A Little Angel's Example!

My daughter absolutely loves her teachers and all adults involved in her every day care at school.  Vacation days, snow days and weekends do not go well with this child as she yearns to be with her teachers again.  She speaks highly of each one, makes coloring sheets to add to their collection and smiles from ear to ear in their presence. 

One day, the children received warning that a substitute taking the place of their regular teacher for part of the next day.  As my child relayed the message, worry stirred inside her little mind.  Quite a few tears shed that evening in thoughts of facing the next morning without her teacher.  She braved it and continued the next day at school (as if she had a choice!).  At pickup, the stories shared described a pretty good time with the substitute; although, the day just wasn’t the same without her regular teacher.  Come to find out, my daughter had to go through the same situation the next day, but this one seemed to go a smoother emotionally.  She survived and came through even stronger and met another great person within the school system.

Well, here comes the point to the story. . .a couple days later, my daughter and I were in the van together after dropping my son at drums.  She proceeds to describe the whole substitute experience.  “Mommy, when the substitute came in the other day I had tears in my eyes and some even came down my face because I wanted you and my teacher.  I sat there for a little bit and then remembered that God is on my side.  The tears stopped and I did not cry.”  I asked her if the second experience with the substitute was easier because she knew of God’s presence. . . “Yep, because I knew God was on my side and you and dad are on my side.”

Talk about melting my heart!  This girl never ceases to amaze me. . .God sent this child to be an angel to so many people, starting with me!

What childlike faith that we silly adults tend to lose over the years.  Let us gain that back. . .God IS on our side!  His character proves Him to be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. 

Omnipotent - able to do anything, having unlimited power.  Whatever our day may bring, God can bring you through and strengthen your faith.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”  (Ephesians 3:20-21) 

Omniscient - knowing everything!  He holds the plans for our lives and will not lead us where His grace cannot cover us!  He goes before us, paves the way, protects the path and provides the tools needed to accomplish what lay ahead.  “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”  (Psalm 33:11)  “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)  We may not always understand what has occurred in the past, what surrounds us currently, or what appears to be ahead; but, relying on the One who knows how all the pieces fit will bring assurance, strength and peace even though times have, can and will be tough.  Rest assured, by friend, He will not leave you helpless, hopeless or hurting.

Omnipresent - everywhere at ALL times.  He will never leave nor forsake you.  He cares for each of His children and extends His arms every day for you to run.  His presence appears through various means.  Recognizing Him is key in strengthening faith and confidence in the plans laid before you.  Extend thanks at each time His presence appears.  He remains for the smallest of events to the largest of events.  Everything to do with your life ranks high in importance to Him.  He loves being invited into every moment of the day!  “God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Though my daughter cannot read nor memorize Scripture at this point in time. . .I believe wholeheartedly that God whispered these words from Hebrews 13 to her that day.  She walked boldly, assured that God will see her through and she is loved by Him.  She is His princess and He will not let her fall. . .my friend, the same stands true for you!  Soak in His promises today and walk boldly whatever may come your way.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig              

Stop the Madness!

Okay, time to sit and make THE LIST.  You know, the one filled with loved ones to receive a gift which expresses the joy you feel due to their presence in your life.  Christmas provides prime opportunity to express such joy through gift giving.  The names fill up the lines on your paper and the money needed to complete the shopping widens your eyes.  How in the world can one afford all of this ‘stuff’?

You look to edit the names, but cannot find it in your heart to flip the pencil around and erase.  Life would not be the same without each and every one listed.  So, there you sit frustrated, torn and broke!  Sounds like a wonderful spirit for the holidays, right?  You haven’t even faced the traffic, lines, people and disappointments in the shopping experience yet.  Oh, and the traveling here and there, baking, hosting, gift wrapping, facing ‘those’ relatives and forcing a happy face the whole time.  Stress accumulates each day during a season that holds such special, dire meaning.  Why does each year have to be like this?  How does all this stress begin?

Oh, my dear friends, it all begins with one fleshly body struggling for approval. . . “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

We believe material gift giving equates love.  Faking friendships amongst family keeps the problems at a distance.  Becoming a part of the hustle and bustle society concocted over the years keeps us up to par with the Jones’!  All for what? . . .Exhaustion, Frustration, Hatred and just Wishing the holidays would end. 

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Well, I want to share a small message to relieve all of these emotions, replacing them with joy, peace and the True Meaning of the holiday.  It is quite simple really. . .get a permanent marker (really, go get one!), gather THE LIST created and write this across all the names – ACTS 2:38-41!  You see, all these material items mean nothing if the one true Gift is not received.  Bring the focus back on the True Meaning by leading all those on your list toward Jesus.  Providing an example, walking in the way of love, just as God so loved us and gave His only Son to die so we may live will be the best gift you could give anyone.  Shining His light to all you meet, keeping the conversations about Him, appreciating each Manger scene displayed, sharing the good news of His birth and welcoming others into your home with loving arms will keep the meaning of Christmas alive.

Society works diligently year after year to steal the attention from Jesus.  Take a stand and do not allow the world to forget the reason for the season.  Without the birth of Jesus, we would have no example to follow and the mighty gift He gave to each of us would not exist.  God so loved us that He gave His only Son on Christmas morning to live an extraordinary life here among men and then die for us while we were still sinners.  Sit for a minute and let that statement penetrate your soul. 

Travel here and there this season to spread the Gospel as Jesus did.  Bake with praise to the One who provides as Jesus did.  Host wholeheartedly, offering invitation to all no matter their lifestyle just as Jesus did.  Seek and offer forgiveness to those who broke your heart just as Jesus forgave/forgives you.  Wrap and give the Gift worth giving just as Jesus did.  Push aside society’s way of celebrating and embrace the shopping experience with a different attitude. . .it is not the material items that express love to others; it is the one true Gift that never quits giving that matters (best part – IT IS FREE).  Each day opens new opportunities, blessings and joy!  Will you join me in sharing the Good News this season?  Guess what, my friend; if you have not received such a Gift yourself. . .the offer stands for you as well.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Never a Busy Signal!

For sixteen weeks I assisted two other nursing students in completing a community project.  Lots of details filled each week’s endeavors.  Assignments piled up, paperwork consumed and planning took over my thoughts.  The project impacted individuals in various ways; one being awareness to violence occurring in the community.  Often times we walk around with tunnel vision, unable to imagine anything ‘bad’ happening near our home.  Those are events heard on the news, taking place elsewhere, right?

Well, not so much.  While working diligently on the project, we saw need to get the word out of existing resources waiting to help.  Why hide these from our community?  A business card evolved containing emergency numbers to call for help.  We dispersed those to various community members whom may encounter individuals in need of this information.  This condensed, organized and handy card takes away the search for help when hurt enters one’s life.  It empowers one to step forward and begin the road to healing.  It also provides a way for others to help those hurting by offering a hand of hope.  These sources exist and many hurting people do not even realize it!

Do you know another Source exists at our fingertips for hurting people?  Many walk around daily without awareness to the evil surrounding each moment.  Evil finds us wandering through life trying to heal, find joy and feel loved.  Why hide the One Source from others?  Christians play a significant role in dispersing such information, offering a hand of Hope to hurting people.  God placed all we need in an organized and handy Book.  His Word empowers us to step forward in faith and begin healing from any hurt. 

Do you have emergency numbers in line to call upon?  Remove the tunnel vision and realize that in this world there will be trial and tribulation.  We cannot run from it.  BUT, we can prepare and call to the One Who knows exactly what we need to survive.  Take some time to create a condensed, organized and handy list of emergency numbers to call upon in need. . .

God created each of His children, touching every fiber of our being.  During our creation, specific talents, skills and characteristics were placed in order to fulfill the job assigned for this life here.  Embracing what He provided us, accepting others for whom they were created to be and working with them to accomplish the one purpose for our lives (building His Kingdom) will result in an indescribable prize.  When struggling to get along with others, call upon Romans 12!

Seasons in life may bring violent storms.  Satan loves to catch us in a storm, weak and depressed.  After receiving numerous blows daily, we may feel like giving up.  Sorrow overtakes every thought, creating darkened lives.  Guess what my friend; I have a number to call at just this time. . .John 14!

People disappoint, discourage and damage our spirit.  They are human and imperfect.  God sent His only Son, perfect and holy to die so that we may live filled with His Spirit.  Keeping our eyes on the Perfect One will grow our spirit and protect it from this imperfect world.  When others fail you, call upon Psalm 27!

Letting go of worldly hurts and working toward healing requires forgiveness.  Once given, an overwhelming peace enters and hurt seems so distant.  Recall the One Who continually forgives and even died for us while we were still sinners.  Follow Jesus’ example and release the pain by forgiving one another.  Call on Him for the steps needed to do such a thing. . .Colossians 3!

These numbers provide only a few existing in our Master Phonebook.  Guess what, my friend, when dialing any number in the Book; you will NEVER hear a busy tone.  The line waits to hear from you and ALWAYS provides the needed help.  Will you make the call today?  Create a list of emergency numbers unique to your situation.  Utilize it daily and update the list as time passes.  Use your list to help others as well.  Why hide such a great Resource?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig       

Washed Clean

My daughter ventured out in new, bright pink, beautiful pants one day.  She walked in confidence and pride while sporting these new pants.  The moment she stepped out the door the fabric experienced the typical beating received from any five year old.  The use of markers alters the design from plain bright pink to random stripes of various colors.  Hitting the ground numerous times during recess weakens the threading; at times, leaving dinged marking.  During lunch, the pants transform into a napkin and potential stains appear down the sides of each leg.  To top off the day, after school play leads to grass and mud colored knees.  At first encounter, I think someone stole her pants and replaced them with used, dingy, stained yet still comfy ones.  First thought of this incompetent mother. . . “How in the world will I ever clean this up?”

With the first step in the door, I ask that she change pants and hand me the damaged ones.  I reach for any pretreatment product found, drench the pants and leave it to work miracles.  Leaving to soak for hours, I think to myself, “no way is this one coming clean”.  Well, at least we now have a pair of ‘play’ pants, right?  I throw in the pants with corresponding colors, add detergent and with the push of the start button hope for the best. . .

The mixture of pretreatment, detergent and water begin to work vigorously to clean the blue marker, green grass, brown mud and ketchup streaks down the sides.  These pants are at their worst but I cling to hope that the products will do as promised in the description. . .one wash = cleaner, brighter clothes!

Pulling out of the dryer confirmed the promise.  No signs of stain whatsoever.  I could not tell you what she had for lunch, where she played after school or what projects she completed during art class.  The pants washed cleaned, folded nicely and ready to go the next day she wears them.  The assurance given from a washer, detergent and pretreatment brings peace to this mother as I approach my child covered in dirty clothes.

Another assurance I possess each day creating overwhelming peace is that my God promises cleansing of my dirty, stained and tainted soul.  We begin life as a child, innocent, new, beautiful inside and out and filled with peace in the care of parents meeting all needs.  In growing, confidence appears along with self-satisfaction.  Nothing alters our thoughts, cleanliness remains. 

Then, the five year mark comes around and we venture outside of the protection known thus far.  The moment entering into society without constant supervision, love, encouragement and care finds us within society’s beating.  Words spoken, opinions given or glaring looks place indelible marks on our hearts.  The shine inside lessens. . .dingy appearance begins.  During the years, we may become a stomping ground in relationships.  With each encounter our soul feels the blow, receiving potential stains.  Job loss, addiction, depression, death of loved one and more knock us to the ground.  Spirits weaken diminishing any motivation to continue.  To top all this off, we then come home to a place without peace, joy, love or comfort.  Years pass, each feeling worse than the prior one. . .eventually finding us lower than ever before.  My friends, at our lowest, Satan moves in to attack.  He has us exactly where he desires. . .backed against a wall without a way out.  Or is there?

After 40 days of fasting, Jesus experienced weakness and hunger. . .guess who came in to attack?  The attack did not occur only once. . .three times Satan attacked.  My friends open your Bibles to Matthew 4:1-11 to read for yourselves how Jesus answered.  Weak, tired and probably more than over this fasting period; Jesus responded, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”  You want to know what happened next. . . ‘Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’

We have a God bigger than anything in this world.  Our faith may be shaken daily, but it CANNOT be taken.  We may feel like dingy, stained, damaged and useless due to the past and the opinions placed upon us by society.  Guess what, my friend, Hope exists.  The promise remains throughout each generation. . .one death = clean, brighter, everlasting life!  Serving only God will protect from the damage of Satan’s attacks.  Though trials and tribulations surround our lives, joy can remain inside our soul.  No matter the past, His promise holds true for every one of His children.  That includes YOU!  The past is washed away. . .God cannot see the mistakes, wrong turns, failures or years of damage.  He washes you clean and paves the way for each day to follow.  Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, be washed clean and walk confidently with Him?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Spiritual Stretching

Recently, my daughter came to me in pain.  It was before bed and the suggestion for relief included lying beside me while I rub the pain away.  Immediately I question the severity of such a pain.  Was this a ploy to lay with mommy?  A compromise arose with her lying in her bed; I rub her leg for 5 minutes and provide an ice pack.  The moment passed. . .

The same scenario repeated itself sporadically for months.  Then, increased in frequency and eventually the pain struck my daughter throughout the daytime as well.  She struggled in gym class, begging not to go with tears running down her cheeks.  Walking for long distance increased the pains and cramps.  We pushed it aside for a while as “growing pains”.  Come to find out, “growing pains” do not have to interfere with activities.  We sought help from a local chiropractic practice and began the path to healing. 

My daughter apparently suffers from the same structural concern I found in myself years ago.  Her hips do not align properly, causing one leg to extend past the other.  The muscles in the shorter leg remain tight, restricting growth.  With each step, she pulls those muscles beyond what they can handle and over the course of the day; they wear out and cause pain.  The pain acts as a stop sign, warning that they cannot go on anymore.

Since going to the chiropractor, we stretch daily and increase activity slowly.  Gradual stretching and exercise increase allow these muscles to grow in length at a pace they can handle.  If we jerked on them, forcing growth, tears and permanent damage would occur.  DAILY commitment, GENTLE care and FAITH in the unseen progress will lead to a day when my daughter can walk around the zoo without ending in pain. 

Muscular tissue consumes 35-40% of our body weight.  Muscles provide strength to function, movement and vitality.  Can you name one of the most important muscles needed to sustain life?  In my opinion, our spiritual muscle ranks right next to the heart!  Think of having a tight spiritual muscle. . .the tightness would lead to misalignment, effecting every aspect in life.  Growth restriction, stagnant living and pain will occur.  This leaves us to suffer and miss out on the plan laid for our life.  Often times, we will push it aside as a phase; it will all be better when. . .I will relax and enjoy life after. . .or I have no control over my pain.  Oh, my friend, you are correct in saying you don’t have control, that relaxation and enjoyment is still to come and there is better than the here and now.  BUT, when looking to this world for control, blaming others for the trials surrounding us and striving to find contentment here IN this world; our spiritual muscle tightens and shrinks all the more. 

Our Physician knows just how to handle such a problem.  Take the first step into the unknown.  Seek out the door waiting wide open revealing fleshly discomfort.  Others may not stand next to you when entering such a door, but reaching out and moving in the right direction stretches your spirit.  With each stretch, faith grows.  God hears your prayers for relief, comfort, joy and a way out; but, if He simply removed you from the situation and pulled you where you wish to be, permanent damage to the spiritual muscle occurs.  We must gradually step, stretching a bit farther with each decision advancing down the path God intended.  The spiritual muscle will grow at a pace which it can handle.  The strength and endurance gained will allow for you to become a personal trainer, teaching others by example just how to grow their spiritual muscle. 

Once stretched, it takes DAILY commitment to His Word and living His example.  It takes GENTLE care to protect our hearts from this world and the evil which prowls waiting to steal our spirit.  And most of all it takes FAITH in the unseen to progress down the path laid for our lives. 

You may be sore for a while, but press forward, keep your eyes on the prize.  Before you know it, you will be boldly walking upon this Earth with full confidence in God.  Anything coming in your path will be handled with Truth, Protection and Trust in the One True God!

Start today, my friend, it is never too late to stretch the spiritual muscle.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig        

Coincidence. . .I Think NOT!

Coincidence. . . a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected; the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection.

Believe in coincidence?  I don’t!  This life, moment in time, season faced and decisions for this day hold enormous meaning.  Think about it. . .

I could sit here and provide example after example to disprove coincidence.  The events appearing in our lives may feel way out of character or impossible, so we claim it coincidence.  Guess what my friends; these moments in time are bigger than us. . . 

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  Luke 18:27

God can take any situation and work it out for the good of those who love Him.  I hold various roles in life.  Many days, my ‘to do’ list informs that no hour will be left for rest.  Come to find out, all of it gets done, peace overwhelms the day and I even have time to play a game or two with the kids.  You see, putting God as your guide each day reveals what our fleshly minds deem as impossible.  Man chalks the days up to coincidence, God says, “Nope, had that day planned all along for you.” 

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.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:11-12

How great it is to know our Coach strategically planned the game of life for each of His children.  No day exist without purpose.  Every moment in time packs meaning and when looked at closely, offers strength and growth.  We may not prosper by the world’s definition, but trusting in His plans will bring greater riches in life.  He will provide joy, peace and safety in storms.  Man chalks it up as fate, God says, “Nope, I analyzed and protected the path laid for your life before guiding each step.” 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Too often the world receives glory for things only God could provide.  He exceeds our prayers, leaves us standing in awe and not a day goes by that He does not hear our hearts desires.  Man cannot come close to providing what God provides.  The works of man remain temporary, unpredictable, disappointing and leaves us just short of happy.  The works of God provide stability, endurance each day, satisfy any need and leave us overflowing with blessing.  Man chalks any joy up to being in the right place at the right time, God says, “Nope, I decided that one a long time ago and take joy in seeing my child smile.”

Now, I know times get tough and these Scriptures may seem so far away from thought.  But, my dear friends; He remains at your side waiting to hold your hand and guide you through any storm in life.  He cannot stop the evil in this world.  The Bible warns of trials and tribulations faced while in the flesh.  BUT, He promises to bring us through, increasing our strength!  Healing is possible with Him.  Plans in the future hold huge meaning for His Kingdom and prosperity cannot happen without Him.  He holds power to go beyond what our fleshly minds can concoct.  His plan prevails. . .nothing is coincidence.  To Him be the glory for this day and the adventure which lay ahead.  His Hands are all over this day.  Should a storm hit, He will bring or carry us through.  Should blessing overflow, He desires to accompany and enjoy each one with you.  Take Him with you today and stand in confidence that He planned this day, connected each event and is not surprised by the outcome. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

Vital Organ

What organ maintains life?  Its size compares to a fist.  Weakness of such an organ presents with difficulty in breathing, less endurance, pain, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, swelling and struggle to continue in daily activities.  In order to keep in shape, the doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes: low sodium diet, decrease cholesterol intake, increase activity, throw away the cigarettes, take medications as prescribed and maintain hydration daily.  All these habits may be difficult to begin if already set in your ways.  But, change must come to protect this vital organ and sustain life. 

Know the organ yet?  THE HEART!  Without a functioning heart, no blood can travel through the body to keep other organs oxygenated and working as they should.  Any weakness of the heart affects the rest of the body systems.  You must protect it!  Substances ingested or inhaled play a major role in health of your heart.  Be aware of such knowledge and stay in tune with your body’s needs.  A healthy heart provides a healthy life. . .

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.

 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:20-23)

Just so, we must protect our hearts from spiritual disease or infection.  Weakness presents with difficulty in coping, less joy, pain, destruction, unclear thoughts, swelling of pride and profuse stress.  Continuing in daily activities seems nearly impossible at times.  In order to keep in shape our Physician must be visited daily.  He provides Truth, guidance, love, support, joy and peace.  His plan on our lives requires a few lifestyle adjustments: replace negative thoughts with Truth, alter habits to coincide with Truth, remove destructive situations/environments, increase the study of His Word, throw away pride, begin weekly regimen of attendance to Bible believing church and maintain a life filled with discipleship.  All these may feel awkward or difficult to begin due to the habits/lifestyle we currently lead.  But, I am witness that changes made to protect your heart provide indescribable joy, peace and love.  All the elements your heart requires to sustain life!

Will you take at least one of the steps toward a healthy heart today?  Pick up His Word, begin reading it and listening to the teaching He desires for you during this season of life.  Don’t let His Truth escape your thoughts, place them in your heart and begin revival of your heart.  Any weakness of spirit affects everyone around you and places risk for the enemy to bring you down.  Stand firm on His Word today, guard your heart from this world and the enemy.  Stay in tune with the plan and purpose God holds for you!  Make an appointment with your Physician today. . .He always has an open slot in His schedule.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig