Take heart

Published on by faithfulone72 Comments

“A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13

Truer words were never spoken.

Once you are fortunate enough to have made it to adulthood, you have undoubtedly experienced a broken heart along the way.  A broken heart can come in many ways and from several sources.

Broken relationships.

Job losses.

Death of a loved one.

Watching your child or spouse suffer in illness.

Your own diagnosis.

World events.

And the list goes on.  

It stands to reason that if a glad heart shows on your face, then a broken heart must show there as well.

Like you, I know what it is to experience a crushed spirit.  It happens in those times when life is difficult, when you can’t change the circumstances in your own life or in the life of a loved one.   When life is challenging like that, you can’t hide it.  Try as you may, it’s more obvious than you may want to recognize.  Your entire countenance is changed, and those who know you best, can tell.  You can speak whatever words you choose, but those closest to you, know when you’re hurting.  Your spirit is crushed.

A broken heart crushes the spirit.  

I like the way The Message translation words this verse, it says “ A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.”  Yup.

I think it is safe to say that we have all, at one time or another, had a hard time getting through the day.  I mean, obviously we “get through” it, we breathe,  we eat, and we sleep.  (Sometimes we do very little of any of those, but we get through).  

Jesus Himself, was not immune to difficulties in life.  

He experienced brokenness in relationships.  When He was close to the truth of the cross, and what it would require of Him, His disciples couldn’t stay awake through the night with Him.  He experienced betrayal when Judas, one of his own disciples, turned on Him for a small sack of silver. He experienced the death of a loved one when Lazarus was still in the tomb. And He certainly experienced the sorrow of a diagnosis, knowing that for your sin and mine, He would willingly suffer a painful death on the cross at Calvary.  

When life was hardest for Jesus, what did He do?  

He Prayed. 

Sometimes, He left the company of others to have some alone time with The Father.  In Luke 22:39-46, we see Jesus doing exactly that.  He poured out His heart to The Father, and shared with Him all the anguish and grief that He was feeling.  The human side of Jesus sought the Father for another way through this hardship.  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…”. None of us would have done things any different.  

I have done that and more when I have been desperate for a better way through my circumstances, than directly through the minefield of my pain.  I desire an easier way, a way around.  

He surrendered to The Father’s will.  

After His time of prayer, and seeking another way, Jesus submitted to the will of His Father.  He said “Not my will, but yours be done.”  While it is normal, and human for us to seek another way through the difficulties of this life, ultimately, only God can see the whole picture.  He sees the way through and the rewards that wait on the other side of sorrow, more clearly than we ever can.  So while it is normal and expected for us to seek another way through hard times, continuing to resist the trial doesn’t change the trial.  Peace comes when we recognize that God is not the problem, but rather, that He is the answer.  He promises to never leave us.  He didn’t promise that hard times wouldn’t come, only that He would be our shelter in the storm.  

Remember, Jesus had the power and authority to stop His own death on the cross, but He did not.  For the sake of all mankind, His great love is what kept Him on the cross.   He surrendered. John 3:16 tells us “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”.

Lastly, He served others.

Once Jesus changed the water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, His public ministry began.  This was the beginning of His journey to the cross.

And on His way there, He chose to serve. 

He served by healing the Roman officials’ very ill son in John 4:46-47.  He served by casting out an evil spirit from a possessed man in Mark 1:23-28.  He served by healing His disciple, Peter’s mother-in-law from a terrible fever.  He served the unclean, unapproachable leper by healing him from leprosy in Mark 1:40-45.  He served a widow by raising her dead son, and only provider, back to life in Luke 7:11-18. He served by healing an outcast paralytic in Matthew 9:1-8.  There is much more that could be listed here, but you get the point, Jesus served despite His own heartache and personal circumstances.  

Like He did so often throughout His life on earth, Jesus sets an example for us in difficulty.

Jesus prayed and spent time alone with The Father.  He knew that the task before Him would require more than His humanity had to give, so He prayed and asked God for a way out, or a way through.

Then He surrendered His own will and allowed The Father to complete the Best Plan, even though it came at a great personal sacrifice.

And then He served and met the needs of others during His difficulties.  I know from my own experience that doing this helps me feel less powerless and discouraged.  It brings me joy to serve others, and I am certain that serving brought Jesus joy as well.  

John 16:33 tells us this;  “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart!  I have overcome the world”.  

So, this week, as we all struggle though whatever difficult thing that’s in our path,  lets remember Jesus’ example to pray, surrender and serve.

Jesus, I am struggling.  Things are difficult and my life feels like a battlefield.  Thank you that you are The Overcomer.  Lord, I need your help to see the purpose in my pain, but I choose to trust your will.  Help me to be aware of opportunities to serve someone who may also be struggling.  I desire to use what you have given me to encourage others.  More than anything Lord, please don’t let go of my heart as I seek to honor you in all I do.

Purposefully,

Shelli

Baskets full

Published on by faithfulone72 Comments

It has happened to all of us at one time or another.  We have found ourselves facing something that feels like an impossible situation.  We have all come to a place where the problem in front of us is much larger than what we have the ability to resolve, or take down.  A struggle that feels like there is no way out, or that the way out is far too difficult for us to navigate on our own.

Maybe you are saving to buy a home, but the time frame and the dollars are not lining up.  Maybe you desperately want to change jobs, but the opportunities and the offers don’t seem to make sense.  Maybe there is a rift in an important relationship that feels as though it will never be right again.  My guess is that these types of situations are possibly even keeping you awake at night.  You wonder and worry and even pray, but the truth is, you just can’t seem to see how it will work out.

The disciples had a similar situation.

The disciples were Jesus’ students, but they were also His helpers.  Jesus was going all around Judea, teaching, healing, and performing signs and wonders.  Often there were large crowds that followed Him out of town to hear and see Him.  The disciples would have had big tasks as they traveled. They had to set up camp each time their location changed.  They were managing the crowds that followed Jesus, trying to keep things moving.  They were attempting to tend to Jesus’ human needs, as well as meeting their own basic daily needs.  They were constantly on the move.  

The account in Matthew 14:13-21 finds them in just such a situation.  

This account in scripture is called the Feeding of the 5,000.  But by all accounts, that number is far lower than the size that the crowd truly was.  Scripture states that there were 5,000 men, not including the women and children that could have been present.  The crowd could have very easily been closer to 20,000.

I have been to professional sporting events with crowds numbering around that amount.  It is a massive amount of individual living, breathing, and potentially hungry people.  What they were facing was no small feat.

I never tire of Willo Lake (obviously)

Back to the story….

Jesus had just learned of the beheading of His cousin, John The Baptist.  In His sadness, He took a boat and tried to get away to a private place to grieve.  But the crowds heard that He was on the move, and followed Him where He went.  As always, Jesus had compassion on them and began to heal their sick, once He had docked the boat.  He does this for many hours, and now it is approaching evening, or dinner time.  They are all far from home, and far from food.  (And even farther from Chick Fil-A!). There were no local conveniences for them to fall back on.

The disciples see the problem for what it is: There’s a hungry crowd that could potentially become a hungry mob.  And they think they understand the solution.  They tell Jesus to “Send the crowds away so they can go buy themselves some food”.  That seems fair.  It seems reasonable and simple.

But Jesus had another plan. One designed to show His power and authority over all creation.  He told them “They don’t need to go away, you give them something to eat.”

Uhhhhhh…..excuse me?  

At this moment, the disciples are trying to solve a God sized problem with man sized resources.  They tell Jesus “We have here only five loaves of bread (think dinner rolls) and two fish.”  They were facing what Dallas Jenkins (creator of The Chosen series) calls, “Impossible math”.

So Jesus instructs the crowd to have a seat in the grass.  Then He does what Jesus always does, He sets an example for all of humanity.  He prays and gives thanks for what He does not yet have, and for something that hasn’t happened yet.

And after that prayer, all 20,000 mouths ate, and were filled.  The problem was solved.  But the solution didn’t come in a way that made sense by human standards.  It didn’t come in a way that gave the disciples credit.  It didn’t come as a result of their efforts, nor did it come through their own resources.  This problem was bigger than they were.  Yet the solution came,  though they had no human way to navigate and fill the giant need they were facing.

Scripture says that after they all ate and were satisfied, that the disciples picked up 12 baskets full of leftovers!  Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that Jesus “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us”.  Jesus not only met the need, but provided more than just what was needed.  He left them with more than what they started with.

Only God.

Mark Batterson said this in his book The Grave Robber, “If you put what you have in your hands into God’s hands, He can make a lot out of a little.” 

Willow Lake

 Imagine the disciples, with just a tiny amount of food, facing such a large, hungry crowd.  I can feel their fear, sense their intimidation.  Surely, this tiny bit wasn’t going beyond the first two people, let alone the other 19,998.  If I was one of the disciples, I would probably be recalling the miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding feast in Cana.  Jesus filled 6 stone jars, each holding about 30 gallons, with water before miraculously changing the water to wine (a chemical miracle of epic proportions).  I would personally feel more confident in the ability to feed these 5,000 people if I had the 12 baskets full at the beginning of this feeding, instead of at the end.  

But that’s not how Jesus works.  

Notice that the miracle didn’t occur until the disciples, in faith, began to distribute the food.  

Jesus thanked the Father for what was not yet visible and trusted Him to provide what was not yet completed.

And there’s the lesson for you and I.  

We are instructed to pray and ask the Father for what we need in Matthew 6:9-13, The Lord’s Prayer.  And then a few chapters later, Jesus gives us the example of trust in God’s provision for our needs.  Giving thanks ahead of the provision.

Are you facing something bigger than yourself?  Is there a mountain of insecurity and doubt in front of you?  Are you in a place that you cannot see your way out of?  

This is where Jesus can step in and do more than you can ask or imagine.  His power is at work within us.  Sometimes we forget that, but scripture says it’s true.  

On my own efforts, I wrestle and strain.  I am often unable to meet the need of the situation I face.  My solution is always a “bare minimum” response.  I just want to “get through it”.  

But the resolution comes when my own resources are exhausted, when my own way simply won’t work, and the credit can only go to Jesus.  

What steps can we take to invite Jesus into our impossible situation?

First we have to take what is in our hands, our struggles, hurts, shortcomings and needs, and place them in God’s hands.  Then, in full complete trust in His plan and purpose, we thank Him for what He is going to provide, that hasn’t appeared yet.  We thank Him for doing the things that haven’t been done yet.  For the solutions that He has and will reveal in His time.  And when we do that, we can know that He is able.  Able to meet our need and provide even more than just the bare minimum.  He can do a lot with a little.

Like the disciples, we will be left with more than what we started with.  Impossible problem solving math, amazing relationship resolution, and perfectly balanced provision.

Only God.

Lord, I find myself in what seems to be an impossible situation. I am reminded that You said that nothing was impossible with You. So I invite You into my impossible situation now. Please give me the courage to thank You for the solution that You have yet to provide, because I know You will. Only You can. Amen.

Purposefully

Shelli

Downtown Prescott

New tires

Published on by faithfulone72 Comments

I had to buy some new tires for my car this week.

As a woman, I can’t think of too many purchases that are as completely unsatisfying as the purchase of new tires.  Typically, if I am going to drop money on something (especially big money like tires can be), I like it to be seen!  New tires are just straight up unglamorous!

I’d rather buy new furniture, new clothes, or something fun for the kitchen!  Even pretty landscaping is more exciting than new tires!

However, from time to time, it is necessary to spend money on unsatisfying things, like tires.  But I realize that when I do, I have peace of mind.  I know that I am safer on the road.  I worry less about a blowout on the freeway with new tires.  I also get better gas mileage and have better control of my vehicle.  Rough roads or bad weather don’t worry me as much with those new tires.  Sigh. 

Let’s consider something else that might seem unsatisfying (or seem like it gets in the way of more fun and desirable things that we could invest our time in) but also brings peace of mind and preparation for potentially rough roads-reading the Bible.

There.  I said it. 

Watson Lake, Prescott AZ

I know there have been times when I have felt this way, and I bet that you have too.

But I know that If I want safety and security on the road, sometimes, I need to spend some money on tires.

And if I want peace and security in my thought life, and in the struggles I face every day, I need to spend time with God. 

Regularly.

If you and I are going to move from the women we are into the women we want to become, and into the fullness of all that God has for us, we have to invest some time. 

Change does not happen magically, it happens intentionally.

What does scripture have to say about spending time with God?

1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us this, “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always”.  Where can we look to the Lord?  How can we seek His face?  Where can He be found?  In His word, the Bible. 

Mark 1:35 gives us a beautiful example of this in Jesus.  He was fully God, and also, fully man.  And because He was a man, He needed to spend time with His Father in heaven.  Here’s what Jesus did, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  He got alone with God.  This chapter was written during a time when Jesus was healing and teaching often.  It was a very draining time physically and emotionally to be sure.  So, because He knew that He was going to be doing so much within His day, He needed time alone.  He needed time to be with God.

Jesus was preparing for rough roads.  And each time he stole away from the disciples, or the crowds, to spend time with God, He was essentially buying new tires.

Watson Lake, Prescott AZ

Even the sleekest, most beautiful cars, don’t get very far without good tires!  It matters when we use our resources and time on things that are not seen, as well as those that are.

The more time we spend with God, the more closely He will be involved in our lives.  I’m certain that in your life you have had to develop relationships of various kinds.  Spending time together is necessary to get to know someone well.  You may have had to develop friendships, or a relationship with someone you were interested in romantically, or even relationships with new co-corkers.  Deepening those human relationships takes an investment of time.  We seek to get to know the person better through dialog and observation.  We may talk on the phone or even meet up for coffee to become more familiar with that person.  When we do, we learn new things about them.

It is much the same with our relationship with God.  If we want to know His heart, and more completely sense His presence in us, we will desire to spend time with Him.  We do this best through reading His word.  It has been said that the Bible is God’s love letter to us!  He shows us so much about Himself there. 

It’s where He tells us that He loves us in John 3:16.

It’s where He says He’ll keep His promises in Hebrews 10:23.

It’s where He tells us that He is always with us in Deuteronomy 31:6.

It’s where He says that we are His in 1 John 3:1.

It’s where He says that He is working in our lives in Ephesians 3:20.

It’s where He says He’ll give us strength in Philippians 4:13.

God speaks to us primarily through His word.  But we can’t hear Him if we aren’t listening or giving Him the opportunity.  God will most often draw near to us when we draw near to Him.  We cannot truly expect to deepen and grow our relationship with God if we are not reading the Bible.

Don’t believe me?

I double dog dare you to try it for two weeks and see if you don’t notice a change in your heart.  Invest the time you need to, to be road ready, by reading the word of God. It’s like getting new tires.  You can certainly find more glamorous ways to spend your time, but will you get a better and more lasting return for your investment?

I doubt it.

If we want to know God’s will for our lives, we have to look to His word.  And when we invest a piece of our day seeking Him there, we begin to change.  Romans 12:2 says it this way, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Not sure where to read? Open your Bible to the book of John in the New Testament.  John gives us a clear picture of Jesus, who He is and how He loves us.  Or, if you want to read the bible on your phone or tablet, the You Version Bible app has hundreds of reading plans to make it easy. 

Grab your Bible (or app), maybe a yummy warm drink, and go!  Pray, and read.  You may not notice a huge difference immediately, but you might.  However, if you keep it up for a while, you surely will see God at work.  You will sense His peace and presence.  You will notice Him changing you on the inside, where it matters most. 

He’s ready. Are you?

Lord, I want to get to know You better.  I want to give you priority in my day, wherever that fits best.  My desire is that You and I can deepen the love relationship we have into something strong and beautiful.  I open my heart to you now and ask that You speak to me through Your word.  Amen!

Purposefully,

Shelli

You be you!

Published on by faithfulone74 Comments

There I sat, in the audience at a Christian Women’s conference, inspired and awed by the words of our speaker that night.  She was so knowledgeable of God’s word, so eloquent in her speech, and so passionate in her delivery.  I wanted to be just like her.

I was so impressed by her, that I found myself drawn to her as a person almost more than I heard her message.  I imagined what it would be like to be as wise as she was, and as polished.  I perceived that she had “it all together” in her personal life, that surely her life was picture perfect due to her closeness to God and her obvious personality.  How could it not be?

Everything that I admired in her, were the very things that I felt that I lacked. 

Maybe you can relate.  Maybe the situation is different for you, but you have felt that same way.  You have admired someone because of the character qualities that they possess.  Courage, boldness, eloquence, spiritual maturity, knowledge? Perhaps these are the very ones that you sense are not present in your own life.

It is true that it’s good to have people in our lives that inspire us and cause us to examine our character.  This helps us to grow in spiritual maturity. Let’s not forget that God has designed each of us differently to fulfill His purpose for us!

Romans 12:4-8 NIV puts it this way “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

You will notice that Paul doesn’t state that we should all be good at all those things, but rather, that we should know what we are bent towards, and do that, to the best of our ability! 

Sunny San Diego!

Many years ago, I took a Spiritual Gifts Test.  The results showed me the areas of my life that I already had a passion or high level of interest in.  The areas that I was potentially gifted towards by God.  This was amazing to me!  I was able to shift my perspective from feelings of inadequacy and lacking, to the understanding that maybe the things that I already enjoyed were part of God’s purpose for my life!  For me, it was like the light turned on in a dark room!

To be clear, I am not saying that I was suddenly complete, or done growing spiritually.  Rather, it was kind of a newfound freedom, knowing that I could hone in on the specific passions and interests that were God honoring.  And that I could further develop THOSE, instead of only focusing on my short comings!

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NLT puts it another way “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.  God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”

The cells in our body all work toward the same goal, regeneration and vitality.  But each organ, made up by those same cells, has a very different goal than all the other organs on the body.  But they all serve one purpose.  Our spiritual gifts may all be different, but they work together to serve one purpose in the body of Christ. That is to glorify God.

Here’s what I want you to consider; while we are flawed and imperfect, we each (as followers of Jesus, saved by His grace) have something to offer.  We each have been gifted by the Lord at the moment of salvation, with at least one spiritual gift.  What is yours?  What do you feel it could be, based on what drives or excites you?

Here is a list of potential gifts.  Give some thought to these.

Administration (details, organization)

Discernment (seeing truth or deception)

Evangelism (sharing your faith)

Exhortation (or encouragement)

Faith (confidence in God’s power, promises and presence)

Giving (financially)

Helps (the behind-the-scenes stuff)

Hospitality (serving others with joy, welcoming)

Knowledge (loving the study of the word)

Leadership (care and commitment to move people forward in their faith)

Mercy (empathy and compassion towards others)

Prophecy (or declaring God’s truths)

Serving (helping, ministering)

Teaching (effectively communicate the truths of the Bible to others)

Wisdom (similar to the gift of knowledge)

More than anything, what I want you to get from this post is this; You are valuable.  You have something to offer.  And instead of falling into the comparison trap, maybe spin that on its head and excel in what you are already passionate about or gifted toward!  Admiring qualities in others, like I admired the speaker, is excellent.  But have you considered what others might admire in you?

I always want to grow in my knowledge of God’s word. I desire to continually develop the areas of my life that need some correction. And I try to be aware of those around me and the example that they are to me.  But I don’t want to ignore my own God Given abilities!  Those areas where I can bring Him glory and honor as well as supporting those in my circle. 

Mission Beach, San Diego~

I am far from perfect; I have a long way to go to be complete, as He is complete.  But I do know that if I don’t acknowledge and appreciate the gifts and abilities that He has already given me to serve Him, I am missing out!  But that’s a blog for another day!

Progress over perfection.

Is this fresh news for you?  Maybe before this, you felt like you only needed to “fix yourself”?  Perhaps you didn’t understand why you get more excited about certain opportunities to serve, and not others.  Are your friends and contacts excited about opportunities that you are not?  This is most likely because, God has gifted you differently.  Celebrate that!  Develop that!  Embrace that God has created you lovingly and intentionally as you are. Your gifts are from Him!

And rest assured of this truth.

Philippians 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

My pastor said this just this morning, I hope you’ll take it to heart.  “You need to be the you-est you there is!” 

Father God, you are an incredible God, I praise Your name.  I am amazed by You!  Thank You for making me unique.  I want to grow in my understanding of You and Your word, and to develop the part of me that makes me unique for Your kingdom.  I ask You to show me how to be fully myself and yet still bring you glory.  Thank You for choosing me and using me! 

Purposefully,

Shelli

Take me back to the beach please!

A better foundation

Published on by faithfulone73 Comments

Well, we’re 10 days into the New Year.  How’s it going with those resolutions?

There’s something fresh about a new year that makes us want to declare “this is the year for me!  I’m going to do things differently!”  We tend to make plans about diet, exercise, spending habits and organization goals.  All worthy pursuits, to be sure.

@Watson Lake, Prescott AZ

One time, years ago, I needed to refresh my make-up supply.  Shopping for make-up can be a bit overwhelming!  And, as usual, I was in a bit of a hurry.    There are so many different brands, types, and shades of everything in the make-up isles!  I was in need of a new foundation that day.  But as I lingered in the isle surveying all my options, I realized I was out of time, and needed to get going.  So, I grabbed the same foundation that I had had before and thought to myself “I’ll try something new next time…I need to go.”

Later, at home, I applied my new foundation.  And to my disappointment, it was two shades darker than what I usually bought. Someone must have put this one back in the wrong place!  It was a little more “orangy” than my natural skin tone.  “Well,” I thought, “I paid good money for that, and I’ve already opened it, so I guess I’ll just have to make it work”.  I tried to adjust the other make up products, like my eye shadow and blush, to account for the foundation that wasn’t right.  But it really only got worse from there!  I ended up looking a bit like a circus clown with all the adjustments!

As long as my foundation was “off” it didn’t matter what I applied on top of it to try to make it better.  It was wasted effort. 

I thought about this recently as I pondered “New Years Resolutions”.  

As we give thought to what needs to change in our lives, we imagine that if we lost weight, or organized our home or stopped spending money frivolously, that everything would get better.  And while those kinds of adjustments are good, until we get our foundation right, they are really just wasted effort.

So, what kind of foundation am I talking about? 

Time with God.  Time in His word.  The foundation of our days which sets everything else in place properly. 

I have learned that when I want to prioritize the areas of my life, like finances, and health, it can be difficult to give each one the proper focus, the correct amount of attention.  I find myself thinking “Once I am more organized, (or healthy, or in control,) then I will be able to prioritize my time in God’s word”.  I assume that, when I have some of the other areas of my life “in control”, that making time to order my spiritual life will also fall into place.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

This was a a Happy Accident!

In Mathew 6:31-33, (the Sermon on the Mount) Jesus himself speaks to it this way; “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ (Diet and exercise?) or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Spending habits and organization?) For the unbelievers run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Jesus was addressing our humanity and putting it into the proper perspective.  It is natural for us, as human beings, to think about what we’ll eat or drink (or how healthy, financially responsible, or organized we are).  Notice Jesus didn’t’ say that this was a bad thing.  But He just states that if we will “seek first His kingdom” that everything else will fall into place.  That we won’t have to worry about those things, because God knows we need them, and He will take care of us. 

Seeking first His kingdom, means prioritizing Him before other pursuits. 

This can mean reading your bible first thing in the morning.  In fact, that’s a great place to start.  What I do first with my day, sets the tone (if you will) for the rest of it.  I have learned to give God the “first fruits” of my day.  I have come to see that when I read His love letter to me each morning (the Bible), that it becomes the lens that I see the rest of my day through.  Everything else seems to fit into its proper place when I start there.   Time in God’s word becomes my foundation. 

So, that when I add in other pursuits, like health and my priorities, they are not out of balance.  I can see them clearly, through the lens of scripture. 

Again, in Matthew 7:24, Jesus says this; “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Me, standing firmly on The Rock….metaphorically speaking!

If 2022 is going to be The Year, it starts today.  It starts with small steps and proper foundations.  Not lofty, giant goals that we may never achieve.  Rather than making a resolution, check your foundation.

Read your Bible.

Join a Bible study.

Get to church.

Seek first His kingdom, and everything else will fall into place!

Lord, I want my priorities to be in order.  There are so many areas of my life that I want to get in line with Your plan for me.   I acknowledge that if I will start by making Your word the foundation of everything else I desire, then You are there.  You will lead me in Your ways and give me all that I need.  Cause me to desire You above all else.  Be my firm foundation.

Purposefully,

Shelli

Reflections

Published on by faithfulone74 Comments

Have you ever given thought to the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”? It’s somewhat of a daunting question really.  There are so many areas to consider within that one question.

Where will I be in 5 years with regard to my career?

My marriage?

My living situation?

My finances?

My relationships?

Not to mention that 5 years is such a VERY long time away.  I have a difficult time thinking much past the next 6 months, let alone 5 years.  My personality is not that of a detailed planner.  Details get lost on me; I am more of a Big Picture Girl.  So, the idea of trying to know where I want to be in the future or making a plan as to how to get there, stresses me out.

But I do believe that when it comes to my spiritual life, it’s more important to have a goal than a detailed plan.

Ultimately, my goal as a Christ follower is to become more like Jesus. 

So, what’s the problem?  Bob Goff said it best when he said this, “Our problem with following Jesus is, we’re trying to be a better version of us rather than a more accurate reflection of Him”.  I love the way Bob Goff gets real with it, brings it home, and leaves me thinking.

Our walking path at Willow Lake

His statement made me consider my goal.  I was drawn to ponder my motivations.  I believe that, as human beings, we are all naturally, and to some extent, people pleasers.  Some of us struggle with it more than others, but to some degree, we all struggle with this.  It’s human to want people to like us.  It’s natural.  I would go as far as to say that it’s not even wrong.

However, in my thinking and consideration, I’ve come to understand that the goal should not be JUST to be admired, or ONLY to be liked for myself.  I desire to be liked and admired so that (and here’s the challenging part) I can have opportunity to more openly share with those in my circle, my story, my faith, and my purpose…

My purpose is this: to know Jesus and to make Him known.

In my flesh, and left to my own devices, I put ME first.  I take care of ME.  I want people to like ME.  I want people to think I’M neato.  I desire the admiration of others to make ME feel good.  I enjoy attention and recognition.  Innately, I am trying to become a better version of myself.

Thankfully though, I can also choose NOT to live in the flesh.  I can reframe my thought life and get my purpose in check with His spirit.   I can push toward becoming “a little more like Jesus, a little less like me”.  (Zack Williams song)

Psalm 25:5 says this; “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in You.”

It’s interesting to me here that the Psalmist says “all day long…”  The implication is clear. You and I, as well as the psalmist, must continually (all day long) put our hope in God.  I have limitations, I have faults, I have misguided motives.  But when we choose to put our hope in the Only One who can give Living Water, when we follow Him, it is then that we know we are headed in the right direction.  Because then we are doing what is counter to our natural human tendencies.  On my own, I am selfish and inward focused. 

But with Jesus leading the way, I can follow His example of caring for and serving others.  I can better see when there is a change that I need to make, because I am looking to Him and asking Him to lead me and to teach me.  I am more apt to go the right way and make better decisions in my life because I am following His lead, and not looking for others to esteem me.  I am looking to please God, The One who matters.

A beautiful day at Willow Lake

“Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Galatians 5:1-2.  Scripture says that we are to imitate God, to reflect Jesus.  To live a life of love that honors Jesus sacrifice.  Not one that draws attention to self.  When I consider the brevity of this life, I realize that any attention I get ends when my life does. 

But if I choose to live my life, giving glory to God and sharing the redemption that Jesus brings, that’s what will last. 

I am far more interested in my life mattering AFTER I’ve gone to be with Him than I am promoting myself here and now. 

But if I’m honest, the struggle is real.  Following Jesus doesn’t stop me from being human.  It doesn’t mean that I no longer desire to be liked, or esteemed, or admired.  But my desire is that if I am liked or admired, that I can sketch that piece of my humanity into the frame of influence. Perhaps, because I am liked, I have a voice and influence to share the hope that Jesus brings. 

I never tire of this lake!

When I think about where I want to be in 5 years, my desire is still to be following Jesus with all I’ve got.  To be a little further down the road of faith but walking even more closely with Him.  To be asking for His direction earnestly all day long. To intentionally place Him in the center of all my decisions and motives.  Because I know that when I do that, everything else will fall into place.  Every 5-year goal, every motive, and every path I walk on will be right where He wants to me to be. 

Spiritually.  Emotionally.  Relationally.

I no longer need to “figure it out”, I need to simply and completely put my hope in Him.  My responsibility is to do the things that bring me closer to Him.  Spending time in His word, lots of it.  Spending time in prayer.  Spending time actively pursuing my relationship with Him through worship, teaching and service.  Not in activities that make me look good, but in secret, where only He sees.  Places where He gets the attention, not me.

John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less.”

More of Jesus, less of me!

Lord, your word cuts me to the heart.  It shows me the parts of my life that need to be more inline with your heart.  Please take my life and make it yours.  Lead me and teach me.  And give me the courage to walk where you lead.  Continue to show me how I can be a better reflection of Jesus, not just a better version of myself.  I know that when I follow you, I am always heading the right way.  Today, tomorrow, and in 5 years. 

Purposefully,

Shelli

Handsome Hubs and I~

Taken Forward

Published on by faithfulone73 Comments

Let me just tell you, God showed up at Thrive last month!

What a wonderful night we all had together at Thrive! We enjoyed some delicious, (mostly) handmade, Just For You Desserts. Next, we were enveloped by some incredible worship! And throughout the night we were challenged and inspired, hearing from different women as they spoke about faith, connections, challenges and growing spiritually.

Natually, there was spiritual opposition from the enemy, and we saw it played out many times in many different ways. It came for weeks ahead of the event and intensified throughout the week of Thrive. Each attack was designed to distract, discourage and steal our joy. But God always wins! Everytime. And even more so when we rally together and DECIDE to trust His plans and purposes!

The women in leadership for Thrive are amazing. One was taken out of comission the night before. She had spent months helping us plan and prepare for Thrive, and when sickness took her out, she stood in the gap for us all night! She prayed over our schedule and speakers. She knew where we were with regard to the program all night, and she prayed for all of us, and all of YOU.

Others on the leadership team stepped up when that team member was taken out, and they stepped in to fill her place. When women of God know that they are called to something, like Thrive, nothing scares them away. I saw nervous women become bold women. I saw already brave women, embrace and become empowered by the Lord. And I saw many women impacted for The Kingdom!

I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for Thrive 2022 on November 4th. I see Him moving hearts and changing lives already! I know that He used every single aspect of Thrive to connect women in their relationship with Him.

Whether or not you attended Thrive this year, my chalenge to you is the same. Keep Moving Forward with your relationship with Jesus. No matter where you are in your faith walk, young, old, or a “woman in the middle”, we aren’t finished. We have growing to do. Dig into scripture. Connect with a life group or bible study. Get yourself to church. Take that next step, no matter how small, and get going.

Keep Moving Forward.

Hebrews 6:1a “let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…” It’s time to go from walking spiritually to running toward Jesus

!

Thrive 2021, taking the stage!
“Keep Moving Forward”
Conversations Of Faith with Laurie Schraml
I love this beautiful image of this young woman worshipping~
Just our awesome worship team practicing!
I can almost feel the presence of the Lord in this photo!
The Thrive Team gathering to pray before the event began~
Having some laughs with my friend!
The Team excited as it was almost time to begin!
Thrive Team (minus one) (missed you Lissa)

Plan now to attend Thrive Worship (for women only) on April 29th, and Thrive 2022 on November 4th! ~

@Grace Chruch 2010 S Hwy 89, Chino Valley Arizona~

Purposefully,

Shelli

Jesus Peace (It’s a thing)

Published on by faithfulone72 Comments

Teenagers always think they know better than their parents, don’t they?

Have you ever had a conversation with one of your own that sounded something like;

“If you will study a little each night, the test will be so much easier”

“Why don’t you put those clothes away now so that you can find what you need later?”

“I’m not trying to stop you from having fun, but I know what’s out there…”

“I have some experience with that situation, let me help you…”

“I just want what’s best for you…”

But they often think that we, as parents, are “old fashioned” or out of touch.  And in some ways, I suppose that’s fair.  But it doesn’t change the fact that we have years and wisdom that they don’t.  It seems that no matter how hard we try, often they are just bent on doing things their own way.

It’s a good thing that we don’t do that with God, right?

I can almost see your eyes rolling back in your head right now!  I know you feel it, the sting of regret.  The pain of doing things your own way.  The remorse of how things should be different.

I’m certain that there is not one among us who doesn’t wish they had done things differently in certain places of our lives.  If only we had listened to the advice we received.  If only we hadn’t been so thick headed and stubborn.  Experience is heck of a teacher.  And the lessons we learned are still etched in our minds. 

We recount how much better things might have gone had we only listened.  We imagine the peace we might have if we had stopped when our conscience begged us to do so.  But, at the time, we were sure that it would be ok.  We were certain that we knew what was best for our own lives.  But in the aftermath of regret and strife, we just want to go back.  We want to go back to the time just before the wrong choice, and get a mulligan, a do over.

What we are really searching for, is peace.  Peace in our situation, peace with our family members or friends, peace with God. 

Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, holds that peace.   

Photo credit: Nicole Nealy ( I sense so much peace in this photo!)

Shortly before His crucifixion, in John 14, Jesus is teaching His disciples and attempting to prepare them for what is to come.  It is impossible to imagine how trying that time must have been for them.  They had followed Jesus everywhere for 3 years.  They had seen Him perform miracles and healings.  They had observed Him for years, doing only good things.  He never slipped up, never made a bad choice, and repeatedly loved those who opposed Him.  And now He was preparing to leave them soon. In John 14 we see some of the last conversations He would have with them. 

Often, the last words of a person, reveal their truest selves.  Here, Jesus was telling the disciples some of the most important things for them to know.  He must have known that they would reflect on His words after He was gone.  In John 14:23, Jesus says this “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.  Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.  These words you hear are not my own, they belong to the Father who sent me.”

I recognize that the word “obey” is not a popular word in 2021.  Here are some synonyms of obey, to help us:  Adhere to, accept, comply, embrace, live by, carry out.  Anyone who loves Jesus will embrace His teaching.  Anyone who does not love Jesus will not carry out His teaching.  They will simply do things their own way, like a stubborn teenager.  And like a teenager, they will eventually learn that their “Father” knows best.   

Sometimes the peace we desire in life comes through the absence of struggle.  And sometimes, it comes through the knowledge that, even though we struggle, our wrestling serves a higher purpose.

Photo credit: Nicole Nealy

Often, when we struggle in this life, we imagine that God enjoys it.  That surely His will has to be a difficult road.  That His plan for us is intentionally full of heartache and strife. 

But the truth is, where there is obedience…sorry…compliance, there is peace.  Isn’t that what we always tried to get across to our teenagers?  “If you’ll just do things my way, if you’ll just listen, things will go so much easier for you!  I don’t want you to suffer, but I know things you don’t know!” 

Hmmm…

A few verses later in John 14:27, Jesus says this, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus does not give as the world gives.  The world gives dissatisfaction, strife, rioting, anger, and selfishness. The world says YOLO, (you only live once).  The world says that no one is more important than yourself.  It says, “Do what makes you happy” and “You-do-you”.  But Jesus says that there is more to peace and contentment than self-seeking. Too much of just me, isn’t good for me. Whenever I have tried to find peace by only chasing down what makes me happy, I have only become more unhappy.   Jesus, in contrast, gives peace. He said it himself, “My peace I give you.”

I want Jesus Peace!  He had the kind of peace that slept in a tiny boat during a violent and horrendous storm at sea.  He had the kind of peace that didn’t panic when it was necessary to feed 5000 people in the middle of nowhere with virtually no supplies.  He had the kind of peace that didn’t run away in The Garden of Gethsemane when the enemy was fast approaching to demand His life.  Jesus Peace.

He had that peace because of His obedience…sorry…loving adherence to the will of His Father. 

It’s the same for you and me, sister.

I desire to do what God wants, even when it feels contrary to what I want or think.  Maybe even especially, when it feels contrary to what I want or think.  I know that God possesses wisdom and knows things that I do not.  He always has my best interest in His mind.  What He does in my life, He does for my own good, and for His glory.

Jesus wants us to trust Him above all else, and with trust comes peace.

Our peace, joy and purpose in this life, comes from embracing, carrying out and accepting that our heavenly Father knows best.  In John 14:15, Jesus puts it this way, “If you love me, you’ll obey my commandments.” 

Jesus Himself had peace in obeying the will of His Father.  Who am I to think it would be any different for me?

Jesus, obeying you feels hard sometimes.  It feels like I am losing myself.  But Lord, I know that this life is not all there is.  And I know that you want to prepare me for the life ahead and the life after this one.  My desire is to follow and embrace your teachings.  I invite you to speak to my heart loud and clear when I am trying to rush past you and do things my way.  I desire Jesus Peace in all I do.  Amen.

Photo credit: Nicole Nealy
The one and only, Nicole Nealy!

Pause

Published on by faithfulone72 Comments

Hi friends!

Many of you are aware that Thrive is just 10 days away. As you can imagine, I’m up to my eyeballs with preparations! It’s exciting stuff!

Having said that, I’m needing to take a blog break until 11/22.

I’ll be able to focus and give the blog some time and attention once Thrive is past.

Until then, please pray for the team as we finalize details and put the finishing touches on so many things!

See you all again soon!

Purposefully,

Shelli

💜 November 12th 💜

It makes scents…

Published on by faithfulone7Leave a comment

Isn’t it amazing how certain smells evoke strong memories? 

When I was a girl, I was fortunate to have my grandmother live right next door to our family.  She had a real wood burning fireplace in her living room (unlike the fake electric one I have now).  Often my cousins and I would sleep over at Grandma’s house.  On those chilly mornings when the weather had turned, she would have a fire going when we got up.  I can still remember the cozy warmth of her house and the joy filled memories I made there.  One of those memories is the smell of the fireplace burning, beckoning me to crawl out of bed, grab a blanket, and join her on the couch to sit by the fire.

Even now, when I smell a fireplace, or even a firepit, that scent takes me back.  It summons warm thoughts and memories.  The scent draws me back to memories of her love.

2 Corinthians 2:15 says “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea that we carry with us the pleasing aroma of Jesus to those who are being saved, as well as to those who are perishing. 

If you’ve ever spent time around a camping fire, you know that the smell of smoke stays on you until you come home and wash those clothes.  As you unpack the duffle from camping, you get a whiff of that smoke, and suddenly the memories of the campout come rushing back. Here in Second Corinthians, it’s the same idea.

Those around us, inside and outside of the faith, can “smell” us.  We carry with us the pleasing aroma of Jesus.  When Christ is in us, and we are following Him, His “scent” is on us.

Durango, Colorado (my photo)

This idea was played out for me for the first time when I was 16 years old.  There was a girl in my high school, who was just different.  Her family was much like mine.  She had a mom, a dad, and a brother at home.  She was my same age and grade.  We were both on the drill team for our high school.  She had some of the same friends and interests that I did.  But she “smelled” different.  There was something about her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

We started hanging out and eventually I asked her to sleep over at my house.  She said yes, that she would come and sleep over, if I would go to church with her the next morning.

There it was.  That was the beginning of my understanding more precisely what it was about her that was so different than me.  She had faith in God.  And though I had grown up with a good, loving, all American family, faith was not a part of our household.  And I wanted it.  I was drawn to her in a way that I didn’t understand then.

And because of her “scent”, her faith in Jesus, I was also drawn to Him.

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

You and I are called to walk with Jesus, to follow His example.  To be like Him.  It is a tall order to be sure, but He left us with the Holy Spirit, who also lives in us.  And it is that same spirit that produces the lingering scent of Jesus in us. 

When Jesus comes into our hearts and lives, we are changed.  Some parts of us change immediately, and others take longer.  But we are changed.  And from that moment on, we begin to “smell” differently.

Like the soft scent of our favorite perfume, we leave behind the aroma of Jesus as we go.

On the train from Durango to Silverton Colorado

My hearts desire is that the aroma of Jesus that follows me as I go, attracts others to the Savior.  Because, just as perfumes can smell differently on the different people who wear them, the scent of Jesus can be attractive, or pungent. 

Are my actions, thoughts, and words pleasant?  Do they draw people to Him with the soft scent?  Or am I too much like the world to be a pleasing aroma?  Am I different at all? 

As we continually grow, and allow Jesus to change us on the inside, that change will show on the outside too.  We have hope, we have life!  Like a fragrant perfume, I want to radiate the aroma of Jesus and let His scent trail behind me as I go. 

And my prayer is that that scent will linger in the air and draw people to Him. 

What scent are you leaving behind?

Jesus, I am drawn to You and to Your love.  I am so grateful for all that You are.  You have given everything for me, and I want to share that love with those in my circle.  Help me to give off the pleasing aroma of Your love.  I want to bring You honor by living in a way that “smells” good to others.  Amen.

Purposefully,

Shelli