Unintended Lessons

We sign our children up for church camp so they receive more of God's Word and walk away feeling uplifted.  Upon leaving camp, I see the experience brought so much more.  My son became a friend to someone who needed a friend, he learned teamwork, responsibility, how to love, erased some fears and just enjoyed being himself.  My daughter and I learned patience, to stretch out of our comfort zone, to put others first, to smile when you feel like crying and to accommodate to surroundings.  I observed how God uses my husband in mighty ways.  I saw kids ready to praise our wonderful Creator.

"I applied my heart to what I observed
   and learned a lesson from what I saw:" (Proverbs 24:32)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.  (Isaiah 55:8)

 Sometimes God does not speak directly through words in the Bible to teach us how He wants us to behave.  Our intentions of an outcome may differ from God's.  This is when we must let it go and accept His ways.  Unfortunately, I allowed my attitude and flesh desires to consume my camp experience.  I learned my lessons the hard way.  I realized opportunities were missed because I focused too much on how I wanted the situation to end.  God wanted to use me and I did not give 100%.  Instead, I walked around with droopy shoulders and a stressed mom.  

God revealed flaws in my character.  I had no idea these would be learned at church camp.  I must give all frustrations and flesh desires to Him.  He will take care of anything and everything I need.  

So, some experiences teach us much more than intended if we keep our eyes and hearts open to Him.  Listen closely, God teaches in numerous ways - real life situations, observing, His Word directly or by mistakes.  With every breath you take, seek Him.  Learn by seeing beyond the obvious lessons and teachings.  

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for showing me through camp where I need strengthened.  May I keep my eyes always open to the lessons You lay before me.  May I go beyond and learn more than what is offered.  Be with me to pushed aside my flesh desires and give 100% to You.  Use me as a vessel for the Truth.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

A Loving Tongue

It is said that a women uses almost three times the words a man uses in one day.  Women speak 20,000 words - speaking on average about 10 minutes each hour; while men speak 7,000 words - speaking on average about 3.5 minutes each hour.  Really?  Women must just posses more wisdom to share.  Sounds good to me!

On a serious note, one study I found through Google search engine monitored men and women over several days and both spoke about the same amount of words.  The amount of words spoken, I believe, depends on your environment.  An office position requires less speech than a customer service position.  A single person requires less speech than a married person.  Some titles come with increased speech - mother, teacher, a boss, a preacher, a politician, etc.  

Women also 'chat' more than men.  A woman could sit and talk with her sister, best friend or mom for hours on the phone.  We just enjoy solving the world's problems all in one conversation.  Men say only the words needed and that is that.

Our words play a huge role in our life.  The words used need careful consideration before coming out of our mouth.  Communication is vital to relationships, silence is deadly.  BUT, the words being communicated may cause more harm than good.  

"as long as I have life within me,
   the breath of God in my nostrils,
my lips will not say anything wicked,
   and my tongue will not utter lies." (Job 27:3-4)

 "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
   and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
   and discerning if they hold their tongues." (Proverbs 17:27-28) 

Our words must lift others and teach God's Word.  Do not engage in the gossip at work.  Avoid complaining sessions in the lunch room.  Pray before a confrontation with your husband or significant other.  Count to ten before approaching a child in need of discipline.  Keep your tongue pure, free from lying.  Lies only hurt others and yourself, which damage relationships.

Seek to understand another before being understood.  This process might change the words you planned to spat back in defense.  Ask God to consume your heart and mouth so to please Him and display godly character.  Be kind to all, building one another up, not speaking like a fool and gain knowledge by reading His Truth. 

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for my every breath.  May my 20,000 words today be pleasing to You.  Use me as a vessel to spread Your Truth.  I can spread lots of love with 20,000 words.  Thank You for the ability to use my tongue and speak.  Consume my every conversation today.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

    

Let Go and Let God

My family and I leave for church camp on Wednesday.  The environment we face takes us out of our comfort zone.  My husband, who likes to plan, struggles to go somewhere without an itinerary.  My daughter, who likes routine, cringes to think she will be without her usual breakfast and cartoons.  Myself, who likes some alone time, frets at the fact of constant activities.  Also, electronic devices cannot be used on campus.  What?!  How will we survive?

The common question around the Craig household right now is. . . What do you think they will. . .?  Our concerns pertain to the food served, the sleeping arrangements, the shower facility or how we will wake up on time.  Don't get me wrong, we are excited to attend and watch our son learn more about God as well as enjoy time with his friends. 

Oh, yeah, my son.  He is the only one in the house who could care less about the itinerary, change in routine, or any down time.  He says he will eat whatever food they serve, sleep wherever and could care less if he took a shower or not.  His only struggle is getting through Monday and Tuesday, waiting for Wednesday to come so we can leave. 

Here we are worried about our own insecurities that we miss the true meaning of attending church camp.  This event feeds my son's spirit.  This event provides a safe, fun and loving environment for my son to discover himself.  This event brings the focus on God, where it should be daily. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25)

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." (Galatians 5:16-17)

The roles reversed in the Craig house this week.  My son set the example, not the parents.  God moved to the back while we focused and worried about our comfort.  Church camp will provide the perfect opportunity to get away from places and things which steal our time with God.  We must have faith like our son to just approach camp and take anything which comes with it.  Enjoy every moment and let God lead the way. 

My son has it right.  Let us leave our comfort zone and see the reason for our existence.  Let us walk by the Spirit and let our flesh be uncomfortable.  We do not need electronics, cartoons, 'usual' foods, itineraries or even alone time.  We need Him.  We need to focus on each other, spend time together and give each moment to Him.  Allow Him to keep the itinerary and guide our every step.  After all, He made us and knows what is best for us. 

God, thank you for this day.  May I keep focused on You.  May I take this opportunity to be still and hear You.  All distractions will be gone and no excuses appear to avoid Your Words.  Keep my eyes open always to You and my ears ready to listen.  Thank You for using my son to teach a lesson.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig 

Freedom for our Souls

Today we celebrate the freedom our country received with fireworks, grilling with family and wearing patriotic colors.  Our country provides freedom of speech, religion and outlaws any form of slavery.  We are able to walk out of our home, drive to work, go out to eat for lunch and return home safely to our family.  These privileges occur because men and women fought, fight and continue fighting for you and me.  Many lose their lives to keep us free and so we may rest peacefully at night.

Our country remains free from bondage, yet so many individuals live day to day burdened by a yoke of slavery.  Satan holds their souls captive.  Every step taken corresponds to the lies fed to them throughout the day.  As they leave their home and drive to work, self-doubt, rejection, sorrow and pain fills the baggage they carry.  Some go to lunch and face the fear of food or the obsession with food.  Again, more hurt, lies and self-hatred placed in the baggage.  Upon returning home, the baggage barely fits through the door and the day is not complete. 

"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)

"because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh," 

(Romans 8:2-3)

Every day let us remember the One who sent His only Son to die on a cross.  Jesus took that baggage we carry to the cross so to erase and wash away every sin, every lie we place inside.  God gave the life of Jesus for us, so we may be free.  Jesus obeyed and even asked His Father to forgive those crucifying him.  

Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior releases the bondage on your soul.  The chains break, the baggage opens, the tears of joy appear and each step taken then corresponds with the plans God holds for your life.  Without freedom through Him, life remains meaningless.  He forgives us always.  

It is not over my friend.  God continues to fight our battles for us so we may not be burdened again by sin.  The closer we walk with God, the harder Satan tries to place those chains back on our soul.  Satan wants to capture our thoughts and veer us away from God so we begin filling our baggage up again and carrying that load ourselves.  Be alert and careful not to allow this to occur.  Keep His Word on your lips daily, so you may rest peacefully at night. 

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for the freedom given to me through Your Son.  May we celebrate this every day through prayer, thanksgiving and clothing ourselves in You.  May we share this news to all we meet and continue to walk with You.  Be with me to not fill up my baggage again, but take every lie that Satan tries to feed me and speak Truth to me.  Bring that peace I know You provide quickly to my mind.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Dreams

Upon resting our head against the pillow at night, we intend to escape problems for at least eight hours.  Sleep this day off and start anew in the morning.  Go and rest our weary minds. 

What happens when you wake up eight hours later from a dream filled with dark, ugly times?  The dream created more sadness than the day you just experienced.  Your mind races with memories you thought were erased.  It is hard to start this day off anew, when carrying the burden of terrifying memories. 

So, what's in a dream?

  A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

My dreams often bring up past events or people that caused much pain.  These memories linger in my mind and when triggered bring the pain back like it happened yesterday.  I dread waking up to replay all the thoughts that come as a result of my dream.

"For God does speak—now one way, now another—
   though no one perceives it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
   when deep sleep falls on people
   as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
   and terrify them with warnings,
to turn them from wrongdoing
   and keep them from pride," (Job 33:14-17) 

The Bible speaks on dreams in many different areas.  Joseph interpreted dreams to many with God's leading.  Yet others deceived the people with proclaiming to know what a dream meant.  Our society fills with psychics, tarot cards, astrology and other means to inform people what their future holds.  These individuals believe they have the power to know the meaning behind dreams and thoughts.  God warns not to fall victim to these sources.  Turn to Him for answers to any questions of future endeavors.  He does not try and read your palm, deal you the luck of the draw or look at the stars to determine your mood.  He holds your blueprint for life.  Seek Him.

I do think, though, dreams serve some meaning.  I believe God reveals things that need closure.  He may speak to you in a dream, informing you of a wound from the past that is wide open and bleeding.  The wound steals your peace and God wants to heal it so He may work all the more through you.  God may help you see the damage from one thought.  He may warn of a sin from the past He does not want repeated.  

Listen always, take these dreams to Him and ask for peace from it.  The dream may mean nothing, but I sure would hate to miss a warning or an opportunity for healing from Him.  Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him (see Deuteronomy 4:29).  Then all questions may be answered.  

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for bringing forth wounds which need attention.  I need You to heal them, show me the lesson needed learned and allow forgiveness to come in my heart.  Then, I will be of much better use to You.  May I follow You always and listen to Your Word.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

Recharge Daily

Let us learn at the expense of my own miserable mistakes.  At 28 years of age I am still searching to find the Sheree God made.  I search to know the characteristics and the gifts He placed inside of me.  Who is Sheree? 

Well, I guess I should start by dismissing all that I know I am NOT.  I am NOT who I was.  I am NOT what all the men in my life have told me.  I am NOT what Satan's lies led me to believe about myself.  I am NOT the lonely little girl who lacked confidence.  I am NOT damaged beyond repair.

I AM NEW!  I AM BEING REMADE!

My past consumes my mind way too often.  I recall all the words that built my opinion of myself.  These words came from all the wrong sources.  I killed my spirit by soaking up all the negative, abusive words thrown at me.  If a person I love is telling me these things, they must be right.  They love me and just want the best for me.  They see what I cannot.  Listen my friends; I could not have been more wrong! 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation1:8)

"As you do not know the path of the wind,
   or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,
so you cannot understand the work of God,
   the Maker of all things." (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

I did not know my Maker.  The people in my past did not know me in my mother's womb.  They do not know the blueprint for my life.  They have no idea of the work God made.  So why did I believe them?  I had no knowledge of God.  

It is like buying an IPhone, but looking at the instructions for a Droid.  You will never learn about the IPhone and all it's features, capabilities or even how to charge the battery.  I never held the instructions for my life.  I looked to everyone else to let me know how to function.  Well, now I know that only God knows how I work.  He made me beautiful from head to toe and holds great plans for me.  He is jealous for me (wants the best for me)!

He feels the same for you.  Find the Instruction Book for life.  In there you can find who you are in Christ.  Our Maker lets you know all about yourself, the Truth.  The Scriptures plug us in to Him, which brings power to our souls.  Once we are charged and ready to go, He uses us as vessels to spread His Truth to hurting people.  We must show them where to charge their souls.  Without His charge, we remain dead.  Just like a cell phone needs constant recharging, we must continue to recharge ourselves daily with His Word.  Never stop charging!

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for each breath, each word spoke to me and each day my eyes see.  God, please restore my weak soul.  I need to be charged by Your Truths.  May I clean out all the past lies and replace those with who You made Sheree to be.  May I guide my children to look in Your Word for who they were made to be as well.  May I save them from making the same mistakes as me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig   

What's in a Promise

Three hours at the zoo in the hot sun was enough for my daughter and I.  She began to meltdown and needed a nap.  My husband, son and his friend continued to look at the last few animal houses.  After the insect house, we headed for the car.  Along the way, we approached the reptile house.  The boys bubbled with excitement because they knew a promise was made to go into this exhibit.  My husband and I looked at each other and agreed to revise the plan. 

"We are headed to the car to go get ice cream boys."

      "But you promised this would be the last exhibit."

"We need to go.  You guys can look at this next time."

     "A promise is a promise!"

What do you say to that?  My husband took one for the team and turned around to take them to see the reptiles.  I kept walking with my daughter to distract her from melting down even more.

Promise Definition

A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow. 

We live in a society of empty promises.  Some do not occur due to things out of your control.  For example, you promise the family a trip to an amusement park and when the day comes, rain consumes the day.  While, others do not occur due to your choosing.  For example, you promise to go visit a friend in need or play ball with your child in the back yard.  Instead, a chore or task consumes your time.  

People will let us down here on Earth.  I am guilty of making empty promises.  Sometimes they are made just to get a child to go play so I can complete a task at hand.  Others are made because my intentions are good, but my schedule does not allow time to fulfill the promise. 

One promise remains which will never be broken - the promise of Eternal life with God.  He will not let us down.  Nothing will stand in the way of Him completing this promise but ourselves.  All we must do is believe in Him, take Him as our Lord and Savior and continue to step in faith to follow Him.  We may fall or stumble along the road, but if our faith remains and we surrender to Him, the promise is kept.  How simple!

"in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time," (Titus 1:2)

"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.  And this is what he promised us—eternal life."

(1 John 2:24-25)

"But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:22)

Hope in Him, who does not lie, never leaves nor forsakes us and loves unconditionally.  He will complete all His promises.  Don't allow your relationship and opinions of God to be based off human characteristics.  We cannot fathom the love He holds for each of us.  Scripture confirms His promises over and over.  Read His Truth so to bubble with excitement in knowing what promises lay ahead.

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for all the promises given to me.  I stumble daily, yet know that Your hands pick me up and provide comfort.  Your mercy is amazing.  Thank You for being patient with this slow learner.  Throughout everything, I believe and place my faith in You.  May I take each step in concordance with Your Will for my life.  Help me to fulfill my promises to my children so they trust me.  You appointed me the job of motherhood, may I carry out the job with You at the center.  I love You. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig