Eternal Vision

Thank you

Gracias

Merci 

Grazie

Arigato 

Danke sehr

daw-dyeh

No matter the spelling or pronunciation, the emotion remains the same.  Thanks: to express gratitude, acknowledgement of receiving item or favor, appreciation for service or gift, feeling emotion positively toward another, etc.  In my opinion, the meaning/passion behind such word diminished over the years.  Saying “Thank you” to another now comes out freely in a habitual manner. 

If I gained a dollar each time I prompted the children to say thank you, I would possess quite the savings account.  Mothers all over the universe teach children to appreciate items received, favors shown and services done.  The word “Thank you”, in all its languages, is woven into the fiber of all children.  Victory comes for a mother on the day a child says “Thank you” without prompt.  But, does the child understand the meaning behind such a word?  Or, is it carelessly thrown around simply out of taught habit?  If not careful, such words like thank you, I love you, please, etc. become habits, losing the important meaning/emotion behind them.        

The time of year appears before us with the infamous question lurking over thousands of dinner tables: “What are you most thankful for in this life?”  Many spout off answers quickly in order to dive into the delicious food set before them.  Others passionately describe deep hearted thankfulness.  While some cannot even think of reason to be thankful. 

Answers vary from health, wealth and possessions to people, foods and memories.  Most every answer points to worldly items.  I am just as guilty as the next to focus on items given here on Earth.  It shows the mental focus of the here and now.  But should our eyes focus on all this stuff?  Will this stuff matter in the end? 

I present a challenge this holiday season. . .let us be thankful for Eternity, not temporary.  I will begin to answer such in depth question (and I would love to hear back from you). . .

What are you most thankful for which impacts Eternity?

My past: As ugly as it seems, as judgmental as one could be looking at all the decisions I have made, as shameful as it appears. . .my past created such strength, faith and gratitude I possess today.

Broken relationships: Sitting next to or facing a loved one that broke my heart into a million pieces can cause difficulty finding thanks. . .but, such relationships created a heart of forgiveness and the tiniest glimpse of the forgiveness put forth for the sin of man.

Maternal duties: Lack of ability, strength, knowledge or understanding to fulfill such a role can open the door wide for the devil. . .he loses when God reveals purpose in providing me such the title of ‘mom’.

Being a teammate to a wonderful man: Arguments, disapproval, daily stress and misunderstanding can fog the goal intended for our marriage. . .yet, God remaining the center in our home, always comes through in a mighty way to get us back on course. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for Starbuck’s, Hallmark movies, snow days, health, love and many other things experienced daily.  But, the deep hearted thankfulness must be remembered daily in order to stand strong through the storms of this life.  It is temporary, but God is Eternal.  Focus on what He has planned, the hope in Heaven and the purpose of it all and overwhelming peace reveals daily.  No matter the circumstances, He is there and will forever be with you. 

We will all face those at the Thanksgiving table which blind us from an Eternal outlook.  Stay strong and understand that we ALL were created in His image and for a purpose.  Unfortunately, some have no understanding of such precious gift given freely to us through Jesus Christ.  More reason we must keep focus on Eternal rather than temporary.  Set the example, shine Jesus at your Thanksgiving table. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig    

This Day I Married My Best Friend. . .

Eleven years ago. . .4,015 days have passed. . .96,360 hours ticked on. . .

. . .since two lives became one.  One young, immature, naïve to the world girl committed to a stunning, intelligent, young man.  These two hold quite the back story, revealing the power of God.  See, just years prior to saying “I do”, these young souls fell head over heels for one another.  It took one glance her way and he melted this young girl’s heart.  Conversation after conversation strengthened the hold he gained on her life.  Love grew, memories created and time stood still!

Then, the inevitable happened!  A breakup.  Not your typical ‘see you later because I just don’t think this is working breakup’. . .this was a hard breakup.  Distance killed the bond.  Illness blinded the young girl’s rationale thinking.  Two happy souls slowly faded and hearts hardened.

There were relationships along the way; but, each paled in comparison to the love once felt.  Hardships developed, wounds left to infect.  Sadness tainted hope.  Years passed; yet, neither forgot the love shared.

As the two lost souls walked step by step through each day, it was clear Someone needed to intervene.  And intervene He did.  One day rock bottom came for both and something urged a letter to be written.  Both listened and two letters were written that day.  As each received the other’s at the same time; hope reentered the scene.

Reunited, the flames went sky high instantly.  The young girl fell in love all over; but, this time the love split between two amazing guys!  I met my Brayson September 11, 2004.  With one look, my heart melted and I knew this was forever for the three of us.

Great love story!  Makes for a great Hallmark movie.  But, just like all the Hallmark movies, the difficult times remain in the ‘blooper’ files.  Marriage is far from easy.  Parenting throws wedges daily between couples.  It is through the hard times, growing moments and decision making that love strengthens.  The enemy loses footing as God remains the center of the home.

Now, we did not have all aligned prior to committing to a life together.  Just saying ‘I do’ did not guarantee God to reign over the relationship.  Yes, I fully believe God’s Hands brought us together, holding on to us tightly; but, we were blind.  It took five years of messiness to finally realize the missing piece.  The wedge grew so wide, that again we found ourselves at rock bottom.  Thankfully, God stood strong, picked us both up and held our hands, connecting our hearts again.  We learned how Two become One as He intended.

I would like to share a few points I have learned thus far in eleven years as Mrs. Craig.
- Never miss a date night – after all, when the kids are grown and gone, it will be you and your spouse to love, cherish, laugh and live together (in peace and quiet).
- Remain as a team – come to compromise.  Throw away the ‘me box’ and avoid any chance of foothold for the enemy to drive apart you and your spouse.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff – really, it is not worth putting up a fight over every little thing that does not go your way.  God put two together knowing each were made to complement one another.  Go with the other’s idea and you may find it works ten times better.
- Encourage one another daily – via simple text, email, phone call, hug, kiss or prayer.  Whatever the line of communication, just do it!
- WARNING – this one is R rated – make love!  This is a bonding that no other in the world shares with you.  Enjoy this time together, put it on the calendar, call in a babysitter, put the kids down with a movie early, etc.  Do whatever you need to do to have alone time.
- Focus on the other’s happiness – that’s right!  Turn away from selfish gain and focus on what makes your spouse happy.  So, maybe you don’t like watching yet another sports game on TV. . .suck it up, sit down and engage in conversation over what is happening.  So, maybe you can’t take another drawn out love story on Hallmark channel. . .get over it and embrace your spouse while enjoying a well written script.
- Above all – Love One Another as God has loved you!

 

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

Whom will you Serve?

The theme – serving one another – attaches to Christian living.  Serve one another as Christ desires for the church.  Serving provides an outlet for Jesus to shine through His followers.  Servant by definition:  a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant.  Discernment between serving Christ or serving this world may become difficult.  Serving the latter creates a bitter, resentful, exhausted heart.  Serving the latter sets up a trap of seeking approval in this world.

I find bitterness boiling inside way too often, leading to a huge pity party which no one else cares to join.  Bitterness eats at every bone in my body, slowly leading to decay allowing easy target for the enemy to break down my spirit.  I work for approval - approval from loved ones in order to keep them around.  Fear of rejection and being left alone drives such action.  Bitterness ends up driving loved ones away.

I discover resentment creeping into situations that should be covered in love.  I fight the ‘what are you going to do for me’ attitude when serving another.  When the favor never reciprocates, resentment sits in a little box waiting to react.  The box fills, overflows and spews out onto loved ones.  The enemy grabs hold of such moment, taking every hurtful word and creating a bigger wedge in relationships.  Resentment ends up destroying bonds between loved ones. 

I sit exhausted after running 90MPH to please every person I encounter.  Exhaustion leads to anger, misunderstanding and weakness.  Anger lashes out when asked to do something.  Misunderstanding leads to broken hearts.  Weakness destroys ability to think clearly.  Exhaustion ends up wounding loved ones.

After all is said and done, the enemy loves such a weak mind, body and soul resulting from the above situations.  Serving our God somehow transferred into serving the world and seeking approval.  Somewhere along the path, the enemy found a foothold and began to slowly move me in the wrong direction.  I become someone unable to enjoy the blessing of each day, lose characteristics of a true servant’s heart and weaken the bond between my Father and I. 

Thankfully, such condition can be reversed by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within.  Prayers delivered and hands raised for the Holy Spirit to drown out the enemy provides just what I need to discern service to God versus service to this world.  We are to serve and love one another.  We are not to become a doormat for another.  We are not to deny our feelings of hurt from another.  We are to walk boldly in Christ and love the person He created.  Scripture after Scripture provides a sturdy foundation in our hearts, diminishing the enemy’s foothold.  Yes, the enemy may work diligently to win us over; but, His Word will come through louder and set our feet back into place.   

Take a stand today:  may the Holy Spirit be louder than the enemy in your every day!  Serve one another as Christ has served the church.  ¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.  Galatians 5:13-15

Love one another.  Serve one another out of love not to seek approval.  Stand firm in His Word.  Shine Jesus onto others today!  He will continue to poor strength into you as you choose Him over this world.  Be the you He created; not the you someone else desires you to be. . .

Live life. . .One Day at a time!

Sheree Craig   

I am blessed to serve God alongside these wonderful kids who shine Jesus everyday!  

Dear Me. . .

I recently viewed a sermon and the preacher shared a story of a man visiting a prison asked inmates to write a letter to their younger selves.  The letter could be filled with any advice, encouragement or emotion.  He then took a picture of inmates positioned in front of a wall displaying the written words.  Inmates kept cherished the letters and pictures.  

What if you were presented with such opportunity?  What words would fill the page?  What emotion would stir as the ink touch paper?

Well, I got to thinking. . .(scary, I know).  I began a mental note filled with words to my younger self.  I will share the Cliff Note version of knowledge shared to my younger self. . .

1) Don’t sweat the small stuff.  These moments do not hold any weight in the true meaning of life. 

2) Your worth is not based on the number of social networks built in life.

3) The definition of beauty DOES NOT involve a number on the scale or flawless reflection.

4) People will disappoint, leave and create emotional scars; they cannot be your savior. 

5) #4 being said, your worth is not based on any of that.

6) The enemy wants to break any connection you hold with God and he will do so in the sneakiest way possible.

7) You cannot make everyone happy; don’t try!  You will only lose yourself in the process. 

8) No perfect family exist.  Family consists of varied characters handling current situations differently, causing painful wounds which must be healed by them – NOT YOU!

9) Forgiveness can be given, but you have no control over the receiving end.

10) Grace, grace, grace – NOT anger, anger, anger.  Check out the log in your eye before dissecting the speck of dust in another’s.  

11) Every situation cannot go just as your mind planned.  Let it go as God planned.  The latter always turns out better anyway.

12) The way you treat your body reflects respect toward the Maker.  Don’t take emotions out on the beautiful and wonderful vessel provided to serve God here on Earth. 

13) God loves you NO MATTER WHAT DECISIONS YOU HAVE MADE!

14) No one expects you to be perfect.

15) Your Heavenly Father NEVER leaves His children – you are His Child – made in His image and dearly loved.  

16) He does have a prince charming waiting for you – no need to waste time on those guys who treat you badly.

17) As an add on to #16 – your prince charming will treat you like a princess everyday – you do not deserve to be treated any less by guys that will come and go in your life.  Let them go – better awaits.

18) You do not control the decisions of others and they are doing the best they know how at the time with the situation at hand.  Pray for them, life is not easy on their side either.

19) Do not judge until you are willing to walk the exact path of the one you place on trial.

20) Love your enemies, humble yourself before others, show kindness to all you meet and pray daily!

Oh yeah, AND. . .  

Live life. . .One Day at a time!

Sheree Craig    

Just a Piece of Plastic

Rest the night prior occurred better than expected.  Anticipation increased as the hours neared.  Confidence plummeted when imagining the event.  Nervous feelings swarmed at rapid speeds throughout my gut.

I trained for the past few months for such the event.  I put in countless hours building every part of the body to endure such the event.  My physical body was capable – ready – willing to complete such the event.  My mind, on the other hand, began working diligently to tear down the strength built up over the past months. 

Regardless of emotion, time would not stand still and the day arrived.  Morning of, I arose just as every other morning.  I recited over and over that such event does not determine my worth.  The results do not define me.  Life means much more than physical strength.  I am not judged by successes here on Earth.  God loves me then, now and post event as well – regardless of outcome.

My son came along with goals to accomplish as well.  He encouraged this old lady, helped in preparation and provided a post event date that meant the world to me.  The event?  A 10k for me and 4-mile run for my son.  The cost provided support for beautiful children taken way too soon.  The purpose went much further for me.  Recovering from an eating disorder and all the emotions feeding such behaviors has been the most difficult mountain to climb.  During ascension, confidence grows only to be taken down by one comment, one event or one disappointment.  Slippage brings condemnation. 

What I discovered over the years, filled with slip after slip, is that God catches me every time.  He adjusts the harness, steadies the rock and places my foot perfectly to avoid the same slip.  He always provides!  This day was no different than any other.  Yes, I pushed my body to capacity while running several miles; but, God stood unchanged. 

I look at the trophy earned that day:  Where will it be in a year?  Where will it be when I breathe my last breath?  Will I carry it around for all to see?  Will it provide an introduction to who I am for strangers?  Does this trophy hold any value whatsoever?  I think you can easily answer all these questions for me.

The race was not about the prize.  I soon will forget the victory, length of time or physical exertion occurring on that day.  I will remember every step taken that day.  I will remember the cool breeze provided around mile 3.6.  I will remember the prayers answered, encouragement from others, the final stretch when I prayed for His angels to push me to the end and steps increased in speed.  I will remember the strength provided to endure so many miles of running.  This strength displays recovery from a once frail body unable to withstand walking even just one flight of stairs.  This strength displays how much power God holds over our enemy.  God won the battle; yet, for years I thought I still needed to overcome the enemy through fleshly strength. 

Does it feel good to win a race and earn a trophy?  Well, yes, of course!  But, the real prize that day will last years longer than a piece of plastic.  This moment marked another story along the journey to share of the goodness of God.  He provides, matures and stands firm through any situation.  He never leaves nor forsakes.  He brings healing and more than we can ever imagine.  He is our Savior.  I praise Him.  I stand in unspeakable appreciation for the mountain He helped me climb in recovery!  Each day, I place on the harness of His Truth which protects, leads and encourages each step on the mountains of this life. 

Post Run Selfie!

God's Beautiful Painting!  

    

   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkAZteruVAw 

Live life. . .One Day at a Time

Sheree Craig   

Lonely Apple

As I finished up a run and began stretching, a specific tree caught my eye.  The tree held no real blaring beauty.  The leaves no unique color as Summer still scorched the land.  The size average in comparison to other trees.  So what caught my eye?

Amongst the leaves, branches and bark, a lonely apple dangled.  The one lonely apple held a shade of dull red; nonetheless, caught my eye.  Had the apple not been present, I would think the tree to be just another tree.  Nothing stood out to aide in determining the kind of tree standing in front of me.  Except one lonely apple.

As we walk amongst this broken land, how do you catch the eye of others?  I do not refer to outward beauty, such as hair, nails, clothing, jewelry, etc.  I do not refer to physique, such as healthy weight or bulging muscles.  I do not refer to worldly actions, such as orderly lives, finishing first place, sparkling clean homes, approval of others, etc.  Does your ‘apple’ shine?  Can others see Who dwells within your soul? 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

The world will recognize Christians by the fruit produced.  Allowing our ‘apple’ to shine, refusing to hide the fruit dwelling within and walking boldly for Christ will catch the eye of this world.  Pour love out onto ALL.  No person can work to deserve love – it need be given freely.  Jesus went to the Cross, died an excruciating death in love for ALL.  The least we can do as followers and out of appreciation for the gift of the Holy Spirit is love one another.  Shine LOVE!

Experience joy each day.  Joy comes in every moment experienced.  We must train our eyes to see the joy God provides.  He walks the path for each day, leaving His presence all around.  Remove the blinders. 

Shine JOY!

Enter into peace no matter the storm stirring around you.  Peace comes from Truth planted deep in your heart able to withstand the worst of times.  Truth = Peace.  Plant Truth by reading and memorizing Scripture.  At the most perfect time, God will reveal the Truth needed to bring peace. 

Shine PEACE!

Whatever enters the heart will flow from the mouth.  Planting Truth inside will allow others to see the fruit of the Spirit from you through kindness, goodness and gentleness.  How?  Smile, embrace one another, filter language, edit comments, love your enemies, etc.  Allow others to feel a little bit of Jesus when they come around to then create a thirst to know Him more and place Him as their Lord and Savior.  Let us not turn others off by claiming Christianity and acting complete opposite of Jesus’ character. 

Shine KINDNESS, GOODNESS and GENTLENESS!

Okay, now comes a difficult ‘apple’ to shine in order to catch the eye of others. . .forbearance and self-control.  Being an extremist and suffering with addiction, these two attributes do not come easy.  Striving towards both daily results in complete failure or somewhat success.  I know the one factor preventing everyday success – the enemy.  He prowls around laying landmines in hopes our feet will detonate such destructible moments.  Well, my dear friends, Jesus can dismantle any landmine the enemy creates.  Trust in Him, not the flesh to guide each step.  The flesh cannot shine forbearance or self-control – we need Jesus.

Shine FORBEARANCE and SELF-CONTROL! 

Amongst all our brokenness, God uses us to shine onto others.  The world will know Who created, transformed and lives in you by the fruit produced and displayed.  You may feel like the lonely little apple in the places traveled daily; but, rest assured, God will use you in mighty ways to catch the eye of this broken world.  Bring as many as possible into His Kingdom by shining Jesus daily!

   

Live life. . .One Day at a Time

Sheree Craig    

Proactive Approach

I often wake up full of motivation for the day.  I place on God’s Armor and know full well that He has gone before me, planned out the day and promises to walk through it with me.  

Then, life consumes, hours pass full of chaos, thoughts cyclone and my hand reaches for the white flag in surrender.  Weakness takes over.  Running for the door sounds like the only answer.  Not an option when work waits and errands fill a to do list.  Add to that pain, sorrow, disappointment and living in a broken world.  How can survival occur?

"Come near to God and he will come near to you."  James 4:8a  

As we stand distant, His Power weakens.  Just as the physical body weakens without proper nutrition, the soul weakens without enough supply of Truth.  Just like muscles diminish when void of use, the spirit within diminishes when left alone.  Daily, we nourish the physical body (at times too much) and use muscles to move throughout the day (at times not enough); but, how well do we care for the spiritual health?  It holds just as much, if not more, importance to ensure survival here as the physical body.  

When hunger strikes, we eat.  When the doctor says exercise, we choose a program.  When life crumbles, we seek something to help cope.  What if we took a proactive approach to keep self in optimal health?  I am talking about an everyday check and balance system.  I am talking about preparing before the storm.  

A few steps can help get us started. . .

1) Plan a menu providing nutrients the body craves to fuel for optimal function.

2) Move the body given to you – dance, walk, play, run, stretch, etc. 

3) Hydrate the cells within the body – with WATER!

4) Supplement with whole, natural vitamins/minerals – the foods today cannot supply enough.

These four steps begin a journey to optimal health; BUT, the most important step to prepare for survival in this broken world cannot be found in food, exercise, water or supplements.  The most important piece to reaching optimal health is written for all to read.  Not in a self-help book!  A survival Book!  God has written all we need to daily nourish the soul.  He allowed His Son to come and endure the worst in this broken world so you and I may live.  This life is temporary (thankfully!).  God holds so much more for us in Eternity with Him.  We must daily take up out cross and walk alongside Him.  Filling our soul daily with Truth creates a relationship with God and improves our hearing of the Holy Spirit within to guide each step and prepare each word spoken.  

Easier said than done.  I know full well.  Temptations arise daily to fall back into a lackadaisical lifestyle seeking temporary comfort from the storm.  The enemy prowls around looking for just that moment and devours.  Guess what, my friend?  The enemy lost many moons ago.  The enemy does not stand a chance against the tools provided by God.  Place on the armor, walk boldly with God and stand firm on Truth.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

That being said. . .there is a time a place to run away from the mundane for a while!  A little cottage in the woods is where we go when that moment strikes. . .    

 Good times always with Nana 'B'! 

Live life. . .One Day at a Time

Sheree Craig