Error = Knowledge

When sharing knowledge with others, often times I gained that knowledge through error.  For example, what I learn on a computer develops due to error and realizing the correct way to get a task done in the first place.  Through error, I also learn how to fix problems and get back on track.  It may take me longer the first time, but I then can pass the knowledge on to the next person and the process can go faster for them.

Another example comes when learning a new job.  It seems mistakes appear right and left in the first few weeks; but, it is in that time I learn the most.  I learn what NOT to do, what NEEDS done and how to handle failure.  Cool part of it all is that the next person can learn early on from my mistakes and I now become a teacher/leader. 

The successful teacher/leader develops out of a past jammed full with mistakes.  They take each one and turn it into knowledge.  Then pass that onto another.  The flipside: a poor teacher/leader develops when each mistake is tallied as failed attempts.  These build one by one to teardown an individual.  Nothing is left to pass onto when the individual loses faith in oneself due to mistakes.

A time in history exists when I chalked up each mistake as failure.  I tore down any possibility of success in my little ole life.  I avoided opportunities due to fear of more failure.  When mistakes occurred, I simply gave up, refusing to learn for the next time.  One by one, each mistake drove me deeper into a pit.  I landed smack dab in the middle without any tools to get out.  An eating disorder, depression, addiction and failure joined in on this failed life. 

Ah, but one day, a light shone through a tiny gap.  That light came through a child of God.  He used one child as a vessel to teach and lead me to Truth.  His child gained knowledge through error in the past.  This child learned numerous lessons in the past stemming from error.  He taught the child what NOT to do, what NEEDS to be done and how to handle the failed attempts.

I looked to the light and with each step towards it, failure minimized.  Mistakes turned into lessons.  No longer did mistakes define me, they only drove me to teach/lead others to the same Truth. 

It is through Truth we learn from the ultimate Teacher.  We learn what NOT to do each step of the way.  We gain tools to resist sin and turn mistakes into ministry.  We learn what NEEDS to be done in life.  Once learning Truth, our Leader points in the direction to GO.  Go make disciples, teaching others Truth so they too may come to know the ultimate Teacher.  We also learn how to handle failure.  As humans, we will fail.  We need not remain in failure.  Learn from mistakes and move forward.

Will you take all mistakes in the past/present and lay them at the cross today?  God will use each one to develop your ministry.  Yes, YOU!  You were made for ministry.  Ask the ultimate Teacher today for guidance in developing your ministry based on His plan and purpose for you. 

Are you sitting in a pit such as I was years ago?  Look closely for even the smallest light shining through the surrounding storm.  It is there, I promise.  Look for that light and then don’t take your eyes off it.  You too will rise out of the pit and build a ministry.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Go Through the Process

Weeks overdue, my son finally got a haircut.  He resisted such an event; mainly due to going through the process sounded miserable.  As the discussion arose, he grew angry.  The time was perfect – we had a coupon, no plans on the calendar that day and the wait time minimal at the hair shop.  Not convinced, he continued to stomp around and throw every excuse in the book to why today did not appear the day to get a haircut.  The infamous line, “I will do it tomorrow,” came from his lips numerous times.  Our retort – “Tomorrow has too many plans of its own leaving no time for haircuts.” 

The process my son dreads begins with removal from his fun day, shifting his plans around to get a stinkin haircut.  It continues with sitting in a stupid chair while a stranger comes at him with a razor and scissors.  Oh, it gets worse. . .he then must choose from various flavors a sucker as a reward for sitting still; misery, right?  With hair covering his neck, causing itching sensations, he must sit in the stupid car to ride ten minutes fighting the urge to scratch.  Then, arriving at home, he must head straight to the shower and listen to his OCD mother instruct on the process of clothe removal to minimize spreading of hair.  All this for a stinkin haircut.

But, looking in the mirror changes the attitude.  Feeling better without a mop on his head sheds light on the importance of such a process.  His new image is handsome and less hair means better comfort throughout the day.  He now experiences less sweating, more time in the morning due to removing the need to wet down his bedhead and not to mention his clean cut style looks great! 

Beginning our Christian journey in such a broken world can feel just like the above scenario.  Years overdue, we finally get it.  We finally realize there is more than this world, the world cannot provide the peace needed and relying on the world to heal leaves greater brokenness.  So, why do so many resist the gift given through the death of our Lord and Savior?  Why put off accepting the Truth into our lives?     

The process sounds unbearable, impossible and we believe the gift cannot be available for us with such sin present in our lives.  We hear discussions daily, read devotions pertaining to such a gift and watch others persevere through the process successfully.  Anger may arise the more the devil convinces that we are not worthy of His gift.  But, my dear friend, God knows the timing is perfect – He holds tightly to you, waiting to fulfill the plans made for your life and believing in you.  Not convinced, we throw that infamous line out, “Tomorrow, I will begin anew.”  Well, tomorrow seems to never come. . .but God is patient. 

He understands the dread of removing sin, changing our plans and ideas created in life.  Once giving our lives to Christ, it appears the devil steps up his game all while God works diligently to remove sinful nature.  God comes in with pruning shears, while the devil comes in with all reason not to remove the sin.  God provides various rewards as we step one foot in front of the other down the glorious path, continuing through the process.  He gives freedom, peace, love, comfort, His presence and help at all times. 

Continuing through the process of maturation in Christ, we fight the urge to believe the enemy.  Sin continues to crouch around the corner trying to enter the path.  But, we now have power through His Word and the armor to withstand anything the world tries to bring into the path.  All of this for a beautiful transformation.

One day, we glance into the mirror to reveal an image not seen in the past.  We walk with a lighter step without such heavy burden resting on our shoulders.  The new image created in Christ looks beautiful, peaceful and wonderful.  The new life reveals purpose, sets an example and worth every bit of the process.  You now sit on the receiving side of His gift. 

The time is now.  His gift awaits.  No more excuses, procrastination or disbelief.  Will you accept His gift today and begin the process?  It is worth it my friend.  If you have accepted His gift, will you now go and make disciples, teaching others about such a gift?  It is available to ALL – no exemptions. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work

Set Up a Session Today

Throughout nursing college, pages upon pages of knowledge packed into my brain.  Carpel tunnel stood at bay due to writing countless note cards.  Back pain appeared due to the weight of thousand page books carried to class daily.  Exhaustion seeped in due to late nights/early mornings filled with homework and studying.  In looking back at all semesters, I question how I survived. . .

It is those moments when a patient thanks you for the care provided for the day and when I catch myself understanding a concept or pouring forth information learned which makes the above issues worth it.  Among all the concepts, words and skills learned, one word sticks out. . .DEBRIEF.  It never showed up on a test, never made it into any assignment, no patient ever asked about it and probably not found in the textbooks.  But, the word holds powerful meaning to me.

With all the confidentiality forms signed, one cannot take any information or experiences and share with others outside the medical unit.  What nurse’s see, hear, perform and encounter daily remains unpredictable.  One never knows what will come as they enter the room of a patient or client.  Many times nothing traumatic occurs and the procedures, examinations, assessments and care run quite smoothly.  Then, you have those days when events stir up much emotion inside.  How can one process all this alone?  How can one cope with traumatic situations without running to a confidant?  The emotions need to be dealt with constructively.  In comes my favorite word. . .DEBRIEF.  Nurses are able to step away from the situation, grab a fellow nurse or manager and pour out all those emotions.  Together, they work through all that just happened in a safe place which still provides confidentiality.  In knowing a source exists to bring relief from all the emotions accumulated throughout a shift brings peace.

Did you know that a Source exists to help you through all the emotions accumulated throughout each day of life?  This Source offers empathy, listening ears, comforting arms, Truth on which to stand and love to heal.  He never sleeps.  He never grows weary.  He remains always, ready to hear from you.  You do not have to face trials alone.

Who do you turn when you need to DEBRIEF?  A confidant, family member, stranger, counselor. . .  God does provide help, guidance and comfort through these relationships, but He needs to be first and foremost Source for help.  The events we encounter daily remain unpredictable.  As we leave the front door, we have no clue what will come with each step.  Days may fill with traumatic events which stir up much emotion inside.  Days may fill with joys beyond belief.  Days may be mundane without much to talk about.  But, each day we need a debrief session.  Processing through the range of emotions helps in numerous ways.

God cares so much about our days.  Give Him the honor of sharing your most intimate emotions concerning the day you just experienced.  He provides a safe place and provides the highest level of confidentiality.  He loves to hear from you. . .will you share your day with Him?

Tonight, before going to bed, step away from the situations of your day and set up a debrief session with God.  He will open your eyes to healing, celebrate your joys right along with you, dry any tears that may fall and help you see what to do next time should the event occur again.  He is our ultimate Healer, Counselor and Guide for our lives.  Trust Him.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  

Every Part Matters

CONFESSION:  I HAVE LITTLE PATIENCE. . .

when it comes to electronics, devices, vehicles or appliances failing to function according to its purpose.  The lack of performance only hinders MY schedule and work I need to accomplish.  Time does not exist for defective ‘things’ in my day.  I dare not complete chores or work the long way, right?

Daily, I send out a helpdesk ticket to my mechanic, IT technician, plumber, repairman and AAA personnel (AKA – my husband).  The frantic calls only interrupt the important work required at his job.  Does he really need to hear my complaints and troubles on top of his own?  Probably not, but I send them anyway.  The poor man puts up with me and calmly tries to walk me through the issue at hand via phone or email.  God knew what He was doing sending me such a partner as this.  No one else could put up with this impatient girl!

So, the latest is our printer.  It produces the word, images and tasks asked of it, BUT not in proper color.  My baseball fields appear in that ugly green color found to be brand new in a crayon box because no kid ever uses it.  The Wal-Mart logo appears pale pink.  Some silly message pops up each time I print a page with a little red warning symbol on it.  I close out without reading each time. . .

Oh, that could be the problem (see, again NO PATIENCE to even take time to read this message).  I decided to read it one day and come to find out our yellow ink is running low.  I pull up the graph displaying the level of each color and sure enough, yellow appears low.  Cyan, Magenta and Black levels remain in sufficient amounts to print documents fed to the printer.  But, yellow must play a very important role in producing each color efficiently.  Why do you need yellow for a Wal-Mart logo?  Just darken the Cyan a bit, right?  What does yellow have to do with green?  Okay, so obviously not an art major here.  But, apparently yellow is needed to mix with the other three colors in some precise formula to produce a picture that this perfectionist, impatient girl will be satisfied with.

Without this component, the printer cannot function.  It does not seem like a huge factor when looking at the overall picture (no pun intended) of how a printer works.  Most think about the mechanics of the device when keeping up with maintenance of it.  But, without proper ink levels, jobs remain incomplete.

Just so, in life without all the hands working together for God’s Kingdom, jobs remain incomplete.  Whatever God calls us to do, will contribute to completion of His plan.  No matter the size, ranking, prestige, income, etc.; your service matters.  Continue to give at even the smallest level.  Continue to speak His Word to even just one person a day.  Continue to walk with His light shining through you.  Continue on the path laid for you.  Your contribution matters to Him.  Give, work and love from the heart.  Without you – the Body of Christ cannot function to full capability.  Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.  We as Christians need you to complete the work of our God.  We as Christians need you to bring others, who do not know our God, to know Him and experience the joy and peace offered because of the sacrifice of His only Son.

The other ink in my printer works harder to produce a decent picture since yellow cannot complete its duties.  Just so, we as Christians must help one another when ‘out of commission’.  Pick each other up when one is down.  Work as a team with our Coach guiding every play.  Rejoice together, giving praise to the One Who provides the reason for the joy experienced.

Go today and complete the plans He laid before you!  Ignore the rankings and importance society may place on your work.  Be confident in knowing, God needs you to keep His Kingdom functioning properly.  We each have talents and gifts to share.  Share yours boldly for Him.

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body. . .” (1 Corinthians 12:13a)
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)  
   

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  

‘Wait a Minute’

Okay Snoozers. . .what benefit is received from hitting the golden button over and over and over?  The sleep occurring between hits cannot be restful.  Once surrendering to the beautiful sound of the alarm, you then rush around like a chicken without a head to get ready for the day.  Among the hustle and bustle, breakfast falls to the wayside and starvation hits mid-morning.  The rest of the day speeds through as a game of catch-up occurs.  Problems arise when you continually lose against time in this game.

I just cannot understand the reason behind alarm clock companies inventing such a hideous, yet powerful button.  The button controls your day.  Depending on the number of times hit, determines the flow of your day.  We would be better off to simply set the alarm for thirty minutes later and receive solid sleep, wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.  Yet, we continue to fight against the clock striving to avoid the inevitable.

I have never been a snoozer with the alarm; yet, I have been a snoozer elsewhere in life.  I could be caught on numerous occasions striving to avoid the inevitable.  Fighting against God’s Will due to fear, lack of understanding or rebellion lands me in a losing battle every time.  Depending on the number of times I hit the ‘wait a minute’ button, determines the flow of my day.  As I hit that button, I show God I don’t trust His plan.  I grab hold of the situation and demand more time to try and figure it all out.   

“But Jonah ran away from the Lord. . .” (Jonah 1:3a)

“Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.   All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.” (Jonah 1:4-5)

Jonah hit the ‘wait a minute’ button due to fear and distrust in God’s plan.  He decided to take matter into his own hands.  This landed him amidst a storm, taking a shipload of men along for the ride. 

“He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”  This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)” (Jonah 1:9-10)

Even the men on the ship knew Jonah should not be there.  Jonah did not surrender to the Will of God.  Yet, he continued to delay the inevitable.  The men threw Jonah from the ship and the sea calmed instantly.  A whale came to swallow up Jonah and the stomach became his home for three days and three nights.  Read the prayer said while in the whale’s stomach in the Book of Jonah, chapter 2.  Once surrendered, the whale spit Jonah out onto dry land.  Refreshed, he continued to Nineveh as directed by God to spread the Gospel.  Jonah saved the people of Nineveh by following the Will of God. 

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10)

Let us not snooze any longer.  Let us surrender and follow God’s plan.  In doing so, we avoid running around like a chicken without a head, failing our bodies and losing the battle against our enemy.  Quit delaying the inevitable.  Simply say Your Will NOT mine be done!

Oh, the adventures He will lead you through and the work planned will amaze you.  As you surrender and follow, He then can perform mightily.  His power will shine through those that do not fear.  We need not understand the whole picture prior to stepping forward.  Simply place one foot in front of the other in faith.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

      

In ALL Situations

“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 4:6-7)

Can you imagine a day without anxiety?  Some confidently answer yes; while others find it difficult to fathom a moment without anxiety.  The point of the spectrum one lives varies and depends on numerous factors.  A calm environment will bring peace.  An open schedule will allow for room to breathe.  Physical health spills over to mental health, working in harmony when receiving great reports from the doctor. 

One may move across the spectrum often in life.  Storms approaching and consuming the day bring distress.  A period in life when schedules fill with tasks brings suffocation.  Our minds become overwhelmed with situations/stress and fight against physical health.  This, my friend, is when one cannot fathom a moment without anxiety.

But, look closely; Scripture describes every situation as anxiety free.  How is that possible?  God must not understand what we go through here, right?  Not the case, my friend.  Read further.  Through prayer, petition and thanksgiving let us present our requests/concerns/frustrations/situations to God.  He longs to hear from you.  He waits to be invited into every situation.  He cannot do His part if we work diligently to fix things through our own power.  Begin with prayer. . .lay it at the cross.

Be real with God.  Present the case to God with a solution.  I always tell my children to come with a solution, not just a problem.  If they are hungry, they come to me with a suggestion of a snack.  They do not simply describe their hunger in detail; yet, suggest an item they would like to satisfy hunger.  God wants to hear our side of the story.  He knows what is going on already.  He desires to work together and persevere through any situation.  Therefore, come to Him with a solution.  He may agree with the solution or have an even better idea in mind.  Either way, trust Him for He knows the plan ahead. 

My children do not always receive the suggested snack.  It may be too close to supper, we are getting ready to leave or a healthier chose may be available.  Either way, I know the plans for the evening; therefore they need to trust my decision.

Be thankful.  Yes, even in the storms of this life.  I began months ago to write one thing I am thankful to God for first thing in the morning.  I am trying to begin the day focused on positive and remember God’s blessings.  His hand is all over every situation; yet, if we fail to see it then we will fail to persevere through.  Beginning with thanks shows respect to our God and acknowledgement of how good He really is!  Present your case through prayer, beginning with thanksgiving for His presence.

Read further.  See the promise which follows?  His peace will come into the situation transcending all understanding.  You will stand in awe of the relief felt after laying it down at the cross.  Your heart will be guarded.  Hurtful situations will still arise, but God will remind you that the world is broken and people cannot be perfect.  Only through Him will you be healed and filled with love.  He will fill your thoughts with Truth to extinguish the fiery darts (lies) from the enemy. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.   Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

Surrender the Situation – Trust the Teacher – Follow in Faith

In the storms, focus on the rainbow waiting ahead.  In the calm, focus on the strength received from each day lived in faith.  In all things/situations give thanks for the mighty plan and purpose God created for your life.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig 

From Buffet to Couch

The big day arrives. . .Super Bowl Sunday.  People gather to be a part of a celebration.  As the house fills, seat availability diminishes and food accumulates to create a smorgasbord.  Participation level varies from person to person.  Labels could be given to describe the intensity of one’s dedication to the game. 

First, we have those coming to truly watch the game.  With eyes glued to the screen, they do not miss a play.  They intensely watch each call, flag thrown, play ran and touchdown accomplished.  They hang onto every word spoken from the commentator.  The dedication level exceeds any other guest. 

Second, we have those coming for the entertainment of commercials.  While the time clock counts down, play after play, they wait for the ‘good part’ of the event.  They disregard the commentator’s words.  Some may not even realize the meaning of a thrown flag or amount of points received for each touchdown.  They simply come to be entertained by the fun messages via commercials.

Lastly, we have those coming for food and socialization.  The moment kickoff occurs, they can be found by the buffet.  They taste test every dish, write down recipes of those enjoyed and catch up on all the gossip.  The individuals in this category may not even know what a football looks like unless the cheese-ball were decorated as such.  They do not clue into the game nor care about the outcome.  They just want to see and be seen by friends. 

Whether you fit into the dedicated followers of the game, the side-liners only waiting for the fun commercials or the group keeping close to the food; all fill the home for the big celebration.  Conversations Monday morning at work depend on which category you fall.  The first will discuss play by play and sharpen one another’s knowledge on the game.  The second will laugh about and feel uplifted by the commercials.  And still the third group will share favorite foods and pass on gossip heard throughout the evening.

No matter how hard the latter two groups try, they will not become like the first if they remain in the same positions year after year.  One could quote every commercial word for word, but never be a follower of the actual game.  One could eat every food shaped like a football or even wear the colors of the winning team, but never understand the meaning of the game.  It takes dedication throughout the season to understand the capacity of the game.  It takes intense studying of plays, calls and penalties to understand the direction of the game.  It takes patience as the clock counts down to wait for the end results and the trophy distribution. 

The same goes for becoming a Christ follower.  Many attend church on Sunday; unfortunately not all fall in to the first category – dedicated to the Word, hanging onto each teaching from the minister and intensely studying the Word.  The first category will patiently wait for the Lord to speak clearly and focus on any ‘flag’ thrown.  They receive discipline to better follow the Lord and run the play set before them.

Then, we have some who attend Sundays only to hear the ‘good parts’ of the preaching.  They don’t want to hear what changes need be made to become more like Christ.  They disregard any preaching which asks for evaluation of the heart.  They may not even realize how the Word can guide, guard and direct the game of life.  They just want to ‘feel’ good about coming to church and leave it at that.

The third category comes only to be seen and see friends.  They stick closely to the back, sign up for all the social events and sneak out in time to miss the parking lot traffic.  Plus, they want to get to the local restaurant before a line forms. 

The latter two will not become like the first if they remain in the same positions week after week with the same mentality toward God.  Quoting Scripture word for word is great; but if not living it out, then we are not followers.  Attending all social events and wearing Christian gear is awesome; but failing to understand the meaning behind the Word leaves us trailing far behind.

It takes dedication daily to understand the capacity of your life.  It takes intense studying of the Word, accepting discipline and prayer to understand the direction God holds for your life.  It takes patience to receive the prize waiting in Heaven for you.

Will you begin today to move from the buffet to the couch?  Your vision will clear, wisdom grows and indescribable peace develops.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig