Life Isn't Easy

Raising kids isn’t easy!  Amen to that, right?

If I say pick up your clothes from the floor one more time, I may scream!  If I remind them to shut the door behind them one more time, I may shut it for them and lock them out!  After all, we are not heating/cooling the outside, right?  If I turn off one more light, I am sending them out to get a job so they can pay the electric bill!

Or, maybe it is the phase of. . .

If I tame one more temper tantrum, I may throw one myself.  If I need to remind them toys are not food one more time, I am eliminating all toys from their presence.  If I mop the bathroom one more time due to excessive splashing during bath time, they are going to get hosed off every night instead.

Whatever the age of our children, their brilliant little minds cannot retain rules put forth by parents.  Maybe they tune us out or they fail to believe the seriousness in our voice.  It seems they can make straight A’s in school but cannot remember to brush their teeth at night, wear clean underwear, clean up after themselves or avoid dangerous objects (such as hot stoves or busy streets).  Parents constantly discipline, teach and exhaust every rule known to man. 

To extend grace to our little blessings; growing up isn’t easy either!  The pressures in this world is outrageous.  Survival day to day can be difficult.  By the time parents get to them, the world may have beat them down or an impending decision may consume their thoughts, preventing absorption of any other information.  A dirty room may be their way of rebelling from demands of perfection.  Leaving doors open may be a result of a jam-packed schedule, keeping them in ‘hurry up mode’.  They may leave lights on for fear of darkness.  Parents have no clue what kids experience and kids have no clue what parents experience. 

I would like to combine the two phrases above. . .Living within a broken world isn’t easy!

 ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

God understands.  God knows.  God sees.  God loves.  God restores.  God provides.

Like a child constantly being reminded of basic rules as mentioned above; God reminds me daily of the simple fact that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  Like a child being tamed in a tantrum; God provides the deep breath required to calm down during an emotional storm.  As a parent warns a child of harmful actions in this world; God speaks loudly when harm enters my pathway.  He steps ahead, fighting off whatever may be the source of harm. 

My dear friends, God understands the pains, struggles and worries in this world.  He sent His Only Son to experience this world.  God knows the solution to every situation.  God sees the bigger picture and holds the ultimate prize at the end.  God loves you from the moment of creation.  God restores any past. . .ANY PAST!  He provides the straight path filled with peace.  He does this for everyone!  He will repeat this until it sinks deep within our soul! 

One example:  just the other day, while writing a chapter in my book, a flood of emotions arose due to the portion of my past I depicted.  I went straight to the Cross with all this junk!  God listened and began speaking louder than the lies of the past.  First in a sermon I watched before heading out the door.  Then, later in a Podcast.  And still even again with His constant Romans 8:28 reminder He provides to me.  He knew it would take quite a few times/ways for me to hear the peaceful Words He had to offer in this situation. 

I am still processing through the emotions; but, now with my faith as a shield protecting from the devil’s schemes and the Truth to disintegrate the devil’s lies.  The devil wants nothing more than to tear us down.  He uses our past mistakes, present hurts and future thoughts to place distance between us and the Cross.  Stand firm on His Truth today and leave the devil in the dust. 

It is okay if you need reminded, like 100 times a day, of His presence.  He will remind you 1000 times over if needed.  He cares for you.  He will protect you.  He will see you through this life.        

          

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig

It is Time to Start Dating Again

Have you ever been on a porch date? 

My husband and I long for date nights.  We venture to local restaurants, parks or unique places to spend quality time together.  This time is vital to our marriage.  Time alone away from stress in this world allows opportunity to grow closer in love.

We remain diligent in scheduling dates each month.  While finances strain in response to kids involvements increasing in cost, we spend lots of dates at home.  We kick the kids out to my in-laws and spend the evening at home ALONE!  After a long week of working and running here and there, I will take a date night (in) where I can sip my wine in my pajamas!

The older the kids get; the crazier life becomes.  This leaves little room in the schedule to date.  Again, dating is vital to marriage; therefore, something must be done.  I discovered porch sitting shortly after surgery.  Two beautiful, inviting chairs positioned perfectly on our front porch desire to be used.  I would sit and read while the kids played out front.  I enjoyed watching the birds, waving at the neighbors driving by and soaking in the sun.  One day, my husband joined in on the fun.  With a glass of our favorite beverages, we sat together for well over an hour. 

Thus, began porch dating.  I long for the moment my husband asks me on a porch date!  We grab our beverage, head to the front porch and solve all the world’s problems.  He listens while I share the day’s woes.  His demeanor displays a desire to be right where he sits.  He shares his day with me as we both enjoy the fresh air.  We offer a priceless gift to one another at each porch date. . .attention.  We focus on one another, leaving all the stress of the world on the front porch once we head back in the house.   

Each date binds our love a little stronger.  The time shared together keeps us encouraged to face the world.  We are a great team in this whole adulting thing. 

Though my husband helps me solve problems, loves unconditionally and adores me; I must have another kind of date DAILY.  A date at the Cross.  Such a date is vital to my faith.  It strengthens, guides, protects and fills a void only Jesus can fill.

Have you ever attended a date at the Cross?

As children of God, we long for meeting Him at the Cross.  This time is vital to strengthen our relationship with our Creator.  We leave the itinerary behind and approach the Cross.  The busier life becomes, the harder it seems to escape for time alone with God.  The increase in technology creates a barrier to intimate time with God. 

The awesome feature of attending a Cross date. . .it can occur anytime, anywhere!  Jesus waits eagerly at the Cross while watching the ways of this world.  He enjoys seeing all of creation, motioning for God’s children to come to the Cross.  He longs for the moment we ask Him for a date at the Cross!  He will listen as we share the woes of this world.  He will display a desire to be exactly where He sits.  He offers a priceless gift at the Cross. . .redemption.  No matter where we have been or what we have done, He waits with open arms at the Cross.

He loves you, desires a relationship with you and takes the burdens off your shoulders.  He wants to fill you with peace, encourage you to face this world and walk alongside you each day. 

Will you join Jesus for a date at the Cross today?  Then, go and sit on your front porch with your favorite beverage and take in the beauty of this world.  Ask a good friend or spouse to join you!  It will be rejuvenating!   

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28   

  

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig