Pssst. . .Watch Out for the Phony

Fear is a Liar, by: Zach Williams.  Every lyric speaks loudly to my thoughts.  The chorus captivates my situation, bringing clarity to the struggle. 

Fear – he will take your breath.

Ever had a panic attack?  Oh, you would know if one occurred.   These attacks literally take every breath and multiply it by five.  Heavy breathing, intense emotion, overwhelming hot flash and spinning environment.  The only thought running through the mind is the one planted by fear.  When I stand face to face with the liar, I panic.  Suffocation comes and I see no escape.

Fear – he stops you in your steps.

When the liar enters the situation, I freeze.  I enter the “what if” zone and push away reality.  I stand frozen on the path in life.  What if I step forward?  The situation ahead looks scary, overwhelming and I just don’t want to walk through a storm again.  I will play it safe and remain standing in fear. 

Fear – he robs your rest.

Captivating every thought, the liar won’t quit until he wins.  The physical body could be exhausted; but, the mind cannot rest.  The liar shows up in my dreams, wakes me throughout the night and then eventually leads to me throwing in the towel and beginning another day earlier than desired. 

Fear – he steals your happiness.

The liar wants nothing more than misery to lead me away from God.  God will not bring chaos, misery, pain, worry or hatred to your thoughts.  God is peace, love, comfort, healing and forgiveness.  When I allow the liar into the situation, a fog enters in that moment, blinding me of Truth.  I lose happiness in that moment.  I miss out on a good memory in that moment.  I surrender my moment, one by one, to the liar. 

Fear entered the scene at birth.  I feared being alone as a child.  I feared other’s opinions in this world upon entering the school years.  I feared failure.  I feared the dark.  The liar was present from the get go. 

Over the years the fears changed and conformed within each chapter.  The liar remains. . .

The difference now?  Fear lingers around every corner; but, my God promised to calm the situation.  My God promised to love over fear.  My God promised to comfort, to heal and forgive when I let fear dictate decisions. 

I realized Who provides the breath of life!  ⁷ Then the Lord God formed a man^[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.  Genesis 2:7

I realized Who prepares the way for each step taken in faith.  ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

I realized Who offers peace, allowing rest unlike anything this world can provide.  ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

I realized Who allows joy to overflow even in the toughest of storms.  ¹¹ You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11 

Does fear still enter the scene and throw lies my way?  Of course; but, I grab God’s Hand a bit tighter when the lies creep in and replace each one with Truth.  Some situations take a whole lot more Truth spoken before fear loses; yet, some situations fear cannot even touch due to the Truth that killed the lie over the years. 

FEAR – HE IS A LIAR!  Cast your fear, lay it at the Cross, take God’s Hand and let Him speak Truth into your mind.  This world wants to tear us down, let us walk this journey together building one another up and redirecting each other toward God in every situation.

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

Slow Down and Walk

Our church recently completed a journey.  The journey, though short-lived, left lasting impact.  God presented this journey in a timely manner within my story.  A climax moment woven into an unexpected chapter in my story. 

Obsess: to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires; to think about something unceasingly! 

The journey titled Obsessed walked us through various questions and promptings to discover what dominates our thoughts.  What desires overtake each decision?  What feelings dictate each step? 

The preacher honed in on three ‘C’ words to categorize common obsessions among individuals; Comparison, Control and Comfort.  Once completing a collaboration of questions, the answers placed you in a category.  To no surprise, mine fell in Comfort.

Comfort: to soothe, console, or reassure; a state of ease and satisfaction of bodily wants, with freedom from pain and anxiety!

The problem does not exist in being comforted; but, it is the source of the comfort that becomes the issue.  Where do I run when emotions rise and times get tough?  How do I handle uncomfortable situations? 

Over the years, I used any available source in this world to find comfort, numb out, avoid emotion and run from pain.  Whatever the source, it brought comfort. . .temporarily.  I continued this roller coaster for years.  I hit rock bottom and fell in exhaustion of running after comfort.  I came to the realization that comfort was not something to run after; but Comfort was something to embrace.  I found a Source that extended comfort in ALL situations, walking me through rather than taking me away from this life.  Through prayer and faith, I began to find comfort in a lasting Source. 

Step by step on this new path, I grew in strength.  Life didn’t hurt as much anymore.  People did not control my reactions as much anymore.  But, through this recent journey, God revealed a portion in life that I still run after comfort.  In the literal sense. . .I run after comfort.  I run until life makes sense again.  I run until all emotion is left in the dust.  I run and run and run until I feel good about me and strong enough to handle the hurts in this world.  All the while I am running, God is trying to speak louder than the pounding on the pavement.  I hear Him from time to time; but, unceasing thoughts of exercise and remaining “good enough” for this world overpower Him. 

See, I equate my worth with my health.  Why?  Because, over the years all the compliments from others revolve around my discipline to exercise and eat “healthy” foods.  Others even desire to sit and hold conversations pertaining to health and wellness.  Others desire to hear the knowledge I gained through obsessing over food, exercise and balancing the two.  Others desire to be in my presence based on my level of health. 

In the beginning, I used the balance of food and exercise to become healthy and recover from my eating disorder.  But, over time, I simply replaced restriction with “healthy” living.  Obsessed for sure!  Mind blowing information here, I know right?  I knew the obsession existed; I just did not want to face it.  I convinced myself it is okay and I must keep exercising to maintain and be worthy of existence.

This ends NOW!  I made my mind up during the journey to stop this madness. I took steps along the way to eliminate tools that allowed this obsession to continue each day.  I opened up to others and spoke of such obsession.  I brought it to God.  I said No More!  

Ironic enough, shortly after the last sermon in this series, I received information that will force such obsession to be eliminated from my story.  I will soon have a surgery that will knock the whole exercising down a notch or two.  I will be receiving a hip replacement, forcing me to give up running.  I must now slow down and walk through life. 

Walking through this life will not happen alone.  I am slowing down, taking God’s hand and walking with Him.  Instead of running ahead and away, I will walk alongside and be comforted by the One leading me through.

What is your obsession?  What dominates your thoughts everyday?  Walk with me in this journey called life and allow His Truth to overpower obsession in this world.       

With love my dear friends. . .

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

The Name Above All

When complaints enter – Jesus

When comparison saturates – Jesus

When conflict destroys – Jesus

“What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this”

Complaints enter the minds of every human being.  Complaints manipulate the thoughts of human beings.  Complaints place a wedge between human beings and the Cross. 

Comparison saturates the minds of every human being.  Comparison takes over as judge of all scenarios a human being experiences.  Comparison creates a barrier between human beings and the Cross.

Conflict destroys relationships among human beings.  Conflict brings with it pride.  Pride blinds human beings from seeing the Cross.

Guilty on three accounts.  I visit the complaint department the moment I come home.  I hold everything in all day long and spew it out to my husband when returning home.  Nothing good comes from complaining.  I do not feel any better about a situation and no problem can be fixed by speaking concerns behind closed doors at home.  It is easier to complain than to figure out a solution and present it to the involved parties. 

Comparison runs rampant in my mind daily.   With each comparison, I become smaller and smaller.  Walking around buried in feelings of inferiority exhausts.  These feelings lead to a loss of worth in this world.  Our culture drives comparison to deem worth within the confines of this world. 

Conflict holds a different power than the latter two mentioned.  I run from conflict.  Conflict, when handled with pride, destroys relationships.  I fear rejection; therefore, I avoid conflict.  I work diligently to keep the peace in all situations; which ends up exhausting my spirit.  All of conflict sends my spirit to crazy town – the loudness of conflict (whether it be raised voice or raised emotions), the outcome of conflict (someone usually comes out hurt) and the strong opinions which may differ from my own.  It is easier to run from conflict than stand up for myself. 

Can anyone relate?

Need an answer to all this mayhem? . . . Jesus!  The powerful name of Jesus solves all the above issues. 

Complain to Jesus in prayer.  Our concerns of this world matter to Jesus.  Better yet, Jesus will help guide us to a solution that aligns with Truth.  The Holy Spirit will provide strength to take the solution in this world and make a difference while shining the light of Jesus onto others.  Go ahead, complain; but, complain with an open heart and mind.  Approach the Cross and allow Jesus to enter your heart.

Compare your actions only to Jesus.  Strive to act, speak and think like Jesus.  The comparisons in this world will send us all over the place trying to live up to a million different standards.  The only place to look for guidance is Jesus.  His Words written to guide, confirm our purpose and fill our minds with Truth.  Approach the Cross and allow Jesus to saturate your thoughts.

Conflict brought to Jesus turns into peace.  Peace which passes all understanding.  Conflict can be healthy when filtered through His Word.  Conflict can strengthen relationships when compromise and understanding enter the scene.  Approach the Cross and allow Jesus to build within conflict.     

“What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is

The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this”

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

National Eating Disorder Week

At least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

(http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/)

Whether running to food for comfort or running from food due to overwhelming fear of weight gain. . .FOOD becomes the common tool used by our enemy to entice and destroy our purpose in life.  The enemy runs rampant in society, unbeknownst to its prey.  The mighty tool surrounds, consumes the hours in our day and engages all our senses making it quite difficult to resist. 

Food becomes more than a substance to nourish our beautiful bodies.  Food becomes a way to seek control in a chaotic world.  Food becomes the escape after a difficult day.  Food avoidance becomes a way to feel accomplished.  All the while, we use these behaviors to feel a sense of emotional survival; but, we are killing ourselves day by day.        

30 million people – an average count due to the individuals yet to seek help in the day to day suffering.  This mental illness is real and the only cure is finding Hope, Love, Grace and Truth.  Placing hope in this world leaves a person empty; thus, eating disorder behaviors fill the void.  Seeking love from people in this world creates disappointment; thus, eating disorder behaviors build satisfaction.  Longing for grace in this world keeps an individual sitting in shame; thus, eating disorder behaviors supply needed esteem.  Truth. . .we need more Truth to stand firmly on my dear friends. . .

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32

Truth reveals God’s mighty love for each of His children.  God is Hope, Love and provides abounding Grace.  God laid out Truth to imprint on our hearts while here on Earth.  The Truth will guide, guard and protect from the enemy that prowls around in this world.  Turn your eyes toward God.  Place your trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is through Him we find freedom. 

Is it easy?. . .NO.  This world is hard.  That being the reason we run to eating disorders or other mechanisms for daily survival.  This world overwhelms the spirit.  BUT – GOD HAS OVERCOME THIS WORLD.  He defeated the worldly evil.  He comes out the Conqueror in the end.  Stick on His team. 

Reach out and help others that struggle in this world.  Be His shining light.  Eating disorders, among other mental illnesses, do not just go away once someone chooses to fight for recovery.  The thought patterns and behaviors remain an option for that person daily.  To resist travelling the old, comfortable escape path is very difficult.  Be a shining light, allow our Savior to use you as a vessel to guide another down the healthy path.  Speak His Truth into another.    

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