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Marriage is downright tough.  You bring two individuals carrying heavy baggage, growing up in different homes, exposed to varied examples the way marriage works and then expect every day to function just like the honeymoon.  Oh, and to top matters off, each of you lived umpteen years only worrying about self and satisfying your own desires.  Once crossing the threshold, the couple now bound together by vows, are expected to selflessly think of one another’s needs, run a home together, face the world together and remain “happy”.  We haven’t even got to the point of adding another innocent little human being in the matter.

Let’s look at Abram and Sarai (later Abraham and Sarah).  Right off the bat, they faced a hardship; Sarai could not bear children.  How could Abram prosper without continuing the generations with his name?  Well, years passed and they dealt with this hardship.  Then, at age seventy-five (you are never too old to be called by God); God asked a mighty task from Abram.  “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”  Genesis 12:1

Leave everything and go!  There was no written dialogue or communication of such a decision to Sarai.  He simply gathered his household up and left.  Walking into the unknown, Sarai followed and stood by Abram’s side.  Along the way, various hardships arose.  Some were handled well, others not so well.  Through it all God was with them.  Take some time to read their story and example in the Bible. . .

Today, I want to take you through a few lessons I learned in marriage thus far.  My husband and I hold a history of hardships both together and apart.  When marriage began, that baggage (which barely fit through the door) came too.  Then, hardships began from the get go and one after another came into play.  We just continued loading down our baggage and separately pushed through the hardships.  Until, we found that the marriage was missing Someone.  This Someone took all the baggage and began to unpack it, one by one, laying it down at the Cross.  He opened our eyes to the hurt we caused one another while trying to do life together separately (living in the same home, facing the same hardships; yet, relying on self to get through). 

Well, come to find out a synonym for marriage is team (kind of made that up, but let’s go with it).  Saying “I do” is more than ceremonial.  “I do” consists of living together, facing this life together, supporting one another, encouraging one another and above all inviting God to be a part of each day. 

In order for a team to function at its best, meetings to evaluate progress or failure need take place:

Budget meetings – open conversation about the money flow in and the money flow out.  This allows no hidden secrets of finances and a collaborative care of the blessings received from God.  Anything hidden can be used by the enemy for destruction.  I urge you to avoid hiding purchases or money in separate accounts to meet your desires/wants.  Budget is difficult; do not do it alone.

Dinner meetings – DATE NIGHT!  Get your fancy clothes out, clean up and feel like you did on the first date with your spouse.  Conversation need be valuable and speak nothing of children or the daily grind.  Fall in love all over again, getting to know the desires and needs of each other’s heart.  Take the learned desires/needs and work to meet those for your spouse daily.  Speak their ‘love language’ not yours.  Do this OFTEN!  No electronics allowed (unless cuddling together to watch a movie).

Intimate meetings – intimacy creates a connection and indescribable bond meant only for your spouse.  This should not be used as a weapon or manipulation to get your way.  Keep this piece of the relationship healthy.  Talk about it; you may even have to schedule it due to demands of parenting and crazy work schedules.  That is okay.

Above all else. . .Prayer meetings – it is quite difficult to stay mad at someone who prays for and with you.  Placing God at the center of your relationships will assure all other things to fall into place.  And believe me; we need prayer in our marriage to make it through the storms of this life!  “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  AND laugh, have fun, enjoy marriage.  Sheree Craig

Today Can be Sunday!

“It’s just another manic Monday.  Wish it were Sunday.  ‘Cause that’s my fun day.  My I don’t have to run day.  It’s just another manic Monday!”

The loud beeping breaks my sleep cycle and begins my Monday.  I feel as though I only took a nap.  The world awaits, numerous tasks lay ahead and no button exists to rewind to Sunday.  I must suck it up, put my feet on the floor and move forward.  Monday marks the beginning of a week filled with anxiety provoking events, work itinerary stretching beyond time allotted and a calendar filled with scheduled appointments.  Oh, I wish it were Sunday. 

I realize time extends forward and will not stand still just for me.  I didn’t rest enough, finish enough chores and failed to prepare for this week.  Can someone pass me the ‘easy’ button please?  Oh, I wish it were Sunday.

It’s time to get the backpacks filled, agendas signed and lunches made.  It’s time to gas up the mom taxi, iron clothes and polish up the shoes.  Monday marks the day of adjusting back to routine; back to dragging kids out of bed, begging for cooperation in order to arrive at school on time and then arguing the after school routine as well.  Oh, I wish it were Sunday.  THAT’S MY FUN DAY!

The artist above hit the nail on the head.  I don’t think the artist’s meaning in the above lyrics coincides with my thoughts. . .but, here they are. 

I am certain 99% of Americans can relate to the above description of Monday morning.  The situations faced, schedule requirements and hindrances may differ somewhat; but, the underlying thoughts harmonize.  Avoiding a manic Monday appears top priority at the sound of the alarm.  We could roll back over and tuck our head under the covers; that sounds like the perfect solution, right?  How about calling in sick to the world today? 

The weight of the world can rest heavily on our shoulders.  Oh, if every day could be Sunday!  No running here and there, no chores, no preparing for the day. . .just a nice, peaceful day filled with family and relaxation.  Nope, that is not the main reason why I wish every day were Sunday.  IT’S MY FUN DAY!

Why?  I wake up, bring my family together and head to a warm, welcoming place of worship.  My church family comes together to recognize the reason life exists.  The focus shifts away from work, errands, stress, deadlines, pressures of fulfilling specific roles and it moves to God.  He becomes the center of our thoughts and an overwhelming peace fills our hearts.  All that happened the week prior doesn’t matter.  All that lay ahead for the week to come doesn’t matter.  Our one True King and His plan for our lives is all that matters. 

Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers not only brings joy and comfort but also accountability.  It keeps our focus on God and building our faith, trust and hope on His Word.  Filling ourselves with Truth while focusing on the example set forth by Jesus, Son of God, provides strength and perseverance to face any kind of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Oh, if every day could be Sunday!

Well, it can AND it should!  Just because the calendar says it is Monday doesn’t mean our minds have to follow.  God is not just a Sunday helper.  His protection does not stop 11:59pm Sunday.  No fine print exists in the Bible stating – not valid Monday through Saturday!  Take Him with you at all times, use Truth to combat any negative thoughts that steal your day.  He will show the path for the day and oh, the joy and peace which He planned for you is indescribable.  Keep God close with each step, making each and every moment faced easier.  No ‘easy’ button needed. . .only faith, trust and hope in the Word of God.  Take each step today knowing full well that He walks right beside you.      

Roll over, turn off the alarm and jump out of bed. . .it is a brand new day and His mercies begin anew.  He already went ahead of you, protected every hour of this Monday and waits in excitement to walk with you through this day.  Let Him in.  Don’t keep Him in a Sunday box.  Let it be Sunday every day!  Today is our fun day!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig

NOW!

It has been a long, rough day.  I don’t feel like spending even 30 minutes in the kitchen to cook a meal for the family.  After passing numerous signs promising quick service to remove the burden of creating a healthy meal for my family, I cave.  Who wouldn't?  After all, one promise says “Real food”.  While another confirms I would make a great choice at a great price.  Also, after a long, rough day my flesh craves specific foods – and I must satisfy that craving, right?  Well, look no further, one of the signs even created a cravings menu to fulfill that emptiness!

The best thing about it all is the cost.  The cost does not empty the pocket book and I gain my time back when I get home (priceless).  What I could do with 30 minutes is endless.

Since that took such little time, I could also stop at the bank and pharmacy.  I could go in to the building, socialize and patiently wait to get all my needs met.  Nah!  The idea of driving through to receive all needed items sounds more appealing.  I can stay in my cozy vehicle without lifting a finger.  In and out within 10 minutes. 

On my last stretch home, I rehearse all the events waiting ahead.  How could I shave some time off all the little ‘things’ to do before supper?  Oh, I know, I can pick up the handy dandy smart phone to call home and give out orders for all to prepare the way for me.  That makes me happy!

The world offers happiness in 10 minutes or less!  If the world fails to live up to this promise, we have the right to throw fits, complain to a person of higher standing or refuse to use a service again.  Patience, kindness and love seem to move to the back burner if flesh receives less than desired results. 

I believe we are all guilty of the above scenarios.  I know I can speak for myself especially on the lack of patience waiting in line at a store.  Let me speak general terms here to include myself in this lesson.  We all want what we want and we want it NOW!  Why wait for something when the world offers means of receiving it faster – internet, email, text, cellphone, drive thru, etc.  I have even heard complaints when dining in a restaurant due to the required wait time to receive food.

We want everything fast.  This desire could easily spill over into our spiritual lives.  Fast breakthrough, speedy recovery, quick wisdom, accelerated accomplishments, etc.  There is no time to waste, right?

Oh, my dear friend, that statement is true but not by society’s definition.  There is no time that is wasted when given to God.  He will use every moment, leading you through His Truth to build the wisdom that will present a breakthrough.  Recovery will not come overnight (from any sin which binds you or health).  Accomplishments arise as we day by day listen to His Truth and walk the path laid for our lives.

But God can fix anything in no time flat, right?  Can’t He see how long and rough this life has been?  Does He not realize the turmoil resulting from this storm?

He does, my dear friend.  He cares so much about you that He will not leave you in the storm.  He will heal the brokenness.  He understands the hardships and knows full well that your actions/decisions were not necessarily what brought on the trials and tribulations in life.  Go to Truth – James 1:2-5 ; 1 Peter 1:6-8 ; Deuteronomy 7:19-21.  Learn each day, renewing and refining your spirit and become the child God created!  His promises ring true every time.  The best part – it is FREE!  He already paid the cost through the death of His only Son Jesus!  He paid it all for you and for me.

The world offers happiness in 10 minutes or less!  But, have you really counted the cost?  Yes, at the moment it ‘feels’ good and satisfies; yet, the future quickly reveals the cost.  Damaging effects physically and emotionally develop over time.  Let us not allow our spirits to be damaged.  Patiently approach God and listen.  He reveals the work being done.  He meets you exactly where you are and lovingly guides you toward His Kingdom.  His Word develops a sturdy foundation that will not crumble under tense circumstances.  God’s offers lasting happiness, not gained in 10 minutes or less only to falter quickly in the future. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  

Sheree Craig  

In Need of a Physician? I Know a Great One!

THAT time of year has rolled around again.  Sickness lurks outside everyone’s door.  Buy the tissues, stock up on the cough drops, begin the Ester-C regimen and try to avoid the swarming pathogens.  Hand washing becomes top priority, followed by covering any coughs or sneezes.  We hope for immunity.  Our immune system needs to buckle down and get ready for the storm.

Often, regardless of our efforts, the pathogen enters without acknowledgement.  Once inside a host, a pathogen seeks a susceptible cell, one for it to overpower and weaken.  After searching throughout, it finds that one little entrance.  Upon entering, the work begins.  Often the process goes slowly, wreaking havoc one symptom at a time.  The pathogen sets up shop and you may not feel any different at first.  Then, as it replicates, invades more and more cells and goes to town. . .an achy body dominates the day.  Progress reveals a slight fever, cough, sneeze, etc.  Denial sets in:  “I don’t have time for this,” “I am fine,” “This soon shall pass.”

It will not go away until you surrender and call the doc!  The invasion of such a pathogen requires the proper antibiotic to kill it and then create a slight immunity to the same pathogen next time it should try to take over you.  Let it go, face the facts and get the medicine, take it until completed and begin to feel better.  Don’t quit mid-prescription or some bacteria remains, only to return with a vengeance.  Go all in and get the pathogen out of your life.

Enough medical jargon. . .every feel spiritual sickness lurks outside your door?  We buy the self-help books, stock up on a comforting vice, and begin searching the internet for prevention tips to avoid this emotional pathogen waiting to overtake your life.  Looking the other way becomes top priority, followed by building walls around your heart.  We hope for it to go away.  Avoidance is key, right?  Suck it up, ignore the feelings and move on, right?

Speaking from experience, I can confidently tell you that avoidance and ignoring do not work.  Actually, both do the exact opposite of healing or protecting.  The sickness remains, the walls grow in strength and emotions take over.  So, why avoid facing our struggles head on, going to the root and begin healing?

My friends, when we buckle down and take one brick at a time from the walls around our heart, that little pathogen releases and searches for a susceptible moment, a weakness in our thoughts.  The pathogen works diligently to overpower our lives.  In our weakness, it takes hold of any possible avenue to bring us down, tear us to pieces so we will quit.  The pathogen desires for us to place those bricks back around our heart one at a time and give it that quiet little place it lived in our hearts.  It was comfortable in our lives, let it go back and remain infecting our spirit.

The pathogen reveals itself as our worst enemy.  Once released, he goes to town, working diligently to tear you down.  Any weakness, he takes advantage of and grabs tight to the slightest entrance into your thoughts.  So, let’s medicate ourselves with worldly things to get by.  Let’s numb these thoughts and emotions until maybe they will just go away or the season will pass, right?

It will not go away or truly heal until you surrender and call the Great Physician!  He writes one prescription: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)  Truth by Truth, healing takes place.  And though, it does not go away overnight, completing His prescription for your life will bring peace, joy and love.  The past will remain there, the present will bring pleasant times and you will be confident that your future is fixed.  Healing comes: “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.”  The strength gained from releasing such a pathogen is indescribable.  God will use this moment in time to build your ministry which then builds His Kingdom.  Stand strong, times will be rough as the past is released and medicated with Truth, but know full well that the battle has already been won!  You can do this with His medication.  Call the Physician today!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Be Selective of Treasures

Back in the day J my family visited Florida each year on Spring Break.  We played softball beach side, explored the ocean, ate good food, sunbathed by the pool and built sandcastles.  I looked forward to each year’s trip.  We also did your basic tourist events; shopping for souvenirs we did not need, site seeing and collecting seashells.

The latter three moments were never highlights to my trip.  Yeah, they were fine, but as a child interests differ.  Each year etched special memories in my thoughts.  Joy comes when recalling those with the family.

Years passed and now visiting a beach involves different activities.  I now enjoy sitting beach side watching my children play in the sand.  Fear of the ocean developed over the years; therefore, I keep a certain distance from the beautiful water.  I am totally content just to watch the waves crash over one another (not over me).  My family ventures out there to enjoy the water (I watch from afar biting my nails!).

I would like to share my favorite event to do when visiting a beach.  The event means much more to me now than as a child.  I love to walk the shoreline searching for the perfect seashell.  I gather each one that catches my eye and treasure them.  The ultimate find are unbroken sand dollars or shells with a tiny hole that you could make into a necklace.  Each shell collected looks different; some with ugly features, while others shine and sparkle beautifully.  The peace experienced while walking the shore surpasses the joy in finding that perfect shell.  I enjoy the sound of the waves crashing, birds talking, the feel of sand under my feet and the sightseeing of various beach side homes. 

I would like to share another path I love to follow each day.  This path means much more now as a Christian.  I do not walk alone; yet, I walk holding the Hand of my Guide.  There are moments He stops, lets go and watches as His child experiences special times at one point in the path.  There are other times I let go and venture out into the sea of this world.  I believe He watches from afar biting His nails just waiting until I make the decision to come back toward Him.  He then takes my hands, dries me off and continues the walk. 

Walking hand in hand, faithfully moving the direction He commands, my eye catches things to the right and left of the path.  The closer I look, these things look very familiar.  They are clips showing moments in the past.  I go to gather them up and I feel a tug.  My Guide warns me to be selective in collecting these as treasures. 

See, as I pick one up, it appears broken.  The flashback stemming from that moment causes indescribable pain leading to regret.  I throw it down quickly and grab hold of His hand; peace comes over me.  I venture on and see another one.  As I pick it up, it appears full of ugliness.  The flashback causes pain yet again leading to shame.  Thankfully, I throw that one down as well.  Venturing further, I see one sparkle and shine as His light shines upon it.  The flashback brings hurt; but, this time I clearly see the reason for the moment in the past and instantly praise Him for healing and growth.  He used that one for His good.  The others will produce good as well, but He is still working. . .

Do you feel as though the closer you walk with God, the more clips of past moments appear along your path?  The enemy desires for you to let go of God’s hand and gather these moments one by one.  Then, he wishes for you to treasure them, relive them and believe yourself to be unworthy of walking hand in hand with God.  As this occurs, your feet venture out into the sea of this world and before realizing it, you feel like you are fighting waves for your life. 

I can relate my friend.  As I write more about my past hoping to reach others in the name of Christ and pursue a career I feel so strongly led to do, the enemy works to bring my focus on those clips of the past which label me unworthy in the eyes of this world.  Thankfully, His Word speaks Truth and defeats the enemy’s efforts.  Don’t get me wrong, I have spent my time in the crashing waves; but, God turns each of those times around for His good as I take His hand and begin moving forward.  Wherever you are today (shoreline, gathering things or in the waves) His hand is open for you.  Reach for Him and walk the straight path!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

Sitting on the Edge of the Seat?

I sat on the edge of the seat after checking in at the desk.  I held all required paperwork tightly in one hand and phone in the other for time check.  I hoped for a quick in and out visit.  Highly unlikely at a doctor’s office; especially when being a walk up visit.  I just needed a TB screening read to complete paperwork for school. 

Each time the door swung open and a lovely nurse peeped out to call a name, I sat up a little higher in hopes to hear mine.  I watched the population of the waiting room dwindle, leaving me alone to sit and twiddle my thumbs.  I picked up a magazine to try and pass time.  My thoughts consumed with worry, frustration and impatience.  It seems so difficult to be patient as a patient – CHEESY, I know!  

I needed to proceed on with my day and complete my itinerary.  The doctor’s office did not understand and left me waiting for what seemed like hours (it was no more than 40 minutes).  With all my ducks in a row, I would be fast as lightning with the nurse.  Why couldn’t they just call me back and get this over with?  It was my turn; I arrived before many of the others already called back.  As I fidgeted in my seat, the receptionist noticed I had not been called back yet.  She confirmed with the nurses to assure their knowledge of a patient waiting for a TB read.  My day lay at the mercy of the nurse’s schedule.  I lost control and increased in worry, frustration and impatience.  I couldn’t let it go and trust it would all work out. . .

Are you sitting on the edge of your seat right now?  Are you waiting for a door to open, hoping your name is called and your turn come to move on in the world?  Each time a door opens; someone else passes you by and enters.  Their name was called although YOU were ready with all your ducks in a row.  Why can’t it be you?  You are certain the current position held is not for you; therefore, unhappiness consumes each day spent at the office, school or home.  Each thought leads to depression, sadness, frustration and worry that your time will never come.  The current situation seems irrelevant in YOUR life plan.  God must have something better and bigger in store.  Isn’t it time yet God?  Can’t He see the perfect itinerary YOU created?  Can’t this season in life get over with?  Others called to better, bigger things arrived after us, haven’t done as much as us or don’t deserve the life dealt, right?

What do we do?  We fidget in our seats, ignore commands from God in the current season and miss out on the learning required before the door can be opened.  We try to pass time with meaningless tasks and fleshly pleasures.  God asks for us to be content in any and every situation.  Did you catch that? -> EVERY situation!  Nothing we go through is meaningless when we ask God to come with us.  He holds huge plans to further His Kingdom right where you are today.  Discontent in current situations lets God know that we cannot handle anything bigger than this.  He patiently waits for the work to be done, holding His hand out for us to give ALL of it to Him.  It is not up to us when OUR door will open.  He may be saving us from lots of turmoil, stress and frustration by keeping us in our current situation and not allowing advancement through the door we believe is best for our lives.

You can serve God right where you are!  Daily, He places those around us who need to see Him, hear Him and gain a relationship with Him.  His light and example cannot shine through frustrated, discontent, sad or stressed people.  He needs our hearts to be consumed with Him and His Truth.  His Truth will set us free from worry and anxiety.  His Truth will confirm that He holds huge plans for our future, intends to provide hope and prosperity.  He will never leave nor forsake us.  He will work all situations out for His good.  He will complete the work began in our lives and carry us to receive the prize.  The prize. . .that is what it all revolves around.  Each step taken with eyes on Him brings us closer to the prize.  Take a moment and imagine it!  All this here is only preparation for our Eternal life with Him.  Are you taking every opportunity to prepare or are you too focused on YOUR plan, waiting for that door to open?  Let go and let God.  Rid yourself of yourself and become His obedient child.  Love where you are at and be amazed at where He will take you.

AND. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

God Uses Rookies

Picture taken from Facebook Dave Ramsey.

I scanned through a closet filled with board games (you know those that require more than movement of the thumbs, conversation with another and no charging required)!  I found one tucked away, an old classic (Connect Four), and asked my daughter to sit and play.  She never played before; therefore, instructions on how to play came first.  Being a smart little girl, the instruction process went rather quickly. 

We began playing and after four rounds she had yet to move her score tab.  I felt bad defeating the poor rookie four rounds in a row.  Surprisingly, she won the next five rounds (wink, wink).  Sometimes parents just have to sacrifice to build up these little ones (LOL).  Winning numerous rounds provided the confidence required to begin strategically placing her discs to create four in a row.  She began winning with no help from me. 

I caught myself focusing so closely on gaining a win, only seeing my color that I failed to see the easy win for her.  I could have prevented her gain, but failed in looking at the whole picture.  Pride built tunnel vision which focused my eyes on desire to win so badly that I failed to play the game.  The goal of the game consists of blocking the component to avoid four in a row all while looking ahead a few plays to see where a possible four in a row works for your color.  Epic Fail!  She arrived at 10 wins before me and declared winner. 

‘So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.  So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.’ Genesis 6:13-14

Noah never thought of building ark.  He had no history in woodwork.  Though a rookie, God believed in him and viewed Noah as righteous, blameless and faithful.  Being a smart man and a follower of God, the instruction process went rather quickly.  Noah was ready to begin.  “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” Genesis 6:22

Can you imagine all the doubts, looks and comments received by those inhabiting the world at this time?  I believe many days Noah felt worn down, possibly even defeated.  But, he kept his eyes on God.  He did not focus on gaining a win against all mankind; yet, his focus remained on the whole picture, the end result.  He trusted God and carried out each command as given.  Pride did not overtake, leaving peripheral vision wide open. 

Have you come to a time in life where tunnel vision binds your goals/dreams?  Does your focus lay solely on “winning”?  Are you at competition against others?  Is pride pulling you into open doors only to lead you far from your heart’s desire?

Listen, my dear friends, God places desires on our hearts to drive us down the path laid for our lives.  We enter the game of life as rookies.  A rookie needs a guide to help navigate the unknowns.  Let God be your Guide.  He is no rookie.  He knows every step along the path to lead to victory. 

That desire/dream burning in your heart may take a while to surface and bring success.  Follow the example of Noah and faithfully take one step at a time.  Noah did not build the ark overnight.  It took years of daily following the instructions God gave to complete the masterpiece.  Once completed, Noah continued with the plan and made use of the ark.  Use this day to start fulfilling your plan in life.  Avoid all the distractions from others (doubts, looks and comments) and focus on the long-term goal of winning the Prize God placed before you.

Deny fleshly pride in order to keep peripheral vision open.  Tunnel vision will hinder and you will be caught focusing on “winning” at that moment.  You then fail to play the game of life as shown by your Guide.  Remember, all things are possible through God who gives you strength.  Be patient!  All in His timing.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig