Life's Storms

Joshua 1:9

"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  

Fifteen years ago as I found myself in cold and lonely operating room.  My husband and parents no longer with me, but in the waiting room.  Alone, scared and devastated for the reason of being there... I had had a miscarriage and was now having a D&C.

As I laid there, I could hear the voices of the anesthesiologist and others around.  They could have cared less about me.  This was their job.  I was merely a number; another case.  I remember feeling very isolated, though many were around me.

Suddenly, out of no where, I heard a voice in my head saying, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)

It was as if Jesus were standing right beside me saying, "Tara, don't be terrified or discouraged.  I going to be with you, even as you pass into lala land from this anesthesia.  I will be there, Tara.  And don't you be discouraged.  I have a good plan for your life."   

His Words enveloped me like a warm blanket.  Suddenly, I didn't feel fear.

NOTHING substitutes from the comforting, encouraging Word of God during the trials and storms of life.

Today's post is dedicated to the people in my life - people I adore - going through major storms. Storms that NONE of us would wish on our worst enemies.  Storms that threaten to leave devastation for years to come.  Storms that came out of know where - storms you didn't see coming and then - WHAM.

If you are in a storm or in life's dark seasons,  I pray that the Scriptures below will give you some encouragement.

Now here's the deal:

1. If one of these passages resonates in your heart, write it on an index card.  Put it on your refrigerator; your mirror; carry it in your pocket.  These words can serve mightily as they are the Words of God - comforting you at just the right time.  Often, when we are feeling the worst.
2. Share a verse that carried you through life's dark storms.  Over the weekend - refer back to see encouragement from other people.

(Note:  To leave a comment:  Double click on the title of the post.  (This carries to the site).  Scroll down and leave a comment.)  

2 Chronicles 20:1-30, 
:3, "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord...
:12, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
:15, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's.

Psalm 27

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweet over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned up; the flames will not set you ablaze."

:5, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, Who summons you by name."

Isaiah 50:10, "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?  Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."

Zechariah 9:12, "Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you."

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us."

John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Be encouraged, sweet friend.  Your God sees you and loves you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5)

Is your Soul Thirsty?


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What does Knowing God REALLY Mean?

Thank you blog readers for helping us with our golf tournament fundraiser.  You have helped tremendously!  We are grateful for your generosity.     The final things needed are:

1.  Tee Sponsorships -  This is a great and inexpensive way to advertise your business.  (I just need 3!)

2.  Prizes for our raffle - Restaurant certificates; manicure/pedicure certificate; car washes; family fun centers; art work; books, coolers, Starbucks Gift Card, Gas Gift Card -   Thank you so much for your help:)

Psalm 63:5

"My soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods."

One of you sent me a note with your golf donation recently that contained one of the most poignant thoughts.  You said, "Knowing God is what life is all about."  

Girlfriend...  Well said!  That about sums it up!

Knowing God... is what life is about.  It's not just a one time occurrence that garners "fire insurance" and ends with a dunking or a sprinkling.

It's SO much more.

If this is all knowing God is to you - you're selling yourself short on all God desires to give you. Do you realize that knowing God is knowing: 

• the Creator and Founder of all life? 
• It's knowing your final destination when you breathe your last -
• it's knowing your sins are forgiven - all of them.  Even the stupid things you've done -
• it's knowing you don't have to live with guilt and condemnation for those stupid things - 
• it's knowing Security when circumstances in your life breed insecurity;
• it's standing in courage instead of fear because you KNOW the One Who holds you.
• it's knowing deep down joy and contentment when life is far from "fun";
• it's having soul peace when your circumstances scream chaos;
• it's a life of purpose and meaning - 

God is knowable.  He's not far away or distant.  He's really close.  In fact, I can tell you with great certainty:  He's as close to you as YOU want Him to be.  

If you want Him to be far - DONE.  He'll stand back and not interfere.

If you want Him to be close -  Giddy up!  He longs to draw near to you.

But hear me -  when we come to Him, we can't come to the God we want Him to be or the God we think He is...  Otherwise, He would be a little "g" god.  We must come to the God of the Bible. And we must come on His terms.

• 1st through Jesus -
• 2nd with a heart that is willing to do life on His terms.

I remember when God was the button I pressed when trouble came.   True peace and joy?   I didn't have deep down in your soul peace. I lived with insecurity, guilt and condemnation.   Fear and worry often dominated my thoughts and I was addicted to the approval of others.  

Because of KNOWING GOD, I rarely battle these issues anymore.  God is not the button I press - 

He's my life.  He's my everything.   I've learned to do life through the effective, results oriented prism of His Word. 

Do you know Him?   Girlfriend, He's knowable.  Don't cut yourself short.   Knowing God IS what life is all about.  

Something different today - 

I encourage you, to take your Bible and meditate on these Scriptures.  These passages will open your eyes to what you may be missing if God is your button.

• Psalm 63:1-5
• Acts 17:28
• 1 Corinthians 2:9
• John 1: 1-12

Click HERE to learn more about Knowing God.

Seizing the TIME While We Can

Golf  - Thank you to everyone who responded to last week - Your help is SO APPRECIATED.  (See below)

Exodus 18:20
"You must instruct them in the laws and the teachings,

show them how to live and tell them what to do."

I am fortunate enough to drive my teenage boys to school every morning.  But last January, I had an epiphany:

My son will be driving himself to school in the very near future.  

PANIC!!!! 

It’s a blessing and a curse.

On the one hand, I will have an ENORMOUS amount of time to clean my house (NOT!!!!) 

On the other, it will END some cherished quality time with my boys. I mean, they are FORCED to listen to me for 45 minutes now.  It’s my own little dictatorship!

And then there's graduation!  I only have four short years before the oldest graduates. There are still many important lessons to instill.

Yeah, that's easy when the kids are young, but teenagers are a different breed:  technology is drawing them, and friends become the focus. 

Let’s see...(thinking to myself): How can I make this happen without sounding preachy? 

(PREACHY is the kiss of death for a teenage parent; it’s like the kids have a "preachy radar", and once anything NEAR "preachy" is detected - they’re GONE mentally.) 

The Lord clearly impressed the idea of a SHORT devotional for the drive to school.

Nothing too long. 

SHORT.  

I knew I’d lose them with a drawn out sermon. I just wanted something to get the conversation rolling. So, I bought a devotional and the boys took turns reading each day.

I'll be honest, this went over like a ton of bricks….. 

But I stuck with it. 

Topics have included:

• strength, 
• insecurity, 
• sound mind, 
• anxiety, 
• worry, 
• bullying, 
• celebrating, 
• temptation. 

I usually try to tell a story about my life as it relates to the devotion. 

About three, long weeks in, something miraculous happened:  my older boy, who by all outward appearances looked completely detached said -

“That was a good one Mom.”          !

Meaning, SOMETHING RESONATED with what was HAPPENING IN HIS LIFE…..Success!  

Before I knew it - we were laughing about some crazy situation at school and making up funny scenarios for it. (Most were not appropriate solutions, but sometimes it’s good to voice the ridiculous!) 

Now - the devotions are a given. The boys do not pull out their phones until the devotion is done.  Many times we share them at dinner with their Dad. 

The Bible is CHOCK FULL of wisdom.  We must remember:

• Instagram™ will not teach them, 
• Facebook™ will not teach them, and
• texting most definitely will not teach them. 

These are great fillers if used appropriately. (Truly:  I would not know what was happening in my nieces and nephews lives, if not for social media)  - but NOTHING can replace the time we spend FACE TO FACE with our kids.  Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

In the teen years, it's hard to tell what's going in and what's filtered out. Regardless, we can NEVER STOP DROPPING NUGGETS OF TRUTH.

One day, in the not so far future, they will hear HIS voice, because of your influence. There's no greater gift we can give our children!

Happy driving!

Golf needs:  

We need ten - 24 packs of water.  

Can you commit to one? two?  five?

5 pacakges of Lance Crackers  or Trail mix or   Planters Peanuts - This is the perfect size!

 

Thank you!  For more information 

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