Don't Miss It!

My daughter decided last summer to cut over six inches off her hair.  She likes comfort and anything to make the whole ‘getting ready’ routine faster.  Therefore, a pixie cut fit her desires perfectly.  She also chooses clothes located in the boy’s section due to a baggy fit, covering more area and the style fits her athletic personality.  At first, we worried.  At first, we asked too many questions.  At first, we didn’t understand.

We failed to trust God with our daughter.  We failed to love her where she was at this point in life.  We failed to seek out the heart behind the decision.  Thus, she felt slighted, sad and separated.  Our worldly view pushed her away, creating turmoil with every ‘getting ready’ scenario.  Worse yet, she received the same misunderstanding in the world.  Longstanding friends rejected her due to a simple haircut.  Every encounter with the world labeled her a boy due to her desire for comfort.  She received questioning of character, clothing choice, hairstyle, etc. in this world.  And we could not offer her a safe place to land each day.

I am thankful to report, it did not take long before realizing our actions were not desirable as parents.  We realized to embrace and love her just where she stood at this phase in life.  It is a phase of her life that will soon pass; if we spend the entire time conforming this sweet girl into a mold that we choose, she will miss out on what God desires for this phase.  We will miss out on loving her through life.  We will miss the joy of watching God mature our sweet girl.  We will miss it!

No matter the world’s comments, opinions and looks, I just could not understand how they did not see a sweet girl staring back at them.  I never once thought my little girl appeared as a boy.  Why couldn’t the world see innocence, beauty, joy, peace and love radiating off my daughter?  Why did the world want to steal my daughter’s identity?  Why did the world choose to judge before seeking out truth?

Because the world is broken!  The world sees through broken lenses.  The world loves with tattered hearts.  The world strives to be #1.  The world offers misery.

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  John 15:18-19

This world could not see the beauty, joy, peace and love radiating from our Savior.  This world worked to steal our Savior’s identity.  This world judged our Savior harshly.  Why should we expect anything different when the world views us?  We may live IN this world; but, we must not be OF this world.  Live each day standing firm on Truth, regardless of the environment or situation surrounding.  Live for the building of His Kingdom.  God chose to breathe life into you, placed you in this time for a purpose.  This is a simple phase in your plan. . .DON’T MISS IT!

Love others as He has loved you.  Seek to understand.  Embrace the hurting.  Be a light for the lost.

It’s DAY TEN. . .will you love others where they stand at this moment in their lives?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

The Power in Numbers

I QUIT!  I AM THROWING IN THE TOWEL!  I GIVE UP!

I am changing the way I use numbers in daily living.  Numbers have always been my ‘thing.’  Not a big deal, right?  Well, the enemy realized this characteristic and used it to hold me captive for years.  It began with rejection, a pivotal moment in time that determined the future.  It began the moment the last piece of me was taken due to failure.  Failure to make the list.  What now?

Numbers. . .Acceptance. . .Coping. . .Outward beauty. . .Get back on the list. . .

It began with a specific number of calories – a set number to live by each day.  One chain hanging heavily over my shoulders.  A few positive comments led to a specific number of fat grams – a set number to live by each day.  Two chains hanging heavily over my shoulders.  Numbers consumed every moment – calories, fat, sugar, steps, time, obsession in counting everything, etc.  Chain by chain, life became a burden; while on the same note the captivating numbers eliminated the focus on emotion.  I was trapped – feeling relief from emotional pain while killing my physical body and losing all control.

  

One day, which I have written in detail in past blogs, the chains outweighed a frail, scared, faithless body.  The enemy defeated and celebrated a victory.  But, God did not back down so easily.  He fought for me.  He took each chain, one by one, from my shoulders.  Once all lay at my feet, I fell into His arms.  My legs failed to move forward, thoughts failed to form, emotions remained numb and I stood in awe of the freedom God provided.

In the road of recovery, I learned how to walk, talk, think and act.  I began from scratch.  Recovery comes, not in the moment of surrender, but every day when the choice to walk in freedom conquers the choice to walk in darkness.  Every step must move in the direction of the straight path.  Every word must reveal His Truth to destroy the attempts of the enemy.  Every thought must conform to His Will.  Every action must display readiness, His armor tightly in place, to choose life.

In the road of recovery, I am not exempt from difficulty.  Over the last year, I continued down the path; but, the enemy, unbeknownst to me, slithered at my feet.  One link at a time, the enemy constructed a chain to weigh heavily on my shoulders.  Again, in a cunning manner, he used numbers.  Through our health insurance, we received a stepping device.  Based on set goals to reach daily, a specific amount of money accumulates in an account.  At first it went fine. . .then, throughout the year, I found worth in the number on the screen.  The number provided allowance to eat the next meal.  The number set a standard (in my mind) of ‘being healthy’.   The number controlled actions when steps remained to reach a goal.  The number stole the joy of working out.  The number stole the peace of each day.

In the road of recovery, I have reached a STOP sign.  Therefore, I QUIT!  I quit allowing the enemy to use the situation described above to control, steal and destroy my life.  I choose today to use numbers as God intended for my life!  God speaks to me through numbers.  As many blogs refer to my favorite Scripture and the way God reveals such daily, shows His use of numbers.  I will now use numbers to learn more Truth and remove the lies the enemy used to construct the latest chain.

I know to some, this may seem trivial.  But, this is a huge and difficult step.  I ask for prayer.  I cannot do without His strength.  Thanks in advance for prayer.  Living without this chain will be freeing and I pray to keep my eyes focused on Him.  I pray to place my value and worth in His Truth.  I pray for His numbers to be revealed and the enemy be defeated.  

Romans 8:28

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 139 

Matthew 26:41

It’s DAY NINE. . .will you be my prayer warrior?

    

Live life. . .One Day at a time!  

Sheree Craig    

Fill'er Up

It is time to FILL UP. . .

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  Proverbs19:21

Today holds an itinerary that WE created.  We may think out each day in our minds; but, my dear friends, God holds the purpose for your day!  Little interruptions that occur are intended for you to address.  If the list of ‘to do’ remains incomplete at the end of the day; know that you attended to every situation that God needed your assistance.

13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you;15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.  Deuteronomy 6:13-15

Be careful as to who you follow here on Earth.  Many steal the attention God deserves.  Many follow fleshly desires, veering off the straight path.  Stand firm in Truth, walk boldly with Christ, lay humbly at the Cross daily and set the example for all to see.  Experience inner peace when following God!

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  1 Corinthians 12:9

Do not hide in shame of past mistakes.  Lay weakness at the Cross and pick up strength that can only come through His Grace.  Shine such grace onto all you see and share past experiences with those suffering in the same manner.  Do not hid behind the scars God healed.  Use each scar to proudly proclaim His glorious love and power.

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:5-8

Dissect Verse 8, one day at a time.  Focus today on whatever is true and then go on down the line day by day.  Know that His Word is true.  This world will throw thousands of lies at you daily; place Truth in your mind to equip yourself for such worldly yuck!  Noble – our God, our King, and you are His heir!  Right – anything delivered from God.  Pure – Jesus – exemplify His character.  Lovely – God’s blessing of life, the gift of today.  Admirable – Excellent – Praiseworthy – think on such things.  You fill in the blank of each and take a day to soak in such thought!

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?  Matthew 6:25-27

God has your back!  Turn your worry into worship.  My daughter caught me singing a song last night and asked why I was do such a thing while resting in bed.  I explained that sometimes singing helps drown out worry and I use worship songs to pray.  So, when she plugs her ears in the morning as I belt out a tune in the shower. . .she can now understand that I am working diligently to drown out worry.

It’s DAY EIGHT. . .you are filled; GO, pour out Truth onto others in need?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

Healing Hand

Perfectionist:  a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism; a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.

Obsession:  the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

Pleasing: to give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable

As far back as my memory serves, I recall living each of the above definitions out daily.  On the outside, in every situation, I worked diligently to reach perfection and receive acceptance from whoever surrounded.  Conforming prevented criticism.  Conforming prevented confrontation.  Conforming day after day, year after year, eventually led to continual disappointment in self.  I became my worst critic.  I became someone I did not recognize.  Along the way, I got lost.

I remained lost for years, veering down various paths, hoping one would lead back to me.  The paths revealed danger, abuse, pain, sorrow and darkness.  Addiction reared its ugly head, taking captive over a young girl striving for acceptance.  Addiction became acceptance.  If I complied to the necessary measures required from addiction, I felt accepted.  One screw up and condemnation hit hard.  In came other dangerous measures to escape self-condemnation.

Ironic enough, living in such a manner resulted in lots of people leaving, unacceptance in this world and eventually being left alone with my addiction.  Perfectionism led to obsession which fed the need to please.  The snowball effect formed a gigantic mess that led to death’s door.

“I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be.  I am okay and I am on my way!”  ~Joyce Meyer

I would have to say Joyce Meyer one voice that led me each day to freedom.  Listening to her declare Truth from my Father daily began to transform all the lies that conforming created.  I began to realize that imperfection is okay.  My Father created me to be me!  I am here to follow His Will, not the will of this world.  I have come a long way in discovering Sheree again.  With each step down the right path, peace overflows.  God made me perfect in my imperfections.

I see my nieces/nephew/kids grow up in an environment worse than the one I had at their age and I pray.  I just wish they could see what I discovered the day I grabbed a hold of my Father’s Hand and said, “I surrender.”  I fought too long to try and make it on my own.  When taking my Father by the Hand, He said, “I have been waiting all along for you.”  He never gave up.  He never left.  He never said this is just too much, you have gone too far.  NOPE!  He waited patiently with an open hand.

I still have moments when addiction attracts -  Perfection persists -  Obsession overtakes -  People pleasing persuades.  Thankfully, my Father holds tightly to my hand, remains and guides.  He speaks clearly into every moment to keep me focused on maturing.  He takes all the past mess and creates a beautiful message!  He forms every ugly detail of the past and creates a purpose.  He uses anything the enemy meant for harm and creates healing.  

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 8:28

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”[a]  Hebrews 13:5b

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  Genesis 50:20

It’s DAY SEVEN. . .will you hold tightly to your Father’s hand?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

No Product will Enhance His Creation

Since someone decided to rigorously shake the world’s snow globe, roads became dangerous for travel.  School canceled.  Kids lounged in pajamas all day long.  Hubby worked from home in the office/sauna (he closes the door and cranks the heat up).  I finished chores to free up hours this weekend.

The day brought much down time once chores were done, kids were fed lunch and all were content.  Therefore, I decided to sit my happy self on the couch and watch television.  I scanned through regular daytime shows which brought no desire to click on those options.  I ventured to the next line of channels, seeing the usual food shows I love; but, decided to scroll down to see if a movie was being played on Hallmark.  I found even better. . .Grey’s Anatomy!  To increase the greatness of such a find. . .it was a marathon lasting until 6PM.  Well, I hope the family can fend for themselves for the next 5 hours!

Grey’s Anatomy ranks just below Friends as an ultimate favorite show.  For some reason, television captivates my thoughts and allows for an escape from such negative thinking I battle with all day.  When I say captivate, I mean it in every sense of the word.  Just ask my husband who tried to hold a conversation during a pivotal point in the story line – my attention could not be given to him at such a time, sorry.

The issue with television comes in 30 second increments, lasting for at least 2 minutes and dividing up the actual show I desire to watch.  Yes, commercials ruin the experience of keeping attention glued to the story line.  I despise commercials for a few reasons. . .

-They proclaim a product to ‘fix’ an issue you did not know existed until viewing said commercial.
-They want to explain to you what is wrong with your current life.
-They want to entice you to ‘keep up with the Jones’.
-They manipulate which commercials air based on the audience thought to be viewing current show.

Commercials entice the flesh to desire something not intended for you.  Commercials open the door for the enemy to speak into your thoughts and explain why you need change.  Commercials cause you to look at self and wish to be someone else to be accepted by this world.  Commercials make a product appear grand and convince you to ‘need’ such product to survive/be happy.

I realize all these descriptions fit the whole purpose of commercials; but, it still irritates me to no end.  The flesh loves commercials for this reason:  to receive an answer to all its problems, to discover a product to erase any flaws, to find a program to join and become desirable in this world (by the world’s standards), etc.   Whatever will fulfill the flesh temporarily can be found in a product of this world presented in a commercial.

Now, I am not condemning products in this world that will bring pleasure.  God desires for us to have pleasure while living here; but, we must take care not to rely on products to be our savior.  Having the latest/greatest toys, beauty products, health program, foods, etc. is fine and dandy.  Let us remain cautious when listening to the messages portrayed in commercials.  The creator wants you to buy the product, I get that, but you are still you with or without such product.  God created YOU, knit together specifically for a purpose.  YOU are beautiful and wonderful!  Your Creator does not want you to try and sell you a product to enhance any part of you.  Your Creator wants to walk alongside as you mature and develop characteristics which shine His light to this broken world.

13 For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.  Psalm 139:13-14

Avoid conforming to the patterns of a broken world.  Seek His Truth for renewal of the mind day by day.  Seek the Bible for answers of where He desires you at this very moment in the journey.  Seek Him for a pure heart.  Seek Him for contentment.

It’s DAY SIX. . .will you be content with His wonderful and beautiful creation?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

Place a Star on Today!

Date night: the ultimate greatest and best moment in a woman’s life (my opinion)!  It involves an evening filled with pampering.  Whether dating stage or married stage, the night offers ample opportunity to grow even closer to a loved one.  In today’s times, endless options for activities to choose exist.  The couple could choose to catch the latest movie along with fine dining or create a cheaper option with date night on their comfy couch after enjoying a dinner made together.  Whatever the itinerary, this time stands as the most precious moments in a couple’s life.

Looking ahead at the family calendar and seeing a date night listed fills my heart with joy.  Knowing a day lay ahead that I can spend quality time with my best friend provides enough strength to make it through the longest of week.  I love talking with my husband, leaving the stresses of the everyday behind and just enjoying time next to the one I love the most!  I adore my children, don’t get me wrong, but date night stands #1 on list of must do to remain sane!

I would look forward to such nights, holding them in the forefront of thoughts each day leading up to the moment.  I would star the date on the calendar, daydream about what to wear, possibly get a fresh haircut and focus solely on the day ahead.  Hanging with my husband brings much joy in life – for real!  Nothing seems wrong with such passion for just us hanging out, right?  Possibly. . .

The problem comes when these moments lay the foundation on which I live.  My heart looks forward to these dates on the calendar; all the while losing the joy in the present moment.  I preach to the kids all the time to avoid wishing time away.  My daughter says often, “I can’t wait until Saturday to play basketball,” or, “I wish it were Spring Break now.”  I tell her that many great moments exist between now and then; therefore, embrace today, enjoy and celebrate each day until the one you anticipate ahead.

Well, my dear friends, I have made the decision to heed my own advice (dangerous, I know)!  Today will be a great day.  Yes, a date night lay ahead for me and the hubby; but, today can be just as wonderful living it together with him.  Date nights must remain #1 on the list for all couples.  Remember also to take every day given - surrounded by loved ones, meeting new people, walking along the mundane path - and live for God.  Every moment matters to Him.  Look forward to relaxing.  Look forward to quality time.  Look forward to pleasures this side of Heaven.  BUT – remember every day is a gift given to you from your Heavenly Father.  Accept the gift and use it wisely.

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24

Keep both eyes on Him.  Praise Him for the gift of life.  We are not promised any more than the moment we live now.  Praise Him for the opportunity to be His hands and feet RIGHT NOW.  Live today in the present.  The past wrote your story up until this moment – learn from it and let it go – you do not live in it anymore.  The future holds purpose – build yourself today the foundation of Truth and gain strength from Him to prepare for such that lay ahead.  But, most importantly, live in the moment – the present needs 100% attention.  Enjoy today!  Place a star on today in the calendar. . .and every day following!    

It’s DAY FIVE. . .will you make this day great?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  

Coach Position Filled

One of the worst feelings in the world is the inability to calm my child.  One child continuously worries, experiences nightmares way too often and cannot grasp the idea of patience.  The other child fills with anxiety when thrown out of routine, enrages at situations appearing unfair and cannot grasp the love felt for him.

I desire to ease worries, comfort nightmares and embrace impatience.  I wish to erase anxiety, calm anger and display love abundantly.  Except, I am the parent, life does not stop to experience a Hallmark moment and discipline must be used to teach.  Therefore, on too many occasions, I receive the label ‘mean’.  When impatience rears its ugly head, I must find a way to halt such behavior and teach another method; rather than give into whatever situation provokes such reaction in said child.  When anger results in screaming, slamming doors and unkind words, I must find disciplinary actions to demonstrate such behavior is unacceptable; rather than turn the other way and ignore.

The impatience will subside and waiting will occur.  The anger may still come, but the emotion will find another way to be processed other than outwardly onto others.  Taking day after day with these children, embracing teaching moments, laughing together, spending time to display love, speaking kindly and walking alongside them through life will present amazing results.  Though most days the amazing results cannot be fathomed, parents must stand firm and be the parent.

Parents love, comfort, embrace, teach, exemplify acceptable behavior, guide, discipline and hold responsibility for the children God provided.  Parents were assigned such position because God believed in them.  God knew the characteristics meshed together within the home would develop a fantastic team to go and be disciples for Him.  The most important part:  God MUST remain in coaching position of the team.  Without guidance from the coach, the team will falter.

Life promises trials and tribulations due to the brokenness of this world.  Since the fall, the enemy slithers around daily looking to deter people from keeping God as coach.  The enemy loves to destroy teams, especially families.  19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  Matthew 18:19-20 

If the enemy can wedge in between two individuals working diligently for the Lord, he will do so at any cost.  Stand firm on God’s Truth as a friend, as a spouse and as a parent.  God’s Truth will establish a foundation so sturdy that none of the brokenness here can crack it.  God will provide individuals in your life – spouse, kids, family, friends, church family, etc. – to bind together and journey through life.  Embrace those relationships and place God as the coach of your team.

I may not be able to calm my children in every situation.  I have come to realize they too will go through trials and tribulations in this world.  My passion to make life easier than what I experienced is so strong.  I want to cushion all situations and protect them from any harm.  Living to do so brings exhaustion daily.  I realized that God is ultimately their Savior, not me!  I was placed here to guide them to Him.  They will only find true, lasting peace when turning to Him in EVERY situation.

The same goes for you and I!  We never grow too old to seek out our Savior in EVERY situation.  He will ease, calm, comfort, embrace, love and discipline so that we may be transformed each day, little by little, to exemplify the character of God’s child!

It’s DAY FOUR. . .who will be your coach today?
   
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig