Give Hope Control

If you have not viewed the movie, “Inside Out”, I suggest renting it tonight!  It depicts the lifespan of memories, uproar of emotions, importance of expressing such emotions and an overall wonderful storyline.

 

Everybody encounters emotions.  Baptismal waters wash clean the sin from the past, creating a new person in Christ.  Following God daily defines a Christian.  Do Christians sin?  Do Christians make mistakes?  Do Christians encounter storms in life?  Do Christians remain euphoric?

Being a Christian does not exempt from trials and tribulations.  Christians will sin; for, we ALL fall short of God’s glory every single day.  Mistakes consume some days in the life of a Christian.  NO; Christians do not remain euphoric with a constant smile. 

The same Creator touched every fiber of a Christian and non-Christian.  The same Creator breathed life into ALL, holding a special purpose for each.

We all experience emotions as depicted by the suggested movie: anger, sadness, joy, fear, disgust!  At any moment, one emotion may take over the controls. . .even in a Christian.  There is a profound difference:  Christians take each emotion to the Cross; while, non-Christians take each emotion to the world.  Though emotions may flood a situation, Hope overpowers and demands control after allowing the emotion felt.  Each emotion holds validity (the whole reason God provided emotion); but, reaction defines Christian vs. non-Christian. 

Hope never leaves.  Hope never forsakes.  Hope never changes.  Hope never steers wrong.

Do you have Hope?

Hope did not appear in the cast of “Inside Out”.  But, Hope filtered into the storyline if viewed through God’s eyes.  Hope comes in to rescue in times of trouble.  Hope comes in to celebrate in times of pleasure.  Hope comes in to comfort in times of sadness.  Hope comes in to calm in times of fret.  Hope comes in to reconcile in times of rage.

Do you have Hope?

Have you ever experienced a day that felt as though every emotion in your mind decided to fight for control?  Have you ever experienced a day when only bad memories came to view?  It was probably a Monday, right?

I had one not too far in the past.  I could not see beyond the fog of negativity.  Hope stood amongst the chaos waiting. . .and waiting. . .and waiting!  It took many hours of exhausting emotional battle to lay down in surrender.  I knew where to take all this, but my flesh kept pouring concrete around my feet preventing any movement toward Hope. 

Having a rough day, week, month or year is okay.  The chaos of all these emotions may bring exhaustion.  Our past fills the memory lane and replays in efforts to decide our future.  Stand firm in Truth.  Run to Hope.  Surrender at the Cross.

Our past builds isles upon isles of mile high shelves filled with memories.  Some good, some bad; but, NONE which define our core being.  God created every fiber of our being with purpose.  I can guarantee His purpose for you and I does not include living in the past.  Memories serve us well in one way: to remind that we are not where we used to be!  We have matured along the way and learned from each moment. 

Living as a Christian, the learning can be difficult at times.  The enemy works diligently to shoot down any progress by stirring chaos amongst emotions.  Memories trickle in one by one to validate emotions.  The flesh becomes prideful, seeking restitution for the past.  Hope stands amongst the chaos and waits with open arms. 

Allow Hope to be your guide.  Follow God with each step.  Take every emotion in every situation to the Cross.  Hope will embrace and settle down emotional chaos.  Hope will take captive the controls and make the body – inside and out – obedient to Christ.  Thus, display a Christian for others to see and desire to become. 

⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5   

  

Our memories, every day reactions, display of emotions and humility allow us to be God’s Hand and Feet!

It’s Wednesday!  Ask Hope into every moment today?

Live life. . .One Day at a time!  

Sheree Craig   

Why Limit to One Day a Year?

Valentine’s Day is 100% a Hallmark holiday.  My son rolls his eyes at the attempt of various products to display love on Valentine’s Day.  From heart-shaped marshmallows to bouquets of flowers, consumers can find thousands of ways to express love for another. 

Why one day of the year?  Why expressed through food?  Why save a date night for February 14^th? 

What if EVERY day were treated as Valentine’s Day?  What if EVERY day we worked to express the love felt for another?  What if. . .?

Growing up, I cannot remember the words spoken in our home or hugs being shared.  I viewed love as work.  I understood love as a constant seeking approval of the other person.  If disappointment came, then the other person would not love me.  I worked for years to receive love by pleasing others.

 

A crazy cycle began and continued for years.  I worked for love.  If failure to receive, I shamed myself and worked to ‘fix’ the problem.  If success occurred, I walked in pride and continued to do for the other. 

The craziness stopped when I hit rock bottom.  I could not recognize the one staring back in the mirror.  I transformed Sheree to fit the needs of others in hopes to be loved.  I had the process completely wrong and thus hated myself. 

Love is expressing it to another.  Love is embracing one another daily.  Love is placing another’s needs above your own.  Love is serving one another.  Love is spending time with one another. 

Love cannot be used as an ultimatum.  Love cannot be one sided.  Love cannot be spoken void of expression.  Love must be shared. 

I married an individual full of patience.  My husband walked alongside while I learned what love meant and how to experience it.  My husband loves wholeheartedly always.  He will not hesitate to wrap his arms around me regardless of outward appearance.  He loves daily. 

 ⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  John 4:7-10

How do we learn love?  Seek Him Who is Love!  We should love everyday just like God.  Read His Truths and learn what love in action looks like.  We should love endlessly and reveal His presence in our lives.  We should provide enough love that when we leave this Earth, others will have enough to last them until we meet again.  The memories left behind will bring a smile to our loved one’s face. 

Love in action: Listen attentively – Offer time – Validate feelings – Encourage daily!

Listen with full attention given to the speaker.  Hone in on every word to reach an understanding of the other’s thoughts, feelings and stories.   

Offer time in the schedule to spend next to a loved one.  Show the other how important they stand in your life by giving time.  Without a second thought, we fill our calendar with ‘worldly’ activities or say yes to all positions presented; yet, we find it hard to give time to loved ones. 

Validate the other’s feelings in a matter even if yours differ.  Each allowed to express feelings, forms a bond, builds trust and begins a relationship that cannot be broken. 

Encourage one another at every opportunity.  Walking in marriage, parenting, friendship or any other relationship can become tiring.  Encouragement keeps the flame burning.  God asks us to encourage and pray for one another daily. 

It’s MONDAY!  Who needs LOVE today?

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Be Careful When Searching

The world lay at our fingertips.  Conversations exists from one country to another daily.  Planes fly from one side of the country to the other with ease.  Phones operate by satellite and no longer require cords.  Anyone can be discovered thanks to the Google machine.  Accessibility remains constant.

The Internet replaces thousands of jobs.  The Internet becomes your doctor, plumber, mechanic, counselor, teacher, preacher, etc.  What did we do years ago without such power at our fingertips?  How in the world did we survive without all this knowledge presented with one click?

We waited in an office to visit an educated individual and discover a diagnosis.  We sought a friend to help fix a household concern.  We worked together with dad to fix an old clunker.  We reached for someone with ‘skin on’ to seek solutions to life’s difficulties.  We traveled to and sat in a building to learn or receive spiritual guidance/teaching. 

Man, life was rough, right?  Life encouraged fellowship, communication, relationship and memories.  Life presented less worry, depression and addiction.  These still existed, but with less severity and we didn’t face it alone.

I am just as guilty as the next in the use of Internet, texting and YouTube.  But, I will say that nothing beats a good conversation face to face.  Nothing replaces a solid hug from a friend.  Nothing consoles like receiving help/understanding from an expert in the matter.  Absolutely nothing fills my soul and builds strength like standing in church worshiping my Father in Heaven. 

The Internet can offer research based, educated answers to thousands of concerns/questions.  The Internet can save money and time.  The Internet can provide connections otherwise impossible.  But, be careful in choosing a website found through a Google search.  Be careful in typing just any URL in the search bar.  Be careful!

Misrepresentation leads to increased problems.  Facade leads to building relationships on a rocky foundation.  Uneducated information leads to spending more money/time in the end.

 

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  Matthew 7:15

Be careful!  Keep your eyes on Jesus!  The world will work diligently to replace each of God’s Truths with convincing lies.  Deceit surrounds and moves in swiftly to break a solid foundation.  False prophets walk next to you proclaiming to know Jesus.  Be careful when searching for counsel.  Be careful when seeking information to guide each step. 

Don’t let quick and convenient replace patience and prayer.  The Truth lay at your fingertips.  Conversation can occur from Heaven to you daily.  Anyone can discover the Power of God.  Anyone can search for Him and find Him waiting patiently with open arms.  He is constantly accessible.  God offers Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

You may allow the Internet provide desired answers, explain a procedure or describe a condition; but, do not allow ANYTHING in this world to replace the guidance from God.  He holds the answers.  Seek Him in relationship.  He will embrace, protect, explain and walk right alongside in any situation.  Be careful, my friend, not to lose Him amongst the world’s conveniences and quick fixes.       

It’s THE WEEKEND!  Take a break from the world and have a conversation with God.

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

The Black and White Pages

Our Story is one that you cannot put down!

Don’t judge a book by its cover!  We are all guilty of walking into bookstore or library, scanning the shelves and picking up a book based on the illustrated cover.  Something about the image catches attention and desire to begin on page one to discover the story line.

An author and illustrator take hours deciphering through thousands of images in their mind.  The desired image will draw a reader to grab the book, begin reading and continue until the last page.  Knowing full well that beauty will catch a reader’s eye, risk occurs for too much emphasis to be placed on the cover; all the while, neglecting focus on the black and white pages between.

The front of a book captures the eye of the reader, while the back engages the mind of a reader.  A summary placed on the back leaves the reader desiring more!  These hold major importance in captivating the audience; but, the black and white between the two explain the cover in detail.  The pages between can contain mystery, cliff hanging chapters, love, death, sadness, anger, etc.  Every emotion stirred in the reader often keeps them coming back for more.  Every explanation to action often opens the reader’s eye to understanding each character.

Do you hide behind YOUR COVER?  Are you afraid of judgement based on YOUR COVER?  Do you ever wish someone would take time to read the pages of YOUR STORY to understand daily actions?

How much time is spent in perfecting our cover?  We paint, straighten, tuck, enhance, disguise, etc. to create a cover worthy by the world’s standards.  We leave the house with full intention to capture the eye of the world.  We work diligently to captivate the audience standing before us.

How much emphasis lands on our cover?  Spending hours perfecting our cover leads to neglecting enhancement of what lay beneath.  We miss out on life, the story written each day and begin to shame our core character.  The mirror becomes our biggest critic.

How much of our story do we hide behind our cover?  Hiding the black and white pages of our story will ultimately lead to others concocting their own opinions based on action, words and our cover.  Thus, cycling the craziness back around to the importance of perfecting our cover to impress.  We work to present some glorious image while hiding our true selves.

While our cover remains important, it should not be afraid to let others in and explore the black and white pages beneath.  Our story creates a ministry God planned for our lives.  Our story matters to God and He will work every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter out for His good.  We must not hide such power, glory and presence of God by placing emphasis on the cover and neglecting the black and white.

Soften your cover.  Allow others to understand your story.  You will be amazed at the response, understanding and love received.  Your story will lead others to share their story.  Your story will be one others cannot put down.

Assure that God holds the pen.  Assure that Truth seeps into every page of your story.  There will be mystery, cliff hangers, love, death, sadness, anger and countless other emotions; but, take every word written to the cross and allow God to use it for His Kingdom.  Your story matters and You matter to God!  You are beautiful.  Share your story today!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  Galatians 1:10

It’s A NEW DAY!  Who needs to delve into the black and white pages of your life?  

Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

Roll With the Punches

My son joined Show Choir this year.  I am absolutely proud of this boy and grin from ear to ear every time I watch the performance.  I pray he stands firm in the confidence displayed when stepping on that stage.  He does not think twice about opinions of other students.  He confidently states the truth:  Show Choir is fun, difficult and considered a “sport” just like any other organized competition between teams.  He proudly sings and dances.

The last performance brought a few “roll with the punches” moments.  I volunteered backstage to help with costume change.  My stomach churned in knots just watching the pressure these kids encounter prior to stepping on stage.  Everything done must fit into the time allotted.  This particular event provided 25 minutes the moment the stage crew steps over the ‘magic line’ until all equipment exits the stage at the end.  This may seem like a while, but with all that needs done, this time is very little.

After the stage was setup, the kids walked out perfectly.  Each stood in their position and smiled.  Time ticked and no music began the show.  Each stood in their position and smiled and smiled and smiled.  Come to find out, the judges waited for proper tools to begin the show.  Our team did fantastic with the delay and did not allow such to bring them down.  They followed this delay with a phenomenal performance.

Costume change went smoothly.  Solos projected without flaw.  Choreography occurred exactly as practiced.  Applause exploded as the kids bowed and exited stage left.  We were told to exit stage left as well with all the equipment.  But, the stage crew was told to exit stage right.  Therefore, some went left and some went right.  All confused, we finally gathered all equipment/props and exited stage left.  We maintained the time-frame of 25 minutes.  It all worked out for good!

Much learned and much to talk about on the drive home.  I did not view any other Show Choir that evening; but, I do stand strong in the opinion that our kids rocked the stage!  My son did not receive best performer; but, he will forever be best performer in my books.  He improved greatly since last performance.  He dances with greater comfort.  He sings louder.  He keeps the proper expression throughout the show.  He Rocks!

Life provides multiple performances.  Each presents countless “roll with the punches” moments.  We can prepare, practice and perform to our best ability; yet, still fall short.  We can have support and encouragement surrounding the moment; yet, still feel alone.

Prepare – dive into God’s Word daily!  Without proper equipment, we will never find strength to endure life.  The armor of God must be placed tightly against the flesh.

Practice – put into play His Word.  Apply it to every moment.  Speak Truth into every thought.  Think about such Truth before going out in the world and engaging in life.  Think through actions and put them up against Truth to assure the action is in alignment.

Perform – go at life with His Power exploding in you!  The Power within is greater than any moment faced in life.

Roll with the punches.  When life places time limits, do your very best with God guiding every step.  When life throws out a delay in the itinerary, use every opportunity to shine His Light onto all around.  When life says go left or right, stand firm with God and go straight!  Trust God, not this world.  Follow His Way, allow His Will and you will forever be best performer in His books!

You will fall short due to imperfection of flesh.  His Power shines through our imperfections.  His Grace covers all shortcomings.  His Love embraces you with every performance.  You are not alone!  He will work all out for good as you love, trust and hope in Him!

It’s MONDAY!  Are you ready to “roll with the punches”?  

Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

The Hat Rack

My line of work requires countless “hats” to be worn.  The storyline determines the hat chosen from the rack.  Request often come in for a new “hat” to be placed on the rack.  I wear scrubs each day; but, I am NOT just a school nurse.  I do NOT sit around all day checking for head lice and handing out ice packs.  I leave work heavily burdened with the world.  I leave work running for home to find peace in this troubled times.  I leave work often feeling as though I failed.

Deciphering which “hat” to wear with each story remains the difficult part of each day.  One child needs the mom hat – a hug, reassurance that all will be okay for the next 7 hours and a smile.  Another child needs the disciplinary hat – education on behavior, respect and how to show kindness to others.  Then there is the child needing the nurse hat – suffering from acute or chronic illness, education is required for the child to learn self-care and proper techniques for treatments.  Other hats include protector, listener, encourager, housekeeper, etc. 

My office offers up more than a place to go when feeling ill.  My office transforms to a sanctuary to heal any and every hurt imaginable.  A kid hurt your feelings – come to the nurse.  The bathroom was just too far to hold it – come to the nurse.  That painted line tripped you yet again – come to the nurse.  Breakfast could not fit into the craziness of the morning – come to the nurse.  The list is endless.  A school nurse is NOT just a person in scrubs.  A school nurse offers compassion when needed, love to many tears, medical care to the ill and a smile with every visit.

The impact the school nurse plays, along with every other staff member inside a school, will forever remain important.  Each child enters the building with a different story.  Each child enters the building carrying a heavy load.  Each child enters the building in need of a smile and listening ear. 

Some children dread breaks from school.  Why?  Because countless role models exist for them 7 hours of each weekday.  They love the place.  As a staff member inside a school, you stand on the front line.  You have such opportunity to be God’s mighty warrior and fight for little ones striving to understand this thing called life.  You have ability to turn a child’s misery into a grand ministry.  Your actions will forever leave a mark on the hearts of each child.      

During all the crazy occurring on most days, take a deep breath and remember the importance of your position.  This holds true for any individual present in the life of a child.  Children walk blindly through life, seeking a light to guide.  Children stumble and wait for a hand to help get back up.  Be that light.  Be that hand.  Be a mighty warrior for God. 

¹⁸ Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Deuteronomy 11:18-19

⁹ Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.  Deuteronomy 4:9

It’s FRIDAY!  I wonder which hats I will wear today?  

  

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig    

Can Someone Please Find the Easy Button?

Married people are a funny group!  Think on it. . .two people come together from completely different upbringing.  Two people traveling completely different pathways meet at a fork in the road.  Two people looking out for self-survival join together in the battle.

No wonder this whole marriage thing comes with difficulty.  I wish every couple received an easy button at the altar.  When disagreement arises, push the button.  When one nerve remains and the other person is standing directly on it, push the button.  When life throws a curve ball, push the button.  When words seem distant, push the button.  When giving up seems the only answer, push the button.

On top of two varied personalities, perspectives and plans, another human being enters the scene.  The heat cranks up in the home.  Two personalities work to care for a child.  Two perspectives on the whole parenting thing conflict.  Two plans crash full force with one another.

Survival seems impossible.  Storms brew mightier than ever with each day passing.  Where was that easy button again?

Married people are a funny group!  If I could record a typical day in the life of the Craig’s, I am sure the video would present drama, chaos, sadness, anger, laughter and failure.  Lying in bed at night, I almost LOL while replaying the scenes of the day.  Unnecessary arguments caused tension.  Jammed packed schedules stole much needed rest.  One person ticked another one off to the point of boiling over.  The world was just too much for one spouse to handle, leaving a tear stained pillow.  Failure brought disappointment into the relationships.  Laughter saved a moment and allowed for some smile to remain at the end of the day.

Emotional rollercoaster?  Definitely!  Marriage is hard enough, throw the world into the mix and it becomes near impossible.

Impossible?  Nothing is impossible with God!  Those words pack powerful meaning in marriage.  In the short 11 years of marriage, I have learned more than imaginable.  I love my husband to pieces!  I love my husband more than he will ever know.  I love my husband!  BUT, love is not a feeling.  Love is action.  Love is learned.

Married people are a funny group!  We must make every effort to learn love and then show it.  We must make every effort to offer grace, understand the other, pick battles and hug/kiss daily.  I fall short of such on most days.

Grace – Remember that God created your spouse with the exact same intentions that He created you!  He holds special plans and purpose for your spouse.  Will marriage present failure and disappointment?  Yes; but, this is where grace comes on the scene.  Each day will not look just as you planned.  You cannot control your spouse.  Just as God cannot control you – free will exists.  God offers grace when you fail in His plan.  God offers grace when life disappoints.  Offer the same grace received to your spouse.

Understanding – Okay, this one is HUGE!  To the men: women are filled with hormones.  Women do not understand them, so you are not expected to understand them.  But, don’t point out the craziness of hormones, just accept them, deal with it and smile.  To the women: men cannot read minds.  Men want to help around the house, listen to your troubles and comfort your chaotic day.  You must talk to them.  Ask for help with dishes, laundry, kids, etc.  Let him into your hurt by asking him to listen.  Make him aware of the way the world broke your heart.

Pick battles – Trust me on this one!  Some battles are not worth wasting your breath.  Okay, maybe he didn’t hang the towel up after finishing a shower – hang it up and move on!  Okay, maybe she spent a little too much on her best friend for a birthday – smile and move on!  The real battles come in as life continues together; no need to add to the fire with small day to day issues.

Hug/Kiss daily – For SURE!  This intimate touch comes with powerful healing, enormous love and genuine care only received by your significant other.  If the lips are busy, argument cannot occur.  If the arms are full, distance cannot exist.  Greet each other with a hug/kiss.

Strive each day to offer grace, engage in understanding, pick important battles and intimately embrace your spouse.  Married people will forever be a funny group.  But, married people can exist in happiness and work mightily together for His Kingdom.

Argument and disappointment will occur often.  Instead of running the other way, embrace your spouse and refuse to allow the enemy to build a wedge in marriage.  God chose two people with two completely different pasts to merge together and begin ONE path together.  Thank God for the teammate He chose and pray for your teammate daily.  

Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig