Martha or Mary?

As I prepare for guests to come visit my home, I become somewhat anxious.  I create a list in my head of what needs to be cleaned and plan out the menu.  This must be completed or my mind cannot rest at ease and enjoy the moment.  In these times, I desire perfection.  Guess what?  It AIN'T going to happen. 

I was reminded this morning about Mary and Martha.  How can you be a Mary in a Martha world?  Well, many women struggle with this thought (maybe the reason why a whole book was written on the matter).  It is funny this comes up in my study time this morning because I just spent the night before stressing and overwhelming myself with trying to complete my list I created in my head.  No good comes from me when my mind is focused on worldly things, such as a clean house.  My family suffers and I only bring more stress on myself because of the guilt from poisonous words I spat at the family. 

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Wow, did that scripture jump off the page at me today.  Mary chose something better - to kneel at the Lord's feet and listen to what He said.  She was ready to hear what her guest had to say and focus all attention on Him.  Martha, on the other hand, continued running around cleaning, preparing the meal and completing all the tasks she saw fit.  She complained to the Lord and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

OUCH!! I believe I spoke those words just last night, only replace sister with husband.  My husband enjoys our home, plays with the kids and laughs the night away with them.  Meanwhile, I walk around the house 'perfecting' everything and cleaning until exhaustion.  Hmmm, which sounds better?

I am depriving myself of God's blessings by focusing on worldly desires and the approval of my guests.  I do not think my guests will come wearing white gloves so they may inspect my home and see if any dust or dirt appears.  If weather cooperates, they will only be in one or two rooms in my home.  Why do I focus so much on what others think of me?  I am here to serve God, not man (see Galatians 1:10) - one of my favorite verses which I need to read DAILY or HOURLY.

I need to check my focus today and assure it is on God and serving Him.  He wants me to enjoy my guests, enjoy the home He allows me to borrow while on Earth and the family He blessed me with.  What good am I to Him if I run around trying to win humans approval?  

Thank you God for today.  May I focus on You and take each step as You direct.  May all my actions serve You, not man.  May everything I do and say be all of You and none of me.  Be my hands and feet today so I may show others Your love and teach Your Truths.  Take all my anxiety away and allow me to enjoy Your blessings poured over me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig 

With Faith, Confidence and Attention

After completing what might have been the toughest two years of my life, I sit with a diploma in one hand and a license in the other.  The diploma says, “I did it,” the license says, “Go do it.”  Yet, still my mind says “I can’t.”  Thoughts race and the enemy creeps in with lies – “You just wasted two years of your life,” “You will never accomplish the desires of your heart,” or “You ventured off the path and now created a foothold for me.”  The world would like me to believe these lies, but Truth stands firm against them. 

I began a job and wore down every piece of energy possessed.  My thoughts could not even come together clearly.  Exhausted emotionally and physically, I began to feel like a failure.  I could not perform needed tasks at home or work and my fingers slipped further away from the reason I entered nursing school.  I did not understand, felt lost and broken.  Then, after crying out to God with true desire and faith in Him, an answer appeared.  Through a daily devotion, the above Scripture jumped off the page and seeped into my heart. 

Ask: through prayer God hears the desires our hearts hold onto so strongly.  Prayers lifted without faith are only words slipping off the tongue.  Faith requires believing His Word laid out neatly for all to read.  He hears every prayer, holds onto those words and views the whole picture to assure it works with His plan for our life.  He will never straight up say no. . .He considers the prayer and may deem it unnecessary to answer at this time.  Patience may be required of us.  All in His timing; therefore, we must not lose hope.  He works all things out for the good of those who love Him.

Seek: well, we cannot just sit and do nothing.  Work like it depends on you (as my husband would say)!  Put yourself out there after praying about the situation.  The world can be a scary place, but He has overcome the world.  No need to fear while seeking out the desires of the heart.  He will never lead you where His grace, love and safety do not cover.  He holds a plan and purpose for each of our lives which will be accomplished and carried out here on Earth. 

Knock: your desires will remain unknown when left inside the heart.  Knocking on doors, spreading ideas and gathering information from all options allows Him to work at a greater capacity.  Leaving doors closed limits the building of His Kingdom.  Listen closely as you knock to assure it is Him behind the door waiting to open this opportunity for you.  There is a time for everything.

I am not sure where you may be in your journey. . .but, let’s take today my friend and begin to ask with faith, seek with confidence and knock with attention.  He brings us through the toughest of storms only to use them later to further His Kingdom.  You can do all things through Him who give you strength. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig       

One Glitch

Since moving to our new home a new family member joined the Craig team.  Weighing in at 3.3 pounds, red curly fur and big brown eyes, our little teacup poodle wiggled its way into each of our hearts.  I long for the moment to sit down and have her rest peacefully in my lap.  Never being a dog owner, I did not realize how they become another family member and love overflows for them. 

Her brilliance amazes as she learns new tricks and rules quickly.  My son taught her how to fetch a ball within minutes.  I taught her to come in from outside and sit on a rug made to clean dog’s feet until receiving a treat.  Also, the moment I say, “Go watch for the kids,” she runs to the door awaiting a big yellow bus to come down our street.  The instant yellow catches her eye; she jumps a foot off the floor in excitement to have them home again.  When bedtime rolls around she prances directly to her bed and lies down.  Dogs act humanlike in various ways.

One glitch appears in her brilliant streak. . .she cannot discern real from fake.  One day I turned quickly as she began barking wildly in the kitchen (she does not bark often).  I found her in front of the oven barking continuously with an occasional growl thrown in there.  She caught site of her reflection on the oven door and believed it to be another dog in our home.  Forgot to mention, she despises other dogs and animals.  We will be watching TV and a commercial with animals airs and she goes crazy barking.  The most worked up I have seen is when a cat appeared on TV.  She fears the other animal is creeping into her territory and immediately goes on defense.  Our response is, “Silly puppy, it isn’t real.”  Yet every time, it occurs.  She cannot realize the images are just that, images, not real.  Could this be one of those humanlike characteristics? . . .

Oh, so often in life we experience this same glitch.  FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real.  We fear a variety of things, leading to worry which consumes every waking moment.  Worry steals joy creating a foothold for the enemy to grab hold of our spirit.  Bondage halts life and we begin to lose sight of His plan.  A snowball effect beginning with one little glitch: inability to discern real from fake. 

Fear sneaks in my thoughts often.  It comes when thinking about the future, venturing into larger crowds, saying yes to God’s plan, beginning a project or making a decision.  The basis for fear consuming me is failure.  “What if I fail?”  No one wants to fail at anything.  I fear failure, therein disappointing loved ones, possibly losing their acceptance of me.  As the devil works to destroy my spirit, I put on the armor of God and feed Truth into the situation.  Realizing the thought of failure is just that, a thought, not real leads to freedom from the enemy’s hold. 

Our little puppy barks ferociously at images on the TV all the while backing up and running to me for comfort.  As I ease her mind that the images are not real and no dog/cat/animal invades her territory she calms.  As I hold her convincing it will all be okay she stops barking.  And as she sees the images disappear she believes what I said.

Each time we fear, we must run.  Not run from a situation per say but run to the One Who will comfort and speak Truth into every situation.  He will hold us tightly eliminating one worry at a time.  He will show us love, provide strength and see us through any situation.  Our faith grows through each hardship as we lean on Him Who will destroy the devil’s hold on the situation.  We can then clearly discern real from fake and understand the direction we should take. 

Thank You God for providing Truth to combat fear creeping into our lives.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig                 

"America Bless God"

As I walk down our street I notice something disturbing, garbage everywhere.  I guess I missed the memo that the street is now our garbage can.  I failed to see the letter from Rumpke saying, "Just throw your garbage out along the street wherever you may be driving or walking and we will pick it up."  Also, I hear from others about the cruel actions of others, the killings, the robberies and other heinous crimes which exist in this world (side note: Dora invaded my TV, so I am unable to watch firsthand).  Do you really think God is smiling down on these things?

God provided this wonderful world for us to borrow and use during our time here.  He entrusted all these blessings to us, His Children.  What disrespect we display when we trash the land, defile our bodies and/or harm one another.  This reminds me of the story of Noah.  We should all be as obedient and loving as this man.

The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.  The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.  So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.  (Genesis 6:5-8)

I don't know about you, but I don't want any of my actions to cause God to regret making this world for His Children to enjoy.  Would you just throw garbage down on your living room floor, steal from your neighbor so as to pay your bills, kill a person for looking at you wrong or force one of God's People to take part in something they strongly said NO to?  We are all Children of God and we must respect our Maker.  He worked diligently on every feature and character of ours.  He is everywhere and knows us completely (see Psalm 139).

He provided all these treasures here for us to enjoy.  Keep His land clean, treat others as you want to be treated, love, give not take, respect yourself (God does not make junk) and praise God for every breath He provides.  Others will see the joy in your life, the blessings received due to your obedience to God.  Your radiance will spread and God will continue to pull on other's hearts so they may see His Way, His Truth and His Life.  This world is in need of Christian behavior and God deserves more respect.

My husband and I once saw a billboard stating, "America Bless God" with a bald eagle crying.  I did not understand and the words just did not click until we discussed in our small group how the national anthem states, "God Bless America."  Well, why would God bless America if America is not respecting, loving, obeying and blessing God?

God thank you for today.  Thank you for trusting me here on earth with so much.  I pray for obedience, for the strength to show my faith and stand behind it when faced daily with this broken world.  I pray my light may shine and infest this world so Your Children may see and choose the straight path You provide.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Forward or Backward?

Reminiscing on a family trip to Disney brought us to the time of riding a huge roller coaster.  The coaster was not an ordinary around a few curves, up a hill or two and slowly returning back to the beginning kind of coaster.  This one played out a story of a snow monster (Yeti) chasing the coaster in hopes to destroy the tracks and all the people in the cars.  Suspense surrounded, darkness fell over the ride and off we went. 

It began slow and steady.  Hands held high, we took a few curves and enjoyed the scenery.  As speeds increased, hands took hold of the handlebar.  Loose grip moved to white knuckles while the coaster whipped and pivoted around the track.  The ride came to a halt with what appeared to be broken tracks ahead.  The Yeti tore apart the rest of the track, leaving us stranded.  What else could we do but go backwards where we came from; yet, the ride did not take the same path back down.  This time, the track contained more curves, higher speeds and steeper hills.  Screams accompanied the white knuckles.  Finally, we turned around and ventured forward able to see where the track led and leaving the Yeti in our dust.  As the ride neared the station, speeds slowed and the grip loosened.  We checked on one another to see how we survived the experience. 

Exiting the ride, we shared feelings and thoughts about the ride overall.  To some, it was awesome; others, it was torturous; and still others weren’t sure what to think about it yet.  Looking back, I loved the thrill of the ride and realized through it all we truly were safe.  Men worked diligently placing the tracks specifically in place, with sturdy construction and testing the ride numerous times before allowing people to board.  All riders eventually return safely back to the station, secure in their seats with no harm done.  This happens over and over daily.

Life can resemble a huge roller coaster.  The story played out each season never seems “ordinary” or “safe”.  I feel as though I am chased by one trying to destroy the tracks leading the way and take me down with it.  Each day surrounded with fear of what’s to come and timid reactions. 

The day begins slow and steady as I get ready in the comforts of home while enjoying the quiet environment.  Speeds increase the moment feet hit pavement and I reach for something to grip.  The day whips and pivots here and there leaving my head spinning.  A break may come midday to gain composure; yet, looking ahead ruins the moment, for the tracks finishing out the day appear broken and destroyed.  Stranded, without hope, I slide backward and reach for things that helped cope in the past.  I find they bring comfort and peace but not for long and the track they lead to contains worse conditions than where I started.  I cry out, hands raised high!

God hears my cry and takes my hand.  He turns the destroyed tracks into a straight path and leads me to peace.  He guides each move and decision, opening my eyes and leaving the enemy in the dust.  The day seems to slow down though life continues to go on around me.  I no longer need to grip tightly to the world, for my God is in control.  He keeps me safe through every twist and turn.  He worked diligently placing the path for my life, with sturdy construction He planned every moment and equipped me while in my mother’s womb to handle each day.  Relying on Him daily will lead me safely back to Home once work here is done. 

Moral of the story: as we rely on our Maker each day, we need not worry of what’s to come.  The enemy does prowl around in hopes to destroy our days and the path leading us Home.  Let go of the grip held on this world and let God lead the way safely, slowly to Him.  The ride is much less scary, intense or intolerable.  Keeping eyes on Him brings purpose to every day, whether appearing to be a good day or a bad day.  He will not lead you anywhere you are not capable of surviving.  Speaking from experience; I spent too many years riding the roller coaster backward. . .forward, eyes looking up makes for a much better ride. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Task Driven?

Alarm rings, feet hit the ground running and the day begins.  When signing the birth certificate of a child you inherit countless responsibilities.  The days of sleeping in vanish, clean homes transform to one huge playroom, spotless windows now marked by tiny handprints and couches no longer used for rest.  As the years go by the tasks include driving from practice to practice, packing lunches for school, meeting teachers for a conference and worrying continuously of how this will all turn out.  Again, tasks shift as your child begins driving, dating and attending parties without you by their side.  Responsibility for your child remains until the day we meet our Maker. 

Daily routines may become mundane.  Alarm rings and you begin going through the motions.  The tasks overtake the hours and often overwhelm our souls.  The worry may consume our thoughts, being the driving force of our emotions.  Parents often succumb to this lifestyle and focus only on completing the daily tasks.  Our minds lose sight of the emotional needs of our child.  We forget how to have fun and just relax. 

I noticed this the other day when my daughter asked me to come lay with her and watch a show before I went to work.  My first reaction, “I can’t, I have so much ‘stuff’ to get done before leaving.”  Supper, dishes, pack lunches, clean some of the house, fold laundry, etc. topped my to do list.  How could I take time and just lay down watching TV when numerous ‘things’ sit undone?  Almost immediately, I felt a nudge!  That nudge reminded me to quit being a task driven mother and just be a mother.  Chores can wait, supper need not be a three or four course meal and plenty of clothes still remain in our closets to wear.  What my daughter needed at the moment was time!  She could care less about eating, clean clothes, a spotless house or what would be in her lunchbox the next day.  Her emotional health ranked number one at this moment.  So, I put some food in the oven and went upstairs to lay and chit-chat with my child.  It felt awesome to focus on my child not my tasks. 

So often we fall in the same trap while walking the straight path.  As a Christian, you may feel the need to complete a specific number of tasks before meeting your Maker.  “Well, God wants me to do good, make a difference, volunteer at every chance given and attend every church service/event scheduled, right?”  We hit the ground running following baptism and work hard at being a Christian.  Numerous lives need salvation, a touch of love and Truth fed to their souls.  True, but God doesn’t desire checklist Christians.  He is not interested in our works.  He does not even tally up the times Christians walk into a church building.  All He desires following salvation are open hands and open hearts.  He loves to hear “Yes” when asking for your help. 

Too often we create a list of tasks that God has not equipped us to complete yet.  Saying yes to every volunteer opportunity and church gathering leaves an individual drained.  Listen closely to God’s desires in your plan.  He holds a special purpose for each day of your lives.  Running from task to task reduces the ability to hear or feel the Holy Spirit.  For example: cookies need baked for a church gathering and you sign up; but, the same day a friend needs a visit due to a difficult time in his/her life.  Well, the cookies need be done at a specific time and then you need to get to the event and help decorate and wait to clean up at the end.  All God’s work, right? . . .maybe, but not for you at this time.  Your friend needs you.  God may have other individuals who need to volunteer at the specific event.  God does not ask for our work to grandiose.  The work done daily need not bring countless individuals to Christ.  He asks to plant one seed at a time and do so in His timing.  Being a task driven Christian can lead to working in our timing.  We need to quit creating a task list and just be His Children.  This means listening closely to Him, increasing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s nudge and giving Him our time. 

Seek counsel daily and listen to Him.  He will choose your to do list.  The list can change as the hours continue.  But, rest assure, there is a plan and purpose to each step taken, each interruption experienced and each “yes” said for Him.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig       

Made to Be. . .

When the person you are trying to be daily does not coincide with the person you were made to be. . .the result is destruction.  I speak from experience; spending each hour working to be the person others would accept and approve based on accomplishments and looks.  My eating disorder grew each day while working to live up to the standards placed by society and numb from the rejection.  ED (eating disorder) accepted me when eating a few crackers for lunch and rice cake for dinner.  ED approved me when running through the pain on the treadmill.  ED took me in when the world shut me out.  The time came when exercise and lack of food was not enough for ED.  ED found disappointment in this less than perfect girl.  Each day, I ran harder and ate less in hopes to feel approved by ED. 

My wakeup call came from a doctor in Tennessee who saved my physical life and began the road to recovery.  It was December 18^th, 2003 and he simply provided an ultimatum; admission or death.  Since I was 20, I had to make the decision.  The world spun around me and my wasting body ran to the bathroom to think, which was becoming quite difficult due to lack of nourishment.  I gazed into the mirror and for the first time in 6 years realized the depth of my sickness.  I did not recognize the image staring back at me.  I stayed in the hospital for 30-40 days, took leave of absence to celebrate holidays in January and then ventured to Wisconsin for rehab until March that year.  I learned so much about health, met some awesome people I will never forget and began the road to recovery. 

I would like to say I never turned back to ED for acceptance or approval; but, life became a whirlwind and disappointments led to striving for perfection.  A downfall sent me back in physical health.  I again reached for acceptance and approval from this world.  Failing to receive it, I turned to ED and knew exactly how to receive it from ED.  Luckily, it did not last as long this time before hitting rock bottom.  I realized this time around that although I knew the physical route to health, my spiritual health NEVER was saved.  Now 25, I realized the past 5 years were simply going through the motions to appear recovered on the outside.   

“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

Surrendering my life to Christ broke the chains of approval and acceptance from this world.  No one can or will be perfect in this world, therefore someone will always disagree with your decisions, looks or words.  The important part is not winning this world’s approval, but working for Christ and walking the path laid for your life.  Do this by accepting Him as your Lord and Savior, meditating on Truth daily and listening for the still small voice to guide your feet. 

I would like to inform you that I got this down pat and never fall back into old patterns.  Well, many times I find myself smack dab in the middle of a storm raging violently and feeling the only way out is to keep pleasing others, working to be someone else and running from it.  I see failing results when daily the person I work to be does not coincide with the one I was made to be! 

God created each of us for a reason, a specific purpose.  He prepared every fiber in your body just perfect to perform the daily work planned for your life.  We cannot change our physical abilities or emotional stamina without worldly alterations.  These will not last or fulfill your true purpose.  Trying to be someone other than planned will lead to frustration, sadness and spiritual death.  Stick close to God, pleasing only Him and you will find peace, joy and spiritual maturation beyond your imagination.  His purpose will be fulfilled and many others will follow you to His Kingdom.  Fix your eyes on Him, not this world. 

I share my story in hopes to inspire you to reach to the One true Healer!  He built doctors, nurses, counselors, and healthcare professionals up in this world to be vessels for healing; but, the true healing begins with the freedom received when accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.  It is then that the Holy Spirit activates and becomes the source of strength for which healthcare professionals can build upon to holistically care for individuals. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig