Happy New Day

Each year we sit down, stare at a blank piece of paper and rate the past 364 days of our life.  The rating is based on what society deems ‘good’ and ‘bad’.  The decision for change comes from the opinions of others surrounding us daily.  Comparisons drive us to list how our lives should look in the next 364 days. 

Why do we do this to ourselves?  Why do we set ourselves up for failure?  Creating a list of things to change based on society and comparisons of those around us leads to disappointment, depression and defeat.

Disappointment stirs immediately upon creating a resolution list.  With focus on the past, the words, “I should have. . .”, and, “I wish I could have. . .”, steal any positive thoughts.  Negative focus leads to emotional damage, which leads to lack of motivation. 

Leave the past right where it lay and focus on success in the present moment.

Depression follows dwelling in the past.  One moment after another digs a hole for us to sit.  Unable to see any light, the spirit becomes weaker by the minute.  Darkness demolishes hope for the future. 

Remain in the Light to keep darkness at bay and Hope to guide each day.

Defeat comes after the moment we realize the resolution list contains unrealistic tasks.  The list calls for perfection deemed by society.  Perfection cannot be reached in this world.  Society consists of wavering expectations that, if striving to reach such, will cause us to lose our true selves in a hurry. 

Live as God intended. . .perfect in our imperfections. 

Take a good look in the mirror and smile at the creation staring back at you.  God created YOU.  God created ME.  He created each us fully knowing that mistakes will occur and sin remain.  Imperfect. . .He loves us.  Unworthy. . .He loves us.  Lost in darkness. . .He loves us.

          One realistic goal exists for each of God’s creations. . .seek Him first daily.

Each day wake up, look to God and stand confidently on His Truth.  Take one step at a time in full armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) and do the best you know how in the moment you are handed.  Yes, it is a new year; but, we should be working to mature in Christ every day given to us.  This should not be a yearly resolution list.  Throw away the blank paper before you, open His Word and begin living each day in Christ.  You will find life to be full of peace, purpose and passion. 

Peace stirs immediately upon reading His Truth and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst the chaos in this world.  With focus on the present, use words, such as, “I can do all things with the strength of Christ.”  Positive focus leads to emotional healing which leads to full motivation to live as God intends. 

Purpose reveals when dwelling on the ways to use all of life’s experiences to build His Kingdom.  Life deals terrible hands to all.  We all struggle in various ways to process life.  But, God promises to work all things out for good.  The Holy Spirit will intercede and speak on our behalf when words cannot come due to unimaginable situations in this world.  Rely on Him and He will come through for you.  He will use every moment and work mightily through you.

Passion comes as we realize this life is temporary.  God holds a place in His Kingdom for each believer.  He did not forget us.  He remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; unwavering, He provides a solid ground to stand on daily.  The love for life can be found when focusing on the Eternal life that waits for His believers.  We want to take as many people with us to Heaven; focus on reaching the lost, helping them see the love of Christ. 

You are worth more than society’s expectations.  You are loved more than you can imagine.  You are not a mistake and the past 364 days do not determine your ranking here in this world.  You are cherished.

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

This Changes Everything

Working the graveyard shift takes a toll on the body.  Hormones, organ function, sleep cycle, etc. were not made for night shift work.  Some can manage, adjust and end up loving the different schedule.  I, on the other hand, have tried and failed at making night shift work in my life. 

My body screams for regular sleeping pattern, eating habits, daylight and less caffeine intake.  Trying to sleep when the hour on the clock reveals daytime comes with difficulty.  It just ain’t happin’! 

 “¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1Thessalonians 5:16-18

I would like to share a few lessons learned over the past 4 months of night shift work. . .

Rejoice always:  I rejoice while driving to a job that provides financial stability for my loved ones.  I rejoice for the opportunity to be the hands that provide care to individuals in need of love, a smile, a hand to hold and tuck them in at night.  I rejoice during this chapter in life and appreciate all growth taking place. 

Pray continually:  Oh boy, do I pray continually!  I pray for strength to fulfill the requirements of being a nurse.  I pray for guidance, focus, love and patience for each 12 hour shift.  I pray for my children to understand why parents must be absent at times in order to earn money.  I pray for understanding when the toughest of moments seem to be written in this chapter.  I pray for help when tears want to fall. 

Give thanks:  Although I don’t have it all together, have no idea where this chapter may lead and feel lost most days; I am full of thanks.  I am thankful for recovery and watching as God leads me through circumstances with His strength.  I am thankful for the progress night shift provides in my recovery process.  I am thankful for the little things: having a husband who loves me with all his heart, children to help around the house and care for each other, time spent with loved ones and coffee (you gotta be thankful for coffee).  😊

Night shift is miserable for me.  Some love it!  I hate it!  But, I am not surprised of all the good that came thus far from working these hours.  Was taking this job the right choice for me?  Maybe, maybe not; but, with continual rejoicing, praying and shifting all thoughts to thanks, God is taking every moment lived and working it out for good.  I am confident of such Truth. . .          

“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 8:28

I stand firm on His Truth in this matter.  He takes my tears, exhaustion, worries and fears and uses them in this chapter.  This chapter is preparing me for whatever lay ahead.  The strength, confidence and eye-opening experiences each day/night work into His Plan for me. 

Knowing this Truth does not keep me immune to the enemy’s schemes.  The enemy prowls, looking to demolish all the good revealed in my story.  God defeats our enemy without even breaking a sweat. . .

My dear friends, wherever life may lead, know that God never leaves nor forsakes.  The decisions we make daily may cause difficult circumstances; but, laying each one at the Cross, rejoicing, praying and giving thanks changes everything.  Our spirit strengthens as Truth demands the enemy to vanish.  Our attitude brightens as thankfulness drowns out fear.  Our eyes open to God as conversation brings Him into every moment. 

Take this chapter in your life and walk confidently with God.  He always shows up.  He works in the situation to grow your spirit, preparing you for Eternity.  He holds a prosperous future for you.  Hang on dear friend!  Find the silver lining by filling your heart with Truth, worship our God and give thanks for the Eternal life He prepares for you. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time!  

Sheree Craig   

Trust the Builder

Construction sites appear disorganized, dangerous and damaged.  Only the builder can step back, glance at the site and see beauty.  The builder thought out each detail down to the type of nails to use and hang a portrait in the entryway.  Blueprints reveal a sketch for construction staff to follow and bring to life such destruction. 

Demolition begins the process; whether tearing down what once existed on the land or leveling out land to accommodate a sturdy foundation on which to build.  This piece of the deal sends my nerves firing.  Disorganization creates panic.  I see all that needs cleaned, put back together and I become overwhelmed. 

Once the old sits awry, dangerous environments exist.  Old nails linger in the dirt, wood thrown here and there and any other material hanging around to be hauled off.  “Watch your step or you might get hurt” kind of environment.  Wear proper equipment to keep from bodily harm at all times. 

How can such damaged area become beautiful again?  My mind lacks ability to envision the result until done.  My husband is the total opposite.  I see chaos, he sees beauty.  I see danger, he sees progress.  I see damage, he sees success. 

My husband is a smart man whom I absolutely adore.  He rarely stresses over a situation and typically holds the solution to any problem.  I, on the other hand, stress enough for both of us and need time to process a situation before reaching a solution.  Over the years, his patience rubs off on me; but, I have some progress to be made. 

Our journey in life correlates to a construction site – disorganized, dangerous and even damaged.  Only our Builder holds the vision of end results.  He sees the big picture.  He touched every fiber of our being during creation, placing us here with a purpose. 

Coming to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior begins the construction and formation of our purpose.  But first, demolition occurs.  We lived for years blinded by this world, on a whim, without Truth to guide decisions.  We built our life on sandy ground thus far. . .

” ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  Matthew 7:26

Demolition destroys the life of sin, the swaying of our spirit and levels out our life.  Clearing out all the lies, cleaning up the messy past causes danger to lurk with each step forward.  Satan works diligently to put the old mess back together while the Holy Spirit demands him to leave as God takes the mess to the Cross for transformation. 

Today, you may feel damaged.  Today, you may feel danger hovers.  Today, you may feel demolished.  Be encouraged dear friend, God holds the blueprints and He sees beauty behind the chaos, progress in the danger and success in the damage.  He knows the future and it holds prosperity for you.  Follow His Truth daily, cling to Him, walk with Him.  Let Him work day by day; but, do your part by placing on the proper equipment (His Armor), pray diligently and soak in His Truths by reading in the Bible daily. 

Once I make it through the construction process, I sit and admire the beauty my husband created.  He transforms an old, poor functioning space into a beautiful high efficient area in our home.  He works to bring comfort and joy to us in any way possible.  At an even greater level will God, our Father, transform the old, poor functioning self into a new, beautiful self with a mighty purpose in this world.  As we take Him as Lord and Savior, ultimate Leader of our lives, we build our life on a solid foundation. . .

²⁴ “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. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”  Matthew 7:24-25   

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Become Addicted

Confession:  I am addicted!

It is like that captivating novel, irresistible dessert, compelling adventure or the enticing cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day.  I keep coming back for more.  I provide 100% attention in its presence.  I look forward to opportunity to engage in such activity daily.  I am addicted!

I began the addiction early in the summer while thumbing through Netflix.  I am not one to be found on the couch watching nightly television.  Typically, the television displays a sports event with the kids and hubby gathered around. . .not my thing.  I provide the food and clean environment for their game watching. . .

BUT, now came the time for me to find an interest in television.  Grey’s Anatomy!  Despite the undisciplined, out of this world behaviors of each character, I am hooked.  I love each episode.  I could sit and watch it ALL day (confession: I have spent majority of many days watching it!).  I began at season one and plan to finish all seasons to bring me current.  Season eight begins in September and I want to know what happened to this point.  I am addicted!

Why does such a show filled with lying, back stabbing and drama captivate my mind?  Why is sitting on the couch (or carrying around my phone while working/cooking dinner – see told you – ADDICTED!) with eyes glued to this show so irresistible?  How can such a chaotic, unstable life of these characters be compelling?  What about each episode entices me to watch the next?

Well, I resonate with one of the main characters.  I live vicariously through some of the adventures the characters take on each day.  I am eager to see what decision will be made next.  I have shed tears with the characters, felt disappointment in choices made and laughed out loud on occasion.  My husband rolls his eyes.  My kids mock the desire to watch a television series. 

How would life be different if our story were captivating?  What would change if waking up each day was irresistible?  What experiences could we live out if life were compelling?  How would life be different if the path planned for us enticed rather than intimidated?

We spend too much time comparing.  We expel too much energy worrying.  We allow hours of life to pass without truly experiencing.  We tiptoe in fear rather than walk boldly in faith.

Life often becomes a thing we run from rather than towards.  Trials and troubles are too heavy to bear.  We feel less than adequate.  Why?  Lack of Spirit living and too great of flesh living.

¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  Romans 8:10-14

Stand firm on Truth today.  Let the Power of the Holy Spirit dwell within and work mightily in this day.  Quick comparing your path to others.  Neglecting to walk our own path leads to destruction.  The Spirit within will guide you and God will provide all you need to complete a day’s work.  No worries my friend. . .God’s got this!  Take time and see His presence in this moment – every moment.  Walk boldly in faith.

Become addicted to the plan God created for you.  Become so addicted to His plan that you come back every morning for more.  Provide 100% attention to His plan.  Come with eager minds, ready hands, willing feet and led by the Spirit.  Become addicted to your story!

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Which Finish Line Lay Ahead?

Preparation began the day prior to the event.  My son took it easy at practice to allow muscles to rest and rejuvenate.  The night came and he slept a solid 8 hours.  His body knew exactly what to do for the event; his mind just needed focus and determination.  He trained for weeks; but, fear of failing would slither into the situation.

Morning came and my son popped out of bed, dressed for the event, fueled his body and laced up his shoes.  The event: 3.1 miles across hilly terrain.  Each step taken toward the finish line revealed the hours of training put forth over the summer.  My son wanted to sleep in, would rather sit inside and threw out words of frustration throughout the summer.  We pushed him to get up and get moving.  We pushed slightly through his resistance; but, ultimately left the decision in his hands whether to quit or keep going.  Some days, he quit; other days, he chose to keep going despite the lack of motivation; and still a few days, he ran with full determination toward a specific goal. 

Standing at the start line, my sweet son mapped out a plan for the race.  He understood what pace should be maintained.  He was bound and determined to win his age group.  The whistle blew to start.  My son paced well, picturing the finish line with every step forward and keeping his mind focused on the prize.  Determined, he ran.  Motivated, he paced.  Focused, he finished.

We cooled down together and discussed aspects of the race.  He was unsure of where his time would place in the standings.  He ran the fastest race thus far in life.  Sprinting across the finish line brought joy, revealed results of hard work and sent his confidence through the roof.  As we walked around, I reminded him to focus on the improvements in his own time and avoid comparing to others.  He worked hard throughout the summer, we pushed him and it showed that day. 

My son received a medal that day representing 3^rd place.  Frustrated, angry and disappointed, my son sat with his head down.  Once he processed through the initial emotions of defeat, these same emotions that tore down in the moment began to build a bridge to motivation.  He set new goals, focused on a plan and moved forward.  He knew the results did not determine worth. . .but, did determine his next steps. 

How often in life do we allow circumstances to determine our worth?  How often do we stew in defeat?  We prepared endless hours, dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s.  The day comes, failure lurks above and we freeze in our tracks.  We lose focus, put aside motivation and squash determination.  Why try if our standing is less than perfect? 

We work too hard here to feel desirable by the world’s standards.  Each day sets us up for a choice:  step out focused on the world or walk boldly with God?  What are you preparing for right now?  Take time to answer. . .

Preparing for this world leaves emptiness.  Exhaustion comes after long hours training for a prize that fades away quickly.  Determined to finish, we run in the wrong direction.  Motivated by pride, we fail to pace.  Focused on standings in the world, we finish unfulfilled.  We may receive a prize, a promotion, an “Atta boy” or a relationship. . .but, none of it lasts.  We ran the wrong race.

Preparing for Eternal life in Heaven fills our heart, mind and soul.  Peace follows the hours of training your mind to focus on Truth.  Determined to finish, we run toward God.  Motivated by love, we pace with patience.  Focused on Heaven, we finish as a good and faithful servant.  Receiving the prize planned by God lasts for eternity.  Our bodies were made for God’s race; our minds just need focus, determination and motivation.  God will push you when needed; but, ultimately, the decision is up to you. 

Are you running the correct race?      

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Removing the Safety Nets in Life

“Trust me my child.”  “Keep pedaling, I am holding tight to the seat until you are ready.”

That moment as the parent stands over the bike, screwdriver in hand, and a child watches the safety net be taken right from under them.  Years of taking on the road without any fear whatsoever come to a halt.  Every day the child put on a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, tightly tied shoes and faced the road ahead.  The comfort of knowing two little wheels maintained balance kept the child confident.  Any time a little wobble occurred, the training wheels took effect.

Now, the parent steps in and says the time has arrived.  Anxiety fills the child with thoughts of failure flowing throughout.  The parent promises to stay alongside until the child shows readiness to take off.  At that point, the parent becomes a spectator, present if anything should happen. 

Training wheels off, the child places on proper equipment and boards the bike.  The child has seen the work of the parent for years now and trusts in the promises made.  The parent was there as the child learned to crawl.  Then again when the child learned to walk.  And yet again when it was time to separate and attend school.  History reveals a reliable, loving and smart parent.  The child decides to pedal.  The child takes off in faith.

Where are you today?  Are you crawling, walking, utilizing training wheels or standing there with screwdriver in hand desiring to remove the comfortable routine?

 ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:4

Perseverance:  continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. 

Facing a new chapter in life can be quite scary.  You may open to the same page every morning, desiring to live out what is written in front of your eyes; yet, your feet remain concrete blocks unable to move.  You watch as others live out what is written for your life.  Confidence gets lost somewhere and so you remain in the current chapter of life. 

The problem comes when the current position in life fails to accomplish God’s plan.  Sitting in comfort stagnates faith, dims His light and we remain immature.  Lacking the God confidence required in this life halts the writing of our story.  God has mighty work for each of His children sent from Heaven.  He did not send us here by chance or on a whim.  He planned, perfected and published our story during creation in the womb. 

Our story waits to be lived.  How great our God to spell it out, page by page, for us.  Recall all the promises fulfilled in life and know that He will be there in each chapter.  He will never leave nor forsake.

Remember the day a loved one walked out on you. . .He was there to hold you.

Remember entering a foreign environment. . .He provided the words to speak and connect with others.

Remember the painful nights full of tears. . .He was there to catch every one of them.

Remember beginning a new career/school. . .He helped you learn the ropes and used you in mighty ways.

Remember when. . .

History reveals an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God!  He does not change.  No matter the circumstance, no matter the chapter faced in life, no matter what you have done in the past. . .He is there!  Remove the safety nets in life and step out into the unknown.  Watch God work in each chapter.  Walk in faith, in God confidence and know He will shine bright for all to see. 

Take that first step. . .put on the full armor of God and trust. . .

“Trust Me my precious child.”  “Keep walking forward, I am holding tight to your hand until you are ready.”

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Visible Evidence of the Invisible

The pilot announced the descent and the seat belt sign lit up.  My daughter and I watched while the plane broke through clouds and ventured toward the landing strip.  Endless sky, puffy clouds, beauty beyond description!  Suddenly, colors hovered over a group of clouds. . .a vivid rainbow.  We viewed the start (too bad it was not the end – no pot of gold for us!) and saw it disappear to the ground below.  The sight took my breath away.

The view from the beach reveals and endless sea meeting up with blue sky.  Clouds hover, white mixed with gray.  Thunder claps, lightning strikes.  The show begins with heavy raindrops pelting our skin.  I look to the right and the showers intensify over the water, heading straight for our family.   It was amazing to watch the storm enter the scene, yet altering our plans.  Our umbrella flipped inside out and my daughter and I fled the scene.  My son and hubby stay in the rain, experiencing the storm alongside the sea creatures. 

The evening brought a moment desired for a long time.  A moment I could check off a goal list.  My husband and I ate dinner seaside, the sun still tucked away nicely behind cloud covering.  An opening appeared between cloud lining and sea.  I knew God would bring the sun out in time to paint a beautiful sunset into the sea.  Post dinner, we sat and waited for the moment.  The sun broke cloud, shone brightly on the sea and began descent.  Colors filled the sky, changing minute by minute.  The moment just as I imagined. 

God reveals His presence in the beauty above.  Mankind cannot manipulate the artistic power of God.  Never the same, the sky keeps life interesting.  Storms, sun, clouds, clarity or vivid color schemes catch my eye daily.  I absolutely love it!  The painting of the sky presents visible evidence of the invisible. 

My dear friends, there will always be a rainbow after the storm.  You may need to look closely, but it is there.  Trudging through the toughest of times will bring exhaustion along with countless other emotions.  The rainbow will come and take your breath away.  The weight lifted, tears wiped away and beauty from ashes reveal.  Hang on for the rainbow.

Storms come in without warning.  One minute life moves swiftly, comfortably and predictable; then, looking to right, the storm comes at you fast.  Before any movement can be made, the situation intensifies and pain hovers over each day.  No mechanism can protect from experiencing the storm.  Fleeing the scene does not take away the pain nor progress through healing.  We must remain and grow, experiencing the storm alongside God. 

Often, we wait for a moment long desired.  Patience builds emotion, faith, trust and strength.  God knows exactly how moments need to be played out to accomplish purpose in life.  He does truly work ALL things out for good.  But, patience must be present to experience a moment.  If we try to make things happen in our timing, we cheat ourselves of the moment.  We miss the full experience, the appreciation to the Maker of all things and we begin relying on the world to provide a moment.  The world will not fulfill, wait patiently to experience the moments planned by God.  Patience produces maturity.  Maturity leads to strength.  Strength reveals the light of Christ for others to see.  The light of Christ breaks through the flesh, making His presence known so others may be saved. 

God’s presence exists all around to be seen.  He will never leave nor forsake.  In the storms of this life, He protects, guides, loves and progresses us through.  He creates beauty from the darkest of times.  He holds the power to heal.  Hold on in this life my dear friends and recognize His presence in all circumstances.  Acknowledge, Believe, Confess and Devote every moment to the Cross!

     

Life is beautiful through God’s eyes.  The Light of this world shines for you.  Soak it up, share it to all you meet. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

The Spirit Knows Better

Recently I ventured out in a “glorified school bus”, as my son described it, through swamps, marsh and endless land inhabited by various creatures.  I, being quite the worrisome little individual, experienced a roller coaster of emotions on this journey.  The tour led through high waters, across acres of land filled with countless creatures.  My eyes and ears could not keep up. 

We met up with the pasture filled with cattle.  The tour guide lured the animals to the bus with corn.  The cattle displayed much beauty with various color schemes for their hides.  Interesting fact:  Cattle reproduce throughout the year, one bull to several cows, all on their own in the pasture.  The young rely on their mom to care for all needs until becoming strong enough to fend for self.  Generation after generation come through the pasture land fulfilling the same purpose.  Each focus on the goal set before them and survive daily while enjoying the land provided. 

Continuing along the path, we met up with Osceola.  Osceola lives in an enclosure.  She receives food once daily and hundreds of visitors come to say hello.  She roams the enclosure throughout the day, finding shade to cool from the high heat of Florida.  She enjoys life alone. 

We discovered various plants, trees and growth, learning more than I can remember.  One fern caught our eye while walking the land at our midway stop.  It is the resurrection fern which lives along the bark of trees.  Water replenishes the fern to display a beautiful green growth along the bark.  In droughts, the fern shrivels to a gray clump of leaves.  Once water returns to the plant, it comes back to life and beauty is revealed. 

The tour included alligators, sandhill cranes, whistling ducks, egrets, quarter horses, etc.  The tour traveled through a ford, filling the bus with water up to the third step and along land of various elevations.  We saw vegetation of all kinds.  I learned much and realized how wildlife really understand purpose in life.  I learned vegetation grows in proper conditions but can be restored even if death creeps in the season. 

See, each animal lives according to the plan and purpose of their kind.  The cattle focus on the daily grind of grazing the land, reproducing when the time comes and caring for their young.  Osceola remains alone, content in the enclosure and surviving the heat with times of rest.  A resurrection fern waits alongside a tree bark knowing water will come to restore life; yet, until water comes, it remains clinging tightly to the tree for survival.  The examples could continue forever.  At creation, creatures, vegetation and humanity came with a purpose.  God looked at all serving the purpose planned and said, “It is very good.”

What happened?  What changed?  
Why such turmoil in this world? 
 Why evil among humanity?

Well, my dear friends, I believe we can take some lessons from wildlife and vegetation found throughout the world.  A panther does not work diligently each day to be an alligator.  A fern does not lay down and give up in drought; but, waits and knows this too shall pass.  Cattle do not condemn themselves for living in simplicity of caring for young and grazing land. 

Sin consumes humanity, changes perspective, darkens peace and challenges our spirit daily.  The flesh desires contentment.  The flesh seeks the world.  The spirit knows better.

     

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  Romans 8:13

Stop comparing!  We cannot be anyone other than who God created.  Stand firm in the importance God planned for your life.  He wants YOU, not a fake, glorified version of you. 

Refuse to quit!  In this evil world sin will cause trouble, trials and tribulation beyond what the flesh can handle.  Thankfully, we have a Creator yearning to live within us daily to overcome anything blocking our path.  His power wins every time.

Avoid condemnation!  You were placed, chosen and created for a purpose.  One assignment under your name.  Your existence matters to God and His Kingdom.  That alone should maintain your daily motivation.  Every small step, every beautiful word and every place you are involved matters!  You matter!

Enjoy this journey by focusing on your path.  Know that God guides.  His spirit is within you.  Trust Him. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

I Have Had Enough!

Rigid = prison

Rigid = solitary confinement in prison

Rigid = starvation sitting in solitary confinement in prison

Rigid = leads to death through starvation sitting in solitary confinement in prison

Rigidity sucks the very life out of Every. Single. Day.  Rigidity prevents maturity.  Rigidity builds walls, one brick at a time, around our heart, soul and mind. 

Flexibility – Leniency – Gentleness – Tolerant – Broken! 

Flexibility allows God to use His vessels He deemed worthy enough to bring into this world.  Leniency opens tightly closed hands, bringing readiness to serve.  Gentleness calms a storm.  Tolerant offers grace.  Broken is Beautiful!

God, make me broken.  Provide the strength to break down the brick walls.  Give me a spirit filled with gentleness and open my tightly closed hands to walk the path paved for me.  I approach the Cross today, with ideas of what the future may be for my family; but, God, I may be wrong.  Help me, guide my feet as I humbly approach You this day! 

Too long!  I have had enough!  I quit!  I am starving to death sitting in solitary confinement of my own prison!

Rigidity consumes Every. Single. Day.  It has been used for a survival tool in the years of chaos.  I used rigidity to build walls of protection, safety and comfort.  Problems accumulated as I denied the angels sent by my Heavenly Father to help me through the chaos.  I refused help from anyone except my rigid self.  Rigidity built rules to follow and strengthen prison walls.  I found that every day another rule developed; therefore, I could not keep up with it all and constantly felt failure.  The rules moved further and further from reality.  I lived in a prison.  I live in a prison. 

Approaching the Cross December 2003 with a frail frame, malnourished, blurred vision, weak hands and unrecognizable to self, God waited with open arms.  The long journey to the Cross felt like an eternity. Even then, approaching the Cross did not break down all the walls, open the prison doors and cause rigidity to erase from my vocabulary. . .

Be patient my dear friend, God is working in you.  He is working in me.  I am excited every time a brick breaks to pieces and another portion of the rigid wall falls.  It hurts.  It scares me to no end.  It changes everything.  I learned rigidity cannot be present because the walls block my Heavenly Father from working mightily through my life.  On December 18, 2003, God began taking one brick at a time away at a pace He knows I can handle.  The prison doors are open wide and the walls are being demolished. 

Will you approach the Cross today?  Will you allow God to break down the walls?  Be patient my dear friend, God works at the most perfect speed!  Let us walk through this world broken, being remade for God.  Let us tolerate only what His Word says is true.  Let us be gentle, focusing on the needs of others despite our rigid plan.  Let us lay down at the Cross every morning, allowing leniency and flexibility to His plan occur.       

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.  Proverbs 16:3

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig