My Heart Overflows

I recently attended a women’s retreat centered solely on relaxation.  The day began with meditation and restorative yoga – both which my body desperately needed.  Through guided meditation, deep breathing and quietness I discovered an area in life needing attention. 

Meditation guided toward focus on the heart.  I absolutely adore the heart (as an organ).  Before you write me off as crazy and completely weird, hear me out.  God placed a heart in all of creation as the sustaining organ for life.  Without the outpouring of blood traveling, via a brilliant pumping system, to the rest of our body we would die.  The beat, created by a beautiful ‘electric’ system, keeps the pumping system functioning properly. 

The heart works constantly 24/7 supplying oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.  This concept in and of itself is amazing.  God, our Maker, placed a fabulous organ at the center of our core to sustain life while here on Earth. 

We equate love to a heart.  Why?  Well, the heart sustains life.  Love sustains life.  Without love, we are nothing spiritually.  God is Love; therefore, without God, we are nothing spiritually.  We are but a mere presence on this Earth, here today and gone tomorrow. 

Okay, Okay, let’s get to the part where I see an area needing major attention in life.  Love – what is it?  How do I get it?  What if I find it and then it leaves?  All these questions have led to burial of any love and walls constructed to prevent receiving love.  I feared rejection.  I put my trust in too many people in this world (where love is temporary) and felt rejection.  The rejection hurt and to avoid such hurt, I buried love. 

When I came to know God, I could not imagine Him loving me ‘just because’.  I felt a need to earn His miraculous love.  Remember – God is Love.  Therefore, when accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior over our lives, we receive Love.  Even still, I kept guard on giving and receiving love.

Then God sent an individual along the path that had the whole love thing figured out.  He displayed all the characteristics of true love.  Even still, I kept guard on giving and receiving love.  I did not believe someone here on this Earth could love me for who I am at my core. 

The closer I grew to know God, the more I realized the power of His love.  The more I realized His love, the clearer I could see the love of the amazing man God sent as my teammate in life.  Even still, I kept guard on giving and receiving love. 

No more holding back.  I want to love despite fear of a broken heart.  I want to express the feelings that dwell inside.  I want to open my heart and allow all this buried love to flow freely.  I want the keep my heart healthy – pumping out love powered by the emotional ‘electricity’ felt towards others!  24/7 outpouring love on this world to sustain life!

How can a heart work properly when damaged severely?  Years of mistreatment, failed nourishment and neglect cause hearts to give out leading to disease or death.  Well, I must make an appointment with the Great Physician and learn ways to restore my heart.  It is possible.  By strength only found in His Word – one by one, He will speak clearly to my heart and begin repair.  He will clean the gunk out, allowing love to pump freely through and outward.  He will provide the power to overcome the lies and keep love present in my heart. 

He is Love.  He is Life.  He will sustain me.

  

²¹Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:21-23)

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

Basic Foundation

While cleaning up the house and organizing the office, I came across the first book I opened in nursing school.  This book contains core, basic knowledge which began building the base of my career.  Multiple tabs stick out, marking pages I deemed important information needed while caring for individuals.  Each page serves a purpose, guiding a caretaker in fulfilling the role set before them.  Each page presents a memory for me of a difficult, yet rewarding time in life.  Each page cherished as I continue this path in healthcare.

I thumb through the pages, soaking in the basics and strengthening the foundation of my career.  Since receiving a diploma and, shortly after, a license stating I completed the necessary steps to become a nurse, I have experienced a variety of positions in the field.  All required a sturdy foundation; but, each unique in skills performed. 

Getting back to the basics means remembering the important things pertaining to whatever subject is at hand.  The basics: elementary, fundamentals, essentials, necessities, etc.  The time comes in life when getting back to the basics is necessary for survival.  As this new year began many created a list of goals which lead them back to the basics in life:  eating “right”, exercising to enhance the function of the body, sleeping the necessary hours at night, visiting loved ones more, working diligently on improving unwanted behaviors, etc.  Many also decided to tackle the Bible, setting a goal of reading it all in one year. . .

The goals set January 1^st begin to fizzle and old habits creep back into our everyday moments.  Of all goals, reading the Bible is one not to be taken lightly or pushed to the side due to a busy schedule or any other excuse we provide for veering away from set goals. 

Reading the Bible daily brings us back to the basics.  The core of life remains in the pages written for us to follow.  The Bible serves as a guide for every day decisions.  It is not required to read a specific amount within a specific timeframe.  God’s Word provides what you need in the moment set before you. 

Placing the pressure of reading a certain chapter or in an order setup by a ‘read the Bible in a year plan’ may take away from the actual speaking of God through His Word to your hearts.  Let God guide your reading daily.  He knows what you need to hear in that moment.

Yes, understanding the history and backstory of lives depicted in the Bible helps God’s Word make even more sense and weave into you’re here and now; but, God wants to speak directly to your heart daily through a variety of stories within His Word.  One day a Psalm may be used to help pick up a broken spirit.  The next day a parable spoken from the mouth of Jesus to His disciples may be used to direct a lost soul toward the Cross.  Even still, days come when God’s Word strikes a nerve to bring discipline to a sinful situation. 

God’s Word is precious, beautiful and necessary for life.  God’s Word provides the fundamentals to be in this world and serve a purpose set out before our creation.  God loves you and I enough to lay His own Son down to die in order to redeem/save us.  He places His Power within each of His Children.  Whether we accept/ignite/use His Power is up to the individual.  Upon acceptance, His Power strengthens as we impress every Word written in the Bible on our hearts. 

Get back to the basics.  Remember Who created you.  Dwell on His Word to guide every step every day!       

  

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

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