Right Here, Right Now

Why do multiple country songs refer to ‘the good ole days’?  Why do we like to reminisce, bask in how things ‘used to be’?  What memory takes you back to a place of comfort, joy, peace and warms your heart?

Adulting does not come easy.  No handbook exists for instructions on specific situations you will face as an adult.  Google cannot provide answers to the struggles existing in parenting.  Facebook will not ease the sadness and pain consuming us when life overwhelms or disappoints (though it tries).  Numbing out with alcohol, food, drugs, internet, social media, etc. will not erase the damage done.

Countless events occur during life, many never imagined possible back in ‘the good ole days’.  Our hearts break seeing the ways of the world and yearn for how things ‘used to be’.  Is peace possible once leaving the innocence of childhood?  Can comfort exist outside of a momma’s hug or a dad’s pat on the back?  How can we laugh when so much stress sits on our shoulders?

Maybe childhood was not easy for you.  I am sorry to hear that my dear friend.  But, even so, the world continues to increase in speed, demands and challenges.  The tragedies of today supersede the past generations.  Healthy coping mechanisms fade with each generation.  Comparison overwhelms our children through social media, following them into adulthood.  Around every turn, society seeps into our thoughts to challenge our character.  We begin berating ourselves and ultimately criticizing God’s creation.

Being forced to slow down presented multiple lessons in life.  Explanations arose to why life remained difficult.  God revealed the lack of faith, the clinched fists holding onto the past and my stubborn attitude of “I got this”.  I longed for the days before life got tough.  I longed for someone to take the pain, difficulty and lack of confidence away.  I longed for comfort, euphoria and the world to slow down. 

Well, the world continues fast pace; but, I slowed down.  I stopped to ‘smell the roses’.  Sounds cliché, I know; but, stopping to smell the roses is a must.  If we fail to slow down, we miss God’s presence.  He appears everywhere to assure peace, comfort and that He has our back! 

The world demands answers, repairs, comfort, etc. like yesterday.  The world cannot wait for anything.  The world runs 100 MPH to get nowhere.  The world ranks by success, judges by outward appearance and refuses to surrender due to pride.

God answers in His most perfect timing.  The answer to a concern may not reveal immediately – in comes faith.  “¹Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

God repairs your broken heart.  He takes each piece and begins to use it for His good.  He wants your past hurts, mistakes and burdens.  He uses each as weaponry against the enemy and to shine His light.  “¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  ¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:17-18

God provides lasting comfort.  A comfort that consumes every fiber of our being.  God catches each tear and replaces it with purpose.  He reveals His power, glory and presence through comfort.  He works good out of unimaginable situations.  Words may not be available in troubling times; but, God knows what we need and provides as we trust Him.   “²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:26-28

We need not long for the ‘good ole days’.  We need not escape in a memory to find peace.  Slow down, enjoy this moment right here, right now!  God is walking alongside, seeking a relationship, asking to take the burdens of today so you can stop and smell the roses.  No, seriously, stop and smell the roses!  The beautiful scenery provided in this world was created by our God.  Even more so, He created the beauty seen in a reflection.

Slow down today, enjoy the moment and laugh.  Yes, let’s laugh today!  God bless each of you today! 

  

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig

A Criminal Revealed

I am a thief. . .

As a child, a colorful tiny piece of candy caught my eye while shopping.  Back in the day this candy sold without wrapping to cover it.  I had never tried such candy and the irresistible, sugary, colorful goodness lay there before my eyes.  Impulse took over any morals established thus far in life vanished.  My tiny hand swiped a piece of button candy right off the shelf. 

The candy tasted like sugary cardboard.  The crime occurred with an unsatisfactory result.  The thief never revealed; but, a child rightfully purchasing the candy strip shorted one piece due to my impulsive nature. 

I am a thief. . .

My sister dressed in the best of styles.  She left the house in beauty and remained popular throughout school.  I envied my sister in more ways than one.  We shared a room; therefore, her array of wonderful clothing hung right at my fingertips.  As she left the house to hang with friends, I “borrowed” clothes for a while.  I placed everything back in its place before her return.  I did get caught on this one from time to time. . .but not always!

I am a liar. . .

A recent tragedy resulting in the death of my favorite teacher/coach brought back quite a few memories.  One revealing a liar.  Idle time before basketball practice one day left a dear friend and I to dabble with cigarettes.  In comes the thief thing again – we stole one from her mom.  We shared a few puffs back and forth (on school property mind you) and then took it in and flushed the butt down the toilet.  We wreaked of smoke and the bathroom carried the scent as well.  When asked as a team if the smoker would come forward or if any knew details of the situation. . .my friend and I remained silent.  Worst part, I believe the coach knew in her heart it was us.  Shame overtook due to disappointing her with lies and hiding such actions.

I am a liar. . .

Years filled with lies to hide bad decisions from my parents.  Lies continued to hide an eating disorder overtaking my thoughts/actions.  Lies led to convincing me that I am fine using things in this world to find comfort, bury any emotion and continue living in sin. 

Anyone confessing crimes of youthful years right now?  We make thousands of decisions daily; from what time to wake to outfit design to how to discipline a child, etc.  Small decisions that really do not alter much in our story.  Big decisions that shift the entire plot of our stories.  The weight of choosing the correct pathway, open door or leader to follow in life rests on our shoulders.

The above scenarios depict a child choosing incorrectly based on impulse, desire to fit in this world, survival from pain and numbing from discomfort.  I am not alone in such lifestyle.  Granted, most of these were made as an immature child; but, such pattern developed a character within which continued in adulthood. 

I am a liar/thief. . .

I have been lying to myself and hiding from others.  I hung on to eating disorder patterns to survive stress in life.  I hid behind the lies of my eating disorder.  I stole joy, peace and laughter from my life.  The decisions made daily led to out of control thinking, living in the extreme and hiding any emotion. 

I lacked character.  I became lost in lies.  I remained hidden in sin and suffering. . .

Then, came Truth.  Then, came open arms waiting for me to surrender.  Then, came Hope. . .READ Romans 5:1-11!

I am redeemed.  God continues to build my character, remind me who I am and guide me with Truth.  It is available for you as well – NO MATTER THE PAST – will you seek Him today?  Begin building character that will develop you for an eternal life in Heaven.

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. . .He Wants it ALL!

Dear younger me. . .

What would you write to a younger version of you?  Hindsight always 20/20, right?

What if you could choose two things to warn the younger you about? 

Avoid the boy/girl in high school that broke your heart

Steer clear of alcohol/drugs

The decisions of others are out of your control

Hurting people hurt people

This world cannot offer a savior – only Heaven holds your Savior

The advice varies dependent on the past.  Every hurt, bad decision, confusing situation or scary moment in the past built the pieces of your character.  God uses each page of your story to build the present and future pages.  Once providing Him the pen, allowing Him to be the author, He will transform the messy beginning into a beautiful ministry to build His Kingdom.

I wish I knew then what I know now. . .

My relationship with Christ developed due to injuries from the weapons of the enemy.  Open wounds healed (and continue to heal) only through Truth, Love and Peace offered by God.  It took a while for me to trust God, understand His Power and rely on Him rather than the world.  Years of disappointment from the world led me to put my guard up when approaching the Cross. 

How can this God love a damaged girl like me?  Does He know all the ugliness of my past?  How can this God forgive me without reprimand or suffering my way back to the “good list”?  I just could not understand.  I could not fully surrender to God.  The people I had encountered thus far in the world eventually left me because I was not good enough to keep around (or so I thought).  This God will eventually get tired of having me around and give up on extending love, right?

If we compare God against past relationships in this world, we will never fully receive His offer.  He does not ask for works to earn a relationship.  He created you and knows every part, good and bad, and still LOVES you.  All that past, He is okay with it if you bring it to the Cross. 

God provides examples throughout the Bible of individuals engaging in a relationship with Him and the mighty transformations occurring in their lives.  Saul a murderer . .see Acts 9.  Rahab a prostitute. . .see Joshua 2.  David considered unworthy by the world’s standards. . .see 1 Samuel.  Joseph sold into slavery. . .see Genesis.    

What would these individuals write to a younger version of themselves?  Would they want to change the paths leading to their transformation?  Who would they become if not for the experiences in the beginnings of their story?

Who would you become if the younger version learned all the knowledge gained over the past years?  What events/situations would you miss?

The development of character, maturing in life and spiritual strength come through bad decisions, painful situations, unbearable news, disappointments, etc.  We take the good and the bad, roll it all up together and shine through.  One foot in front of the other builds a path of mighty influence amongst those we meet.  God uses every move made to impact the world with His presence.  He waits if you need time to choose surrender.  Walking the path alone becomes rocky with numerous falls occurring.  Wounds remain and pain festers.

Will you choose Him today?  Will you ask Him to turn the younger you into a mighty warrior, equipped to build  His Kingdom?  He waits and He desires that relationship regardless of the choices of the younger you. . .

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

Where's God?

It is that moment when. . .

A neighbor stops by to fulfill a favor and takes time out of her day to stay and talk for a while.

My daughter calms me in the middle of the night when experiencing pain from a recent surgery.

My mom’s beautiful voice when my heart needs it the most. 

The loving touch from my husband at the perfect time.

An invite to lunch from loved ones to get me out of the house.

A random woman extending a compliment as I work diligently to fix my hair in the mirror.

Did you see?  Look closely at the incredible, powerful, loving and amazing presence weaved throughout each of the above scenarios. 

His presence prevails daily.  We must look for it, praise Him and walk with confidence as His child.  God never leaves nor forsakes.  His timing perfect! 

He does not always reveal Himself in a bold manner.  His voice not audible for all to hear.  He does not appear in the flesh during a coffee break.  But, my dear friends, He shows up every day in every moment. 

We often ask, “God, where are you?”  The real question is, “What is blinding me from seeing God?”  Our vision fails when the world intervenes in life.  Circumstances, trials, comforts or inner struggle surround us, screaming for attention.  These hinder vision and hearing.  We choose the world’s Band-Aid over God’s healing touch.   

My dear friends, let us not forget.  Let us not lose sight. 

God works through His children.  He created you and me to dwell in this world and bring His children back Home when our time comes.  We are mere vessels – God shows up through vessels with skin on.  God shows up in the beautiful creations surrounding each day.  Look around!  God created that beautiful sunrise, amazing blooms of Spring and wonders in nature.  Listen up!  God created the bird singing good morning to you, the laughter within the children given to you and all the sounds that calm the spirit.  God shows up!

We must acknowledge and praise Him for He is an amazing God.  He remains Victor over this life.  God focused lives leave no room for depression, anxiety and frustration. 

⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful^[a] one see decay.
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 16:8-11

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

Avoid a Withering Spirit

“While you were at the mall. . .she was playing softball – she stole on you!”

“We love softball, yes we do, we love softball, how ‘bout you?”

“9er, 9er, hit a line driver.”

“Ball in the, ball in the dirt. . .yeah, she can make it work, yeah, she can make it work.”

Any softball parent can relate right now.  A weekend filled with games leaves a parent singing these jingles throughout the work week.  The girls behind the jingles reveal their passion for the game inning after inning.  Their focus remains on the diamond.  Their ears perk to the coach’s voice.  Their eyes hone in on each sign given with each play. 

I absolutely LOVE watching my children perform in sports.  Not for reasons of pride or to gloat (though these kids are awesome at what they do), or to gain another piece of hardware to dust in my home.  But, I love watching because I see the passion each holds for the sport.  I see the joy it brings when they step up to begin a game or competition.  I smile when teamwork shines out of their little hearts. 

Engaging in activities that gear our passions provides character building that cannot be taught in a book.  We learn from a young age how to lose, the feeling accompanying a win.  We learn how to manage time, socialize, the benefits of hard work, the joys of play, necessity of rest and value of dedication.

The jingles above fill the soul of a player.  The player knows full well that a team works alongside to compete to their best ability during the game/competition.  They are not alone. 

The cheers from the stands confirm love for each player no matter the results of the game/competition. 

The coach/leader encourages, teaches and builds the player to face each battle.

Whether my son brings home hardware from a competition or not, my love never changes.  Whether my daughter scores in a game, gets an out or not, my love never changes.  They are loved for the person revealed from the heart.  Will I work on developing a better player/performer?  Yes.  Will I give my two cents on their performance?  Yes.  BUT, not without loving them every step of the way.

This world can be cold, bitter and downright ugly.  Our worth ranked solely on performance.  Our acceptance based solely on outward appearance.  The world can break us, destroy passion and kill joy.  We get caught up in the world and stumble off the path laid for our lives. 

Ponder the joy felt while watching a child give their all during a game/competition.  Meditate on the actions each child performs.  Learn from these moments. . .

While the years pass by, we begin to age physically.  The body begins slowing down in every aspect physically.  If we throw caution to the wind, our spirit will begin to wither.  We must remain focused on the path God prepared, perk our ears to the Coach’s Voice and keep eyes honed in on the presence of God each day.

Burn with passion for our God, Creator and Father in Heaven.  He holds Truth required to live here in this world.  His Truths fill our soul, confirming that He walks alongside us in this world.  We are not alone.

The loved ones He places in your path confirm the love He holds for each of us.  He desires joy, peace and comfort in this cold world.  He is the Light that outshines the darkness.  He is the Way that provides clarity amongst the ugly actions in this world.  He encourages, teaches and walks alongside to build strength to face daily battles. 

His love never fails.  He never gives up on us.  He always desires a relationship. 

¹ In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

² I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
³ No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

⁴ Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:1-5

   

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

Take a Time-Out

Because, when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing. . .

These words hang on the wall in our home which I have the privilege of staring at many hours of the day.  Due to my current condition, I sit and recite the words, passing the time of the day until someone returns.  I quickly change the thoughts of despair, disappointment and depression into positive by simply reciting and remembering this life is amazing!

Prior to a recent surgery, the daily schedule refused any “down” time.  Working in a fast-paced career kept my feet moving continuously for 12-14 hours.  Coming home to tidy up, put supper on the table and get all to bed left no room to relax.  We ran at this pace for months before I realized the craziness.  We had to work.  We had to maintain the house.  We had to complete basic life skills.  But, there had to be a way to weave peace into the madness. 

As we completed a churchwide journey revealing the obsessions that stole a relationship with God, my eyes opened wide to the problem.  It was not the jammed packed schedules.  It was not the hours required to complete life skills.  It was not chores done to keep up our home.  It was obsessions!  My obsessions took up way too much time in life.  I ran to these when life overwhelmed (which was like Every. Single. Day.).  The time spent fulfilling obsessions stole “down” time.  The energy wasted on filling the void every day with obsessions stole “relaxation” right out from under me. 

Ironically enough, a recent surgery knocked me down quite a few notches.  I am restricted to any movement beyond walking with crutches.  I cannot even bend over to put on socks/shoes or clean my feet.  And shaving remains out of the question!  Enter 24/7 down time and obsessions taken away cold turkey.  I believe God will not take me into a chapter of life without providing the strength to get through; but, some days sitting inside the four walls of home watching the paint crack, I feel incapable of this chapter. 

Sit.  Ice.  Eat.  Walk a few steps.  Repeat.  For days on end, this is my schedule.  The plans of each day trigger eating disorder thinking.  I sit and think.  Then, I sit and think some more.  As I venture down the old rugged path, God steps in and redirects.  God remains busy because redirection occurs often throughout the day.  One redirection that works every time is reading the above words hanging on the wall I stare at every day. 

Pulling me from the pit of negativity, shutting down the pity party, these words remind me of the blessings surrounding every moment in this life.  Thank God for two legs to walk the path He planned for me.  Thank God for two healthy kids returning to me every day with stories to brighten my day.  Thank God for the husband who sacrifices and shaves my legs, cleans my feet and helps me get dressed.  Thank God for family that care enough to send love, pray for me, drive me to appointments and help without hesitation. 

Because, when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing. . .

The list goes on and on and on.  God provides life sustaining blessings every day.  The obsessions I ran toward provide temporary survival.  The obsessions leave me empty.  God desires more for our lives than temporary fill-ups.  God wants us to help in building His Kingdom.  God wants us to enjoy the works written in our chapters.  He wants us to be obsessed with our story – written by Him.  He does not need us. . .He wants us!  Major difference.     

He wants us to keep eyes on this pretty amazing life given daily.  This life given to each of us holds a mighty purpose.  Let’s not waste a moment of it.  Let’s keep our focus on the prize waiting after this life ceases.  The trials and tribulations only build our faith.  Believe in God to see you through and your faith will increase on the other side.  God provided this time-out in my story.  He wants me to spend time with Him and listen. . . 

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a]may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-20

Will you take a time-out today and listen?  You will be amazed at what He reveals in your story. 

Because, when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing. . .

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig  

The Day I Broke

Humble:  having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience (adj.); to destroy the independence, power or will of (verb)!

There should be a class before surgery to teach humility.  Humility weaves into every aspect of surgery.  Prior to surgery, all routine medications/supplements and lifestyle choices stripped away.  During surgery, no control exists and crazy things occur to the body.  Post-surgery, the basic skills in life cannot be attained without assistance from others (not even going to the restroom).

I faced such humility the moment the surgeon presented the choice:  continue living as such until you no longer can use the right hip, OR, have a total hip replacement now.  The hip replacement remained inevitable; it was a matter of when.  I chose surgery now due to life already being hindered by less than 100% use of right hip.  That moment of decision broke me.  Fear struck every fiber in my body. 

Humility cannot be found in my vocabulary.  With humility in the way, I could not survive.  I chose years ago to depend on me to get things done, survive this world and figure out every detail of a situation.  I did not want to burden another or rely on another for survival.  I kept to myself and assured that I did not ‘need’ anyone in this world. 

Therefore, the moment I realized I would be helpless, relying on others to get through and needing support; I broke.  How can I get through without being able to get everything on my to do list done?  How can I ask another to care for me when they are busy themselves?  How can I give total control over to some surgeon I just met?  What does life look like without going nonstop to fix everything?  How can I give up my routine?

The overwhelming anxiety took lots of prayers, quiet time with God and venting to my husband.  By the time surgery arrived, God already began the process of picking up the pieces and rebuilding a stronger Sheree.  He began with humility.  He revealed the pedestal I stood on in life.  He knocked the pedestal out from beneath.  The ‘things’ in this world I feared incapable of completing post-surgery were the very things that kept me from truly loving the most important people in life.  He revealed the effort put forth to be “perfect” shattered my spirit, leaving me empty and exhausted.  He revealed the distance placed between Him and I due to fear of failure in this world. 

Though a storm brewed ahead, I knew full well that it packed a mighty purpose in my story.  God’s plans reveal a mighty purpose for you and me.  In this storm, I will take time to discover how to love from my heart and not my hands.  The works provided to my family cannot reveal the love I feel in my heart.  I love them, cherish their presence and long for time spent making memories; yet, I get caught up in doing ‘things’ for them and expecting appreciation in return.  I feel they need me only to fulfill the works done around the home.  Lie #1 the devil uses to fill me with fear and place a wedge between my heart and the Cross.   

In this storm, I will take time to discover how to change the goal from perfectionism to purpose.  Daily, God holds a purpose for you and me.  Perfection gets in the way of purpose.  I feel I need to be perfect to be accepted and loved.  Lie #2 the devil uses to fill me with condemnation/shame and place a wedge between my heart and the Cross.

In this storm, I will take time to discover the steps required to strengthen my relationship and reliance on God rather than this world.  God desires to walk alongside you and I daily.  God sacrificed His Only Son to have a relationship with you and me.  He loves me!  He loves you!  I feel I got this!  I feel that God has bigger problems to fix.  God has others to worry about.  My little day to day concerns are stupid.  My mountains to climb seem like a minor hill to God.  Lie #3 the devil uses to fill me with fear and place a wedge between my heart and the Cross.

Today, I pray for God to send His Holy Spirit and overpower the lies lingering in my thoughts.  Today, God will begin to erase the lies remaining in the pages of my story and begin writing Truth. Today, God will set me free from me!  Today, I run to the cross in humility, broken, ready to be put back together in His Timing. 

Join me in prayer today. . .

 ⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’  Matthew 6:9-13

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:8-11

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig