Experience it for Yourself

Have you ever stood in awe underneath a miraculous starlit sky?  Have you had the privilege of seeing a colorful sunset; one that captures your heart?  Have you walked into a home filled with scents of baked goodness?  Has your body experienced the comfort of a soft bed after a long day in the world?

Thousands of experiences in this world excite our senses.  Each person processes outside stimulus differently.  I may love standing in a field of fresh cut grass admiring the rolling hills, taking in the smells of Spring and soaking in the sun.  Another may find this to be misery due to allergies, sensitivity to heat or just plain boredom. 

There are not enough words in the English language to explain the joy I feel with my first sip of coffee, watching a sunset, taking in the smell of Starbucks, seeing my children laugh, the beauty in nature, making a meal for the family or finishing a good workout.  These times excite my senses; but, trying to explain to another would not bring the same feelings to them.  We all have our own experiences that excite the senses. 

You just have to be there or see with your own eyes.  Some things cannot be explained enough for another to understand or feel the same. 

This world brings troubled times, stressed moments and immobilizing thoughts.  It takes strength to stand firm in the storms of this life.  Each person processes this world differently.  Just as we possess individualized senses, we possess unique characteristics that compute information received in various ways.  I cannot convince another person to share my opinion or observation of a situation.  I cannot manipulate another’s thought process to prevent emotions from flooding their mind. . . 

But I CAN walk alongside, offer a listening ear and speak Truth into another’s life.  There are not enough words in the English language to convince another person they are amazing, beautiful and wonderfully made for a purpose.  Just as I must experience times explained above for myself in order to excite my senses, a person must believe for themselves these Truths.  I CAN provide resources, offer up continuous prayer and engage in another’s life; but the individual must experience that moment at the Cross for themselves.  They must see clearly with their own eyes that God created them on purpose and with a plan in mind.

¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  1Thessalonians 5:10-11

My dear friends, this world works to tear us down.  Going to work, watching the news, seeing the violence, hearing the negativity, etc. eats away at our strength.  We must stand firm on His Truth and walk alongside one another.  It may take years for Truth to sink into another’s heart for them to believe it.  Don’t give up!  Pray daily for those around you.  Provide encouraging words.  Highlight the abilities in others, reflecting to them purpose in life.  We all have unique characteristics to complete God’s plan for this world. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to build someone up in this world that works diligently to tear them down.  Take the time to pour Truth into their minds.  In this world we will have trials.  In this world we will have busy schedules.  In this world we will have pain and sorrow.  But, take heart, our God has overcome all of this and is bigger than the difficulties in this world.  Keep your eyes on Him to not miss opportunity to shine His light. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig

My Greatest Weakness

My biggest strength is my greatest weakness

4-5 days a week, I spend my day completing an assessment on people. I note areas of impairment, abnormality or concern. I do this to assist in proper diagnosis and treatment for the person sitting across from me. The doctor takes my assessment and finds the best way to help the person reach optimal health. 

Being a nurse, I notice features of people.  I evaluate concerns, difficulties, the environment and each situation I encounter.  I run countless thoughts through my mind in hopes to reach a solution or favorable outcome.  My mind never stops.

My biggest strength is my greatest weakness

In my younger years, I played basketball.  I assessed constantly.  I evaluated the game, the defense tactics and the plays our team conducted.  My position was point guard; therefore, I called the shots (no pun intended) during the game.  I ran countless thoughts through my mind in hopes to choose the right play to win the game.

My biggest strength is my greatest weakness

As a parent and wife, I assess constantly.  I evaluate our schedules, circumstances and difficulties.  I plan meals daily according to the jammed packed day.  I run countless thoughts through my mind in hopes to choose correctly in discipline, love and care for my loved ones.  I work to engage enough in their lives to reveal the love I hold for each of them.

The above scenarios exhibit my biggest strength: I am observant toward others, the environment and situations requiring attention.  I assess life constantly.  In comes my greatest weakness.  I constantly evaluate myself, situations I face and the environment surrounding me.  The assessment creates a list of flaws and failures deeming myself unworthy.  In order to feel worthy, I run countless ideas through my mind in hopes to find one that will fix my problem or cover up my issue.

I never feel okay in my own skin.  Hence, my history with an eating disorder, OCD and anxiety.  Battling these have been quite difficult over the years.  I am happy to report the freedom from the first two which has come within the past 10 years.  The last, I still struggle.  The daily assessment feeds my anxiety.  I wake up each day fighting for worthiness in this world.  When I deem myself short of such in each situation, anxiety roars its ugly head. . .

The difference between me now and me 10 years ago?  I no longer run to ED for comfort or proof I am worthy.  I no longer allow compulsive behaviors to bring reassurance to my moment.  I have found Hope in my days.  I have found Truth to bring my roller coaster emotions to reality.  I have found Wisdom provided directly from my Creator.  The One who deemed me worthy.  The One who found purpose for me to come into this world.  The One who took me in His hands, created every fiber of my body and said, “Yes, this is it, this is who I want to carry out my plan.”  He created me.  He knows every one of my moments.  He provides a solution every time.

My Creator takes my assessment and perfects it.  He speaks into the marred image that my earthly vision observes.  He uses every failure for good as I hand it over to Him.  He reminds me of the beauty within.  He is helping me with my anxiety as I hand over my greatest weakness.  He takes that and turns it into my biggest strength.  He uses me to help others, pray for others and see a moment that another needs a smile or someone to listen.  He eases my anxiety by using me daily.

The same goes for you.  I am not special or set apart in any way.  You were created by God for a purpose.  He looked at you and said, “Yes, this is it, this is who I want to carry out my plan.”  Come to Him.  He will turn your greatest weakness into your biggest strength.  Seek His Truth for your day.  Bring your roller coaster emotions to the Cross.  Daily, live to serve Him and you will see amazing things happen.  

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig