauty exists in the eye of our Creator!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig         

Nature did not need an operation to be beautiful, it just was.  ~Scott Westerfeld

God, thank You for the body given to me.  Help me to see through Your eyes each time I look in the mirror.  Speak Truth louder than the enemy speaks lies.  I pray for others to find Truth within the Bible to place in their hearts each day as they face society.  Help others cling tightly to You as their true Beholder.  I know You created me beautifully and wonderfully. . .it says so in Your Word.  Thanks for loving me regardless of my outward appearance.  Help me to develop beauty in my heart, where it truly shines.  Clean any offensive way that lay inside my heart and make it pure.  Lead me, help me choose words which are pleasing to You and deny the lies the enemy speaks to me.  Guide my feet so they may avoid any pit the enemy creates.  Let’s go together, just how You created me, and spread Truth to all we meet today.  I love You!  

Working Progress

I am number 3 of 3 children. So, yes, I was, am and will always be the baby. The title itself screams spoiled. I lived up to the title quite well. My brother took care of me often while mom and dad worked. I was the coolest thing since sliced bread to him (or so it felt). His friends treated me the same way and I loved the attention and care. They brought joy, love and laughter to my life. My sister took me in and taught me all I needed (but so did not want to partake in) to know about being a woman. You know, all the girly things that I now benefit and care about. Without her guidance, I would have been lost.

Another aspect of being spoiled came from my parents. Being number 3 meant getting away with more stuff, getting my way just to quiet the whining and receiving lots of attention. Living the life of a baby kept me on cloud nine! At the moment, the future repercussions never entered my mind. Until one day recently. . .

I thought back to different scenarios in life and each time I received stuff without working, others fixed my mess-ups and I never wanted for anything in life. Sounds great, right? Not necessarily. I learned to rely on others to do, fix and give to me. I learned to be served rather than serve. I learned to give up when things seem difficult and wait for someone else to do it or make it easier for me. I learned to get rather than give. Each person did these things out of love for me. None wanted to see me struggle or suffer through any walk of life.

I am fairly confident I am not alone in this one. So, what can we do about it? Well, I see the learned behavior as a barrier blocking my journey towards maturity in Christ. I seem stuck in baby mode due to fleshly desires, wrong thinking and destructive actions. For example, each time something breaks around the house, a device/electronic goes kaput or a kink appears in MY plan; I expect my husband to fix it. . .like yesterday. In comes the demanding words and nags which weigh heavily on my poor husbands shoulders. It is almost as though he has another child (a spoiled child). Another example occurs when situations get hard and risk of failure appears. The moment things get tough, I retreat. I seek someone to do it for me or something to take away all the anxiety of facing this alone and being responsible for the outcome. See how this holds me back from maturity in Christ. . .

As we walk in reliance on this world for doing, fixing and giving to us; we fail to fulfill God’s plan on our lives. Seeking service rather than serving completely takes away our purpose as His Children. Waiting for someone to complete a task clearly labeled for us hinders progress in our journey. Relying on the world to fix our problems or struggles always turns out temporary.

So, join me in changing. Let us wash away old ways and walk boldly in His ways. Seek to serve others and God will care for any need which appears on your path. Complete each task given with God in the center. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish (Philippians 4:13). Rely fully on His Truth to “fix” any problems or struggles arising throughout the day. Guess what? You are His child and He spoils each and every one of His children. You are the coolest thing since sliced bread to Him. . .He will teach you anything you need to know about being who He created you to be. . .all while giving you His complete attention. He will spoil you, my friend, and pour blessings over your life as you believe in Him, keep a relationship with Him and strive each day to follow the example set forth by His Son! God spoils with love, joy, peace and comfort. But, He will not always give you what YOU want or let you get away with wrongdoings. He disciplines because He loves and He gives us what is best for us (not always what we think or want). He knows the outcome, trust Him!

“I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be. . .I am okay and I am on my way!”
~Joyce Meyer

I am a working progress. . .
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Letting Go

The time draws near. . .the day every kid dreads. . .the day parents fill with a range of emotion. . .it drains checking accounts. . .stocks kitchen cabinets and fridges. . .changes lives. . .even steals some innocence.  Figured it out yet?  THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.  Less than three weeks away.  Kids see this day as the end of freedom.  Parents see this day as the start of freedom (arguments diminish, babysitting issues subside, etc.).  School supplies and clothes take away all the income earned the past two months.  Kitchens fill with snack packs, lunchmeat, bread, PB&J, cereals for a quick breakfast, etc.  Our children leave the house for this day and return a bit different.  With each day, growth occurs, innocence diminishes, tough experiences may arise, homework piles on the agenda, friendships build, friendships dissolve and parents fall further off the fashion train.  The day marks a great beginning for another journey our kids must experience.  We went through it. . .and so must they.

I got my camera charged, lunchboxes ready, supplies labeled, new outfits pressed and laid out neatly, favorite breakfast made and all is well for the first day.  I should be filled with excitement, proud of the growth my kids made thus far, confident that all will go just fine and ready to release each child for their adventure.  Well, I’M NOT!  The more I think about that day, the more my stomach churns, sadness fills my heart, worry fills my mind and tears fill my eyes.  Let me explain a little deeper into why so much emotion.  My son is in fourth grade, we have done this 4x now, all should be fine, right?  Well, this year is a bit different.  My attachment, I mean my daughter, enters Kindergarten.  We have not been apart for more than a few hours (not including staying with family).  She is so innocent, happy and confident.

For example, as we shop for school clothes, she could care less what the shirt looks like or if the pants even match.  Everything I held up was just fine with her.  She half brushes her hair (only when told) for the day and looks in the mirror – the reflection screams BEAUTIFUL.  She holds confidence in who God created her to be.  I look at my son and realize how the years lived IN this world have changed all that.  He must pick out his clothes (b/c I so fell off the fashion train like three years ago and my husband is barely hanging on), no longer does he want to be walked into school on the first day, pictures are dreaded and talking about your school day screams unacceptable.  Comments or photos of playing with his sister posted on FB would so taint his image (as if a nine year old has one).  Worst part, I see him conforming to the patterns OF this world.  As parents, our job increased in difficulty.  We strive to build him up each day, pray for him to stand firm in who he is in Christ and to enjoy each moment given.  It’s a battle for these kids and I am not ready to release my daughter into it.

Despite my grandest efforts, my husband says she must go and I must continue down the path of gaining a degree.  To that I say. . .BOOOOOOO!  I know she must go, but my emotions cloud any logical thinking.  I want her to stay little, cling closely to me, avoid the risk of being hurt, left out, or lose any joy. 

So, what is a mother to do. . .my daughter begins this new chapter in life and my son faces a new challenge as he enters the 4^th grade (switching classes).  Both seem a little leery about it all, but we try not to talk too long about it.  We want to enjoy our summer.  I began praying, like REALLY HARD!  My heart cries out to God to watch closely over my two children.  Carry them through each day.  Protect their hearts and minds.  Renew them daily with Truth.  Work through me to provide a soft cushion on which to fall, ears to listen, perception to sense difficulties and a shoulder with which to cry.  Open my arms wide to them daily as they return to me.  Oh, and yeah, ease my anxiety please (which is probably worse than my kids). 

Here are His answers. . .

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”  (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  (1 Peter 5:7)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

“no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”  (Psalm 91:10-12)

AND of course. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

It is all going to be all right!

Sheree Craig

ABC's

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

As the Fourth of July came and went, we all speak and think about freedom.  What is freedom exactly?  What rights do citizens receive through freedom?  Some include right to bear arms, to vote, serve our country, marry whomever you choose and work wherever you please.  Freedoms concern our speech, religion, dress and to choose number of kids you bear.  Our country provides countless freedoms and rights.  We should be content, right?  No chains hold us down or limit movements in our days.  Slavery no longer exists.  The world is ours and we can say, do, act and be whomever we choose; happiness, right?

I’m afraid not.  We took freedom and swung the pendulum to the complete other side. . .reason why crime exists, disrespect appears, aggressive driving occurs, verbal/physical abuse towards another continues daily, etc.  Depression, anxiety, stress, fear and anger reside in the hearts of many.  Why?  Sin captures our lives and we become slave to it.  Physical slavery went away, but spiritual slavery increased.  Our freedoms here on earth mean nothing if we do not take hold of the one freedom available to each of us.  Acknowledge the sin which consumes and suffocates, Believe there is a freedom available, Confess and repent. . .begin a journey to true freedom which lasts for eternity.  Start a new life by learning the ABC’s of freedom.  God provides countless freedoms and rights.  To gain these each and every day, simply reach up to Him and follow His plan for the day.  Trust Him with each moment, deny self and take up your cross daily!  Slavery to sin no longer exists and we see this world is His.  He holds the plans for the world and already won the battle for us.  Stand firm in His Word and keep sin far from your life.  Be thankful for the freedoms existing this side of Heaven and balance the pendulum.  Respect the laws, people in charge and those fighting for our country.  But, ultimately turn to God for guidance, Truth and the example of how to live here.

ALLOW HIM TO. . .  “Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

PROVIDE EXAMPLE. . .“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)

CONTINUE LEARNING. . .“let the wise listen and add to their learning,

    and let the discerning get guidance—

for understanding proverbs and parables,

    the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:5-7)

RECRUIT OTHERS. . .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)

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

God's Army

For several weeks, my husband and I worked diligently on plans for church camp. Three day consumed with worship songs, games, food, fun, campfires, lessons and crafts all with numerous 7-9 year olds. The theme chosen this year was boot camp. We covered some of my favorite Scriptures. . .placing on the full armor of God. Each day, God asks that we protect ourselves with spiritual armor; the belt of Truth, breastplate of righteousness, boots of peace, helmet of salvation, sword of the spirit (His Word) and the shield of faith. The day came for us to begin this boot camp and help prepare all enlisted Privates for all elements of service to God: physical, mental and emotional. We hoped to provide the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be asked of them this side of Heaven. Each of the Privates must tailor the curriculum to the specialized nature of their role in life.

To face each day’s battle, Christians must prepare themselves physically and mentally. Daily walk with God, lift up prayers, stretch in faith and fill your mind with Truth are a must. Arrive in His timing to events and stick to His schedule so to better prepare for each battle. Finally, Privates should delegate tasks to those which God intended to complete them. Trying to accomplish tasks not intended for us in order to serve more or keep involved only deprives others opportunity to join His team and offer their service. Plus, if our plate is too full, we cannot accomplish His plan for our lives with success.

As the Privates enlisted, carried in basic personal items, prepared their bunks, said their good-byes to family members and oriented themselves with the grounds I grew in excitement. See, I knew what the next few days would bring. . .growth, maturity, love, joy, peace and memories to last a lifetime. No child or adult would leave the same as arrived.

I don’t believe words exist to explain the experience I had in those three days; but, of course, I am going to try.
I learned:
-Plan A may not work. . .give it up, let God carry out His plan (it always turns out much better that way)
-Instructions allow life to run smoothly.
-No storm will keep God from working in our lives.
-Don’t worry what to say, for at the time you will be given what to say.
-God uses a willing servant in mighty ways.

Quick explanation to some of these (right, like anything I ever write is quick and to the point). . .Due to weather, games did not always turn out as I envisioned. I had to push aside control and let God take over. Plan A moved to plan B and even at times plan C. But always, God worked it out for us. One game period, the breeze picked up, dark gray skies moved in and a few sprinkles fell, but nothing more until the game ended. I love when to see God’s presence so clearly.

The deans, cabin moms/dads and Jr. staff used various instructions throughout camp to lead the little ones from place to place and accomplish goals at each station. Without instruction, chaos occurs. God provides instruction all in one Book for us as we go from place to place and accomplish goals each day. He provided the greatest example to follow, His only Son. Just as I had to explain and even demonstrate the games with each new group, God does so through His Son. His demonstrations enable us to seek how to react and move through various life situations. Without His instruction Manual, chaos would occur in our lives.

Each day, our deans kept close watch on radar. Storm clouds hovered over our camp, cool winds blew and sprinkles dropped throughout the days. . .BUT, not a one storm hit to the point to stop our worship, learning or time spent with God. One time downpour occurred (we were almost done for the day) and you know what happened? We were led in joyous songs about rain. Satan had no power at camp to bring anyone or anything down. Same goes as we activate God in the storms of life. . .God will work mightily and Satan will have no power.

For each game, I created this page long devotion relating the game with the lessons being taught at other stations that day. I was pumped about sharing these with the kids and adults. Then reality hit. Games lasted too long, kids did not care to sit and listen very long and it just did not go as I planned it. After the first devotion, I realized it was not working. I put them aside and allowed God to work. He knew what they needed to hear and He provided the perfect words. He does the same each day for you and me. Trust Him!

A willing servant shines like the brightest star. I watched from afar and prayed diligently for my husband and our friend as they co-led the week. Both came in with willing hearts to lead this group of kids. And WOW, God worked mightily to create a week of camp I will never forget. I stood in awe of the ways God used these two. . .through worship, devotion time, prayer and campfire. I felt honored to serve alongside them.

God, thank you for this week and all the lessons learned. Many more exist and I left camp more mature than I arrived. I am excited to be in Your army and I proudly place each piece of armor on each day!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Nothing Else Matters

Remember back when life meant sleeping in until your little heart desired, eating the cereal with the highest sugar count, leaving the house in the morning to play with neighborhood kids only to return at dinner and laying your head down at night without a care in the world.  Ahhhh. . .looking back, life seemed so easy.  Each day I walked confidently knowing love surrounded my every moment.  I felt protected as a child, never lacking for anything, encouraged by a mother’s word and strengthened by a father’s discipline.  Through the years, circumstances began to break my protection, creating an emptiness I did not know how to fill.  Words from the world began to quiet my mother’s and consume my heart.  My vulnerability and desire to fit in caused me to push aside any discipline from my father and do as others desired.  All I learned pushed to the wayside. . .and even worse, I walked insecurely feeling unaccepted, unloved and unworthy. 

Then came a feeling I never really felt before; an indescribable joy overflowing in my heart.  I met a guy.  The word love entered my vocabulary again.  He was handsome, caring, fun, smart and confident.  As I pursued a relationship with him, I found confidence again.  I felt protected under his care.  I never lacked for anything.  His words encouraged me to take care of myself, find joy in each day and be proud to be Sheree.  We walked through life hand in hand.  And guess what?  NOTHING else mattered.  I could have the hardest day one could imagine; yet, my heart continued to shine and my face smiled knowing I was loved.  Life was great. . .

I continued to feel loved by this guy and he held a place in my heart.  But, life began to get harder and harder and then even harder.  Although his love and encouragement continued, I changed due to the pressures of this world.  His love just wasn’t enough to heal the inner wounds I experienced.  I desired something more.  After trying worldly “things” to heal and numb the pain, I realized these were only temporary.  The pain kept returning; so, I reached for more “things” which only proved temporary as well.

Along the way, I failed to see all the angels God continually placed in my life to plant seeds.  One seed at a time, being watered here and there, began to grow with each experience.  Until one day, I realized what was missing, what would ultimately heal the wounds.  NOTHING OF this world could do the trick.  No matter how hard or long I tried, those “things” just would not work. 

Then came a feeling I never felt before; an indescribably joy and peace overflowing in my heart.  I met this Guy.  I learned the TRUE meaning of love.  I discovered His characteristics: Wonderful Counselor, Healer, Protector, Artist, Coach, Teacher and a Father.  As I pursued a relationship with Him, I found a different kind of confidence.  This confidence did not look to what I could do or how I looked to feel worthy or loved.  Nope, this confidence stood firm on Truth; Truth that I am a child of the one True King.  He created me wonderfully and exactly how He planned so I could carry out my purpose this side of Heaven.  I never lacked for anything.  Reading into His Word brought joy to my heart and I desired to take care of this body He provided.  After all, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not our own and we should honor our Creator with our bodies.  I began to be proud to be Sheree.  Nothing else mattered as God and I walked hand in hand through this life.

That was the beginning of a NEW LIFE!  I continued to feel loved by this Guy.  And just when I thought life had thrown me every curve ball possible; life became even tougher.  The enemy stepped up his game.  I had a new Coach now and the enemy realized the power behind this team.  So, as I continued daily renewing my life and changing my old ways (or at least try really hard), the enemy kept throwing curve balls.  He would try to get me to go for his little schemes so to diminish my faith and give up. 

Even though I am further along the path, Satan still works each day to win.  I have realized my Coach already won the game for me.  What I must do is believe that no matter what comes in life, faith and the confidence found years ago will see me through.  I am not where I need to be: I continue to struggle with food, looks, worth, perfectionism, love and relaxing just to enjoy life.  BUT, I am not where I used to be.  My Father has me in His arms and grows me a little more each day.  His love never fails nor ceases. He teaches me the true meaning of love each and every day in various ways.  He replaces those worldly “things” with His Truth each time the enemy tries to sneak them back into my life.  Thank you God for the love you provide each day.  Nothing else matters!  I am Your Child. . .

You can have all this too.  See sin for what it is, go to God with all of it and lay it at the cross!  God’s arms remain open for you.  Put old self behind and allow a new life to begin.  All are welcome on His Team!  Come join me, I would love to walk through this life as your teammate!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig